Vosges mountains walks

Looking for a varied hike with different terrain? Then look no further than the Three Lakes Hike. Rooted footpaths, forest tracks, uneven terrain, crossing the Gazon du Faing, Lac Noir, Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites (also known as Lac du Forlet) and, on a clear day, a diversion to the Belmont Rocher observatory or Rocher de Hans. A lovely hike to do in fine weather. It's better for the scenery.

A beautiful hike through the Hirschsteine rocks, an area less well known than the famous sentier des Roches, but just as impressive! You'll be amazed by the imposing metal staircase leading up to the rocks, the passageway carved into the rock and the vertiginous but safe path on the mountainside. Return via the ridges from Tanet. Beautiful views over the Munster valley and Lac Vert. This hike is not permitted in winter! (see practical information)

This short hike on trails marked by the Club Vosgien has in the first instance views of the valley of Munster, and also a view of the peaks of the Vosges. The many picnic opportunities around the Lac des Truites or Lac Forlet lakes, the trout spotting opportunities, as well the welcoming farmhouse make for an enjoyable outing.

It's a nice walk that visits the three castles of Ribeauvillé at a slightly different angle from the traditional walk.

Start and finish at the Col de Bramont. This route will let you discover the Lac des Corbeaux from the Belvédère de la Roche du Lac 200m above it. The view is stunning and its the perfect place for a snack! A trail takes you down to the lake. It doesn't cross the embankment, but takes you round the lake on a pleasant, shady trail. Return to the Col de Bramont via the Étang de Sèchemer. A very beautiful circuit that's not too difficult, although very steep.

With its dam, the rocks of the Xaveure, some of which are shaped like animals, its Château de Salm and the little village that bears its name, the Lac de Pierre-Percée offers landscapes with a Canadian flavour.

Saut de la Bourrique is a waterfall in the Vosges mountains in the commune of Gérardmer. The legend associated with the name of this waterfall actually comes from a bourrique that belonged to a lord. Returning from the crusades, he was attacked by bandits, and to protect him the animal threw itself on them at the foot of the waterfall, where it perished with the miscreants. 28/05/2024: Hiking not possible at present: Sentier du saut de la bourrique closed from (1) to (2) by municipal by-law since 15 March 2024 for works. See practical information

A short hike up one of the most famous peaks in the Vosges du Nord, famous for its Gallo-Roman remains and from where you can enjoy a wide panorama. The ascent is more gradual and less busy than the descent.

In the Doller valley, this walk will let you discover the lakes of Neuweiher and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Vosges. It's an easy walk and accessible to anyone.

A lovely walk at altitude to the highest village in the Vosges department.

A walk around Markstein on a typical Vosges ridge. This route has all the ingredients for a great hike in the Vosges mountains, including panoramic views of the peaks and valleys, well-marked trails laid out by the Club Vosgien, including over thatch, and visits to a number of farm inns.

The Sentier des Roches is a hiking trail in the Vosges mountains.In 1910, Heinrich Strohmeyer, general warden of the Water and Forestry Department and president of the Club Vosgien de Munster, proposed the creation of a trail linking the Col de Schlucht to Frankenthal near Hohneck.The Sentier des Roches is one of the most popular trails in the Vosges mountains.Please note: this hike is closed in winter (see practical information below).

Leaving from the Lac de la Maix, in a beautiful setting, we pass through the Clairière de Prayé, the Haut du Bon Dieu and the charming Fontaine Colas Lorrain spring. We also visit two sites of trough or cup rock. A hike through beautiful woodland with pleasant stretches of open country.

A beautiful hike that takes you up to the “Gazons”, the famous pastures of the Hautes Vosges, and along the steep slopes overlooking the magnificent cirques where the lakes of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet lie. All of this is situated at an altitude and in landscapes that are reminiscent of the Alps.

This hike will take us on a day-long journey to discover some of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges, four of which are nestled in remarkable glacial cirques.

A lovely little hike with a beautiful view of Lac des Corbeaux and perhaps a welcome swim.

A beautiful circular walk from Andlau, accessible to all. The circuit passes through vineyards at the start, then takes you to the Haut-Andlau and Spesbourg castles. There are beautiful views along the route (Kastelberg - Rocher Sainte Richarde - Spesbourg). There is a fun section via the "Chemin des Espiègles" (Path of the Mischievous Ones), with little wooden gnomes placed on the trees.

Circuit passing through the peaks of Grand and Petit Donon, using the marked trails of the Club Vosgiens and theGR®5. Forestry work is taking place for one month until May 2024 between (10) and (11).

This short hike offers breathtaking views of the Col des Perches and the lake of the same name, Sternsee. A bench and a small table above the scree overlooking the lake are ideal for a snack break while admiring the landscape. At the Grand Neuweiher lake, stop at the refuge inn to quench your thirst before heading back to Rimbach. Moderator's note: the Blue Disc trail between (6) and Ermensbach is closed to the public and should not be used as an alternative to the Yellow Horse trail (Steinweg).

Discover the man-made lake that feeds the cooling system at Cattenom nuclear power station and the First World War battle sites around Celles-sur-Plaine.

A beautiful circular hike from the wine route to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. Climb up through the beautiful valley of the mills. Loop around Haut-Koenigsbourg and return via Langenberg. Beautiful views of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest, with an orientation table. The castle courtyard is free to visit. Don't hesitate to make a detour from (6) or (7).

Forest hike with some stunning view points over the foothills of the Vosges. Visit the ruins of three castles: Haut-Barr, the large and small Geroldseck and the Brotsch tower (built in 1897 honouring the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Vosges Club in Saverne), and the cave.

A peaceful hike that will take you to Sewen Lake and its peat bogs, then to Alfeld Lake, which is very different with its dam. The path is flat until you reach the foot of the dam, then climbs a little.

Explore the forest, lakes and the Hautes Chaumes, the highlights of this hike that follows Vosges Club trails.

The Hartmannswillerkopf (Viel Armand in French) was the scene of fierce fighting throughout 1915. Losses amounted to 50,000 dead, evenly divided between the two sides. This hike pays tribute to these soldiers by following part of their trenches. It begins with the ascent of the massif, following the German fortified trenches to the summit where the necropolis is located. The return route descends via the French side, the "Chemin des Dames".

This is a beautiful hike starting from Eguisheim, offering stunning views over the Alsace plain. We pass by Hagueneck Castle and the Three Castles above Husseren. On the way back, a visit to the picturesque village of Eguisheim is a must, with its beautiful circular rampart street.

An original route to get to Lac du Grand Ballon avoiding the road. You will discover beautiful trees, a waterfall and views over the Petit Ballon and the Black Forest along the way.

Route slightly modified, description revised and corrected. This is a lovely, easy route that allows you to admire around sixty ponds. Information boards help you discover and understand how these ponds were formed and are used. Much of the route is on small paved roads. This route is partly based on signposts in the field, so be sure to follow the description carefully.

Hike in the Alsatian Vosges from Lac Blanc to Lac Vert and return via Lac des Truites and Lac Noir. These are three loops that follow on from each other so well that you can shorten the route at two points.

This is a circular hike, with Mont Sainte Odile as its highlight, an iconic place of pilgrimage dedicated to the patron saint of Alsace. There are beautiful views of the Alsace plain from the site, with orientation tables. In good weather, you may be lucky enough to see Strasbourg Cathedral. The route also takes you along the mysterious Mur Païen (Pagan Wall). On the way back, you will see the ruins of Hagelschlos and Ottrott castles (which are not open to visitors). Please note: dogs are not allowed inside the monastery grounds.

A superb four-hour walk in the hills above Ménil-Thillot (between Cornimont and Le Thillot), best done in May or June when the meadows and broom are in bloom! This easy walk is an unforgettable foray into the bountiful nature of the Hautes-Vosges.

The aims of this hike are to observe chamois in the Wormspel, dip your feet in the clear waters of the Schiessrothried lake and enjoy the beauty of the Frankenthal-Missheimle Nature Reserve. And if you can stop at a farmhouse inn, then it's a perfect day! A variation of this hike, passing through the Falimont Pass, is suggested in the practical information section. The BloyGR®®531trail between (6) and (7) is closed from 1 November to 30 April by prefectural decree dated 18 May 2022. 06/02/2023: Hiking prohibited until further notice by municipal order due to rock and stone falls on theGR®®531.

Rediscover the largest fortified castle in Alsace, currently undergoing restoration.

A lovely, easy walk with many breathtaking views of the Bruche Valley, the Donon, the Wisches quarry, the Alsace plain and the Château du Guirabden. This is a simple circuit in terms of length and elevation, with a mix of forest paths and trails through either forest or pastureland.

Very beautiful panoramic views of the Moselotte valley with picturesque little balcony paths.

A trail in the heart of the Vosges forest will take you to two magnificent waterfalls and across a few small streams. Of course, like all water trails, it is best to visit outside the dry seasons, otherwise it loses all its appeal. The trail is fairly well marked (red rings) and there are picnic tables along the way (especially in the first part).

This is a must-do circuit for all hiking enthusiasts.

An easy route that runs alongside numerous ponds. Very pleasant in the October sunshine, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful colours of our forests as they turn golden and purple. Please note, however, that there is a short section on the road (with little traffic).

A pretty walk, alternating between rises and descents following sinuous winds and paths over ridges with magnificent views. ‘’The’’ meeting place for local chamois.

Where the ridge splits in two, one towards the Grand Ballon and the other towards the Grand Ventron, the Rainkopf offers an exceptional 360° panorama. There are many points of interest along the route, including Lac de Blanchemer and its floating peat bog, Lac de La Lande and its dam, Chaume du Firsmiss, the beautiful Machais peat bog, the glacial cirques and their scree slopes, and views of the Vosges and Alsace peaks and the Fecht and Thur valleys.

This hike will take you to the Source de la Doller, which, contrary to what you might think, does not originate at the Ballon d'Alsace, but below the Schlumpf. During the hike, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Doller valley and have the opportunity to eat at one of the farmhouse inns along the route.

This hike could also be called 'Les Balcons de Buhl' (the Buhl balconies). It crosses the Buhlois vineyard, offering magnificent views of the Florival and the Grand Ballon. An additional point of interest is that the circuit crosses old abandoned red sandstone quarries in the Vosges.

This is a pleasant hike that will take you through vineyards and woods to the amazing Rocher du Schlüsselstein, then to the foot of the Taennchel and finally to two of the three castles of Ribeauvillé. There are a few climbs, but overall it is an easy route.

Discover the Taennchel massif and its impressive sandstone rocks of the Vosges from the picturesque village of Thannenkirch.

A beautiful circular route near Saint-Dié, featuring the many remarkable rocks of the Ormont massif, with viewing points offering beautiful views of Saint-Dié. You will also discover part of the "Sentier du Capitaine Bonnefoy" trail with some remains from the First World War. Return via the bucolic site of the Molières waterfall.

Nideck Waterfall, Ruins of Nideck Castle, Schneeberg, Ruins of Petit Ringelsberg, Ruins of Grand Rengelsberg.

The Petit Ballon tour starts at the Wasenmatten farmhouse inn. A challenging start (+300 m) precedes a gentle descent with superb views of the surrounding mountains - the Vosges, the Black Forest, the Jura and, for the lucky ones, the Alps.

The hike starts in Murbach and allows you to discover several attractions in the valley: Murbach Abbey, the Notre Dame de Lorette Chapel and the ruins of an ancient castle, the Hohrupf.

The Hohneck with all the beauty of the Vosges mountains: the great rocky escarpments, the cirques, the seeping springs, the traces of the Ice Age, the flora and fauna and the famous farmhouse inns. 06/02/2023: Hiking prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to rock and stone falls on theGR®®531.

The Mur Païen, 10.5 km long, is the remains of an ancient wall located around the perimeter of Mont Sainte-Odile. At an altitude of 764 m, the summit overlooks the Alsace plain. The Abbey of Hohenbourg, founded by Saint Odile, stands there.