Refine your search for walks in Metzeral
Metzeral walks
From Metzeral station to Petit-Ballon
Visorando Member
10.08 mi
+2,730 ft
-2,723 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
Hike in the hills above Metzeral, starting from the station, with a gradual climb to Petit-Ballon, before reaching the Steinberg ridge and Grothkopf and descending towards the village via the Brietenbach slope. Throughout the route, you will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills and villages in the valley.
The broom trail between Metzeral and Muhlbach
2.63 mi
+440 ft
-436 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
A pretty loop around the heights of Metzeral and Muhlbach with beautiful views of the Grande Vallée, the Vosges ridges and the Hohneck massif. The Kuhfeil lookout offers a breathtaking view of Metzeral. It is also a place of remembrance. Bitter fighting took place here during the Battle of Metzeral in 1915.
Metzeral circular route via the southern slope and the church at l’Emm
4.21 mi
+1,073 ft
-1,070 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
Discover the southern part of the village of Metzeral, nestled in the heart of the Vosges, via little-known trails. As well as magnificent views of the village, you’ll pass by the Church of the Emm, an iconic monument to the Great War in the Munster Valley!
The Les Primevères route in Metzeral
3.03 mi
+505 ft
-486 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
Set amongst forests, with lovely views and idyllic, rural streets, discover Metzeral, a charming mountain village nestled in the heart of the Vosges.
Fischboedle Lake and Shiessroth Lake in Metzeral
6.52 mi
+1,440 ft
-1,440 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
A magnificent walk along the Wormsabach stream and its waterfalls.
Wormsa loop to Fischboedle and Schiessrothried lakes
7.23 mi
+1,486 ft
-1,483 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
A very pretty walk in the magnificent Wormsa valley, with its succession of glacial moraine fields, small waterfalls and a succession of wooden footbridges. You reach the pretty little Lac du Fischboedle with its gazebo, then further up the Lac du Schiessrothried. This section has a few technical sections, but the reward is there for the effort. The return journey is easier and takes wide, shady forest paths.
The Wormsa Valley
5.14 mi
+991 ft
-991 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
The Wormsa Valley offers spectacular, unspoilt landscapes. Steep trails, waterfalls, rocky cirques and glacial moraines await you on this beautiful walk. A classic in the Vosges mountains.
Circuit of the 6 lakes around Hohneck
19.27 mi
+4,941 ft
-4,934 ft
12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
A long hike around the third highest peak in the Vosges mountains and the highest in the Vosges department, following six lakes.
The route offers beautiful views and all types of terrain (paths, roads, trails, forest, clearings, alpine pastures, etc.).
This is a very difficult hike for experienced hikers only (length, duration and significant elevation gain).
Not to be attempted in winter; best done in late spring, summer or early autumn.
The Hohneck via the Wormsa Valley
8.53 mi
+2,890 ft
-2,884 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
Beautiful forest and mountain trail from Metzeral to the summit of Hohneck along the magnificent Wormsa valley, beside two lakes and through the impressive Combe du Wormspel, then back to the starting point on the other side of the Wormsa.
Circular towards Gaschney and the Shiessrothried and Fischboedle lakes
7.26 mi
+2,113 ft
-2,113 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
This is a moderately difficult hike from Metzeral to the Ferme-Auberge du Schiessroth via the Gaschney, before descending to the Schiessrothried and Fischboedle lakes. This route avoids a very steep climb from the lakes to the Ferme-Auberge du Schiessroth.
Under the Spitzkoepfe from the Wormsa valley
7.56 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,110 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
Discover the Wormsa Valley, created by a Vosges glacier during the Quaternary period. Climb up to the glacial cirque that is home to Lake Fischboedle. From there, you will quickly reach the second lake, Lake Schiessrothried, at the foot of Hohneck. The slightly more technical return journey will take you under the terminal ridge of the Spitzkoepfe and its granite scree. The final descent will take you to the ruins of the old cable car from the First World War.This route is best enjoyed from April to November.
The Rothenbrunnen Farmhouse Inn circular from Sondernach
7.99 mi
+2,051 ft
-2,051 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
The first part of the route climbs through the forest before arriving at the Ferme-Auberge du Rothenbrunnen, and the return route to Sondernach offers remarkable views stretching from Schnepfenried to the Hohneck massif.
The Col du Sattel from Muhlbach-sur-Munster
Tourism professional
4.36 mi
+899 ft
-896 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
A circular walk in the hills above Muhlbach-sur-Munster, starting from the La Perle des Vosges restaurant, along paths that wind through beautiful mountain forests, heading towards the Col du Sattel and the former First World War front line.
Lake Schiessrothried and Sillacker
3.04 mi
+305 ft
-305 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
A pleasant, easy walk (except perhaps for the first climb) through beautiful countryside, forests, lakes and a rich history.
The Pearl of the Vosges from Mittlach
16.90 mi
+4,308 ft
-4,301 ft
11h 30
Very difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
This circular, starting from Mittlach at the bottom of the Munster Valley, is undoubtedly the most alpine in the Vosges. Shortly after Mittlach, the entrance to the Wormsa glacial valley sets the tone and offers unique panoramic views of the Hautes Vosges peaks. The highlight of this route is the majestic Frankenthal cirque, the Martinswand rocks and the daunting climb to the Col du Fallimont.This is a circular for experienced hikers or hikers who are not afraid of suffering, or both. It is long, challenging but absolutely stunning.
The Fischboedle and Schiessrothried lakes as seen from Mittlach
5.21 mi
+1,286 ft
-1,283 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A well-known and unmissable hike along the Wormsa trail. This is simply a variation, starting and finishing in Mittlach. A varied route through woodland, past torrents and footbridges, with lovely views over the valley.
Recommendation: please follow the recommended direction of the walk – the ascent passes through stony sections that are easier to climb than to descend. The return route follows a wide, easily passable mountain path, which is slightly less shaded.
Circular Mittlach to Schnepfenried station
8.34 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,110 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
This hike mainly takes place in the woods and will take you from the village of Mittlach to the Schnepfenried station.
Altenweiher Lake via Kerbholtz
8.05 mi
+2,743 ft
-2,733 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
Ascent to Kerbholz from Mittlach via the Koepfle Trail. Beautiful view of Hohneck from the Kerbholz Refuge. From there, you reach Lake Altenweiher through a beautiful forest. The lake, surrounded by greenery, is ideal for a break. Then descend to Mittlach via Sapin de Kolben and the Kolbenfecht valley.
Five lakes around Kastelberg
11.49 mi
+3,304 ft
-3,301 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
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.
The Hohneck from Mittlach via the rocky path
13.54 mi
+4,295 ft
-4,295 ft
10h 00
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A very beautiful hike, certainly long, but very pleasant from the village of Mittlach towards Hohneck with a short detour via the rock trail.
You can still see the tourist spots accessible by vehicle that bring you back to civilisation, but you quickly escape them to find the peace and quiet of the mountains.
Please note: this hike is not possible in winter (see practical information below)
From Mittlach to Lake Fischboedle
4.70 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,178 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A circular walk from Mittlach passing by a beautiful lake in the Southern Vosges mentioned in the Michelin guide: Lac de Fischboedle.
Along the water in Mittlach
10.42 mi
+3,028 ft
-3,031 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
I have named this hike "along the water" because it never leaves you. First in the form of a stream, then a waterfall, then you find it in the form of lakes, from the smallest to the largest, and finally you end the walk along the river that takes you back to your vehicle.
Please note: This hike is for experienced walkers. There are many steep slopes and some sections are dangerous, especially for children. Risk of falls.
06/02/2023: Hiking is prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to a rock and stone slide on theGR®531.
The Kerbholz, the Névés Trail and the Wormsa Trail
8.12 mi
+2,651 ft
-2,651 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A very varied hike starting from Mittlach. A steep climb via the Kerbholz to the snowfield path, passing at the foot of the Hohneck, a descent towards the Schiessrothried and Fischboedle lakes via the Wormspel cirque (and its chamois), then back to Mittlach via the Wormsa valley, passing by the two lakes.
6 February 2023: Hiking prohibited until further notice by municipal order, due to a rock and stonefall on theGR®531.
Altenweiher and Fischboedle lakes from Mittlach
8.21 mi
+1,837 ft
-1,857 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A very beautiful hike through the woods and along magnificent trails, enhanced by breathtaking panoramic views, particularly at the summit of Kerbholtz.
Pfahlrunz, Schweiselwasen and Herrenberg waterfalls from Mittlach
8.02 mi
+2,385 ft
-2,385 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
After a steep climb from Mittlach to reach the Herrenberg ridge, you will discover a magnificent panorama of the remarkable peaks of the Vosges: Grand Ballon, Petit Ballon, Hohneck, Rainkopf.
Chamois Trail in Mittlach
2.06 mi
+404 ft
-413 ft
1h 20
Moderate
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A pleasant little walk at the bottom of the Munster valley, in Mittlach, amidst forest, river, moraines and village.
Introduced to the Vosges in 1954, chamois have since colonised many of the steep, rocky slopes of the Hautes-Vosges. With a bit of luck, you might just spot them!
From Mittlach to Hohneck via the Fischboedle and Schiessrothried lakes
9.65 mi
+3,179 ft
-3,192 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A beautiful hike with varied, technical trails and magnificent landscapes. The hike starts in the valley before passing close to the lakes and climbing up the ridges to Hohneck. It then descends via the Schiessroth farmhouse inn, Lake Schiessrothried, Lake Fischboedle, and returns to Mittlach via the Wormsa valley.
06/02/2023: Hiking is prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to a rock and stone slide on theGR®531.
At the summit of the Altmattkopf
2.77 mi
+594 ft
-610 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
A short, very pleasant walk along lovely paths dotted with beautiful viewpoints. An unmissable spot for understanding the Battle of Metzeral, which raged in June 1915, with information boards on site.
The Lauchenkopf
10.85 mi
+1,631 ft
-1,614 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
A moderately difficult hike of about 6 hours through stubble fields, forests, passes and peaks.
The difficulties are mainly at the beginning, after which it's smooth sailing.
The Hohneck massif, between Grande Vallée and Petite Vallée de Munster
4.35 mi
+1,325 ft
-1,319 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
Not to be missed! This is one of the most iconic and famous hikes in the Vosges. The landscapes and views of the entire Vosges mountain range, the Black Forest and even the Alps (on a clear day) are simply magnificent. If you're lucky, you may even spot chamois on the slopes of Hohneck, so don't forget your binoculars!
⚠️ This route is not accessible in winter. The route between (4), (2) and (5) is closed from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).
Gaschney, Schaeferthal, Frankenthal and the Bloy Trail
5.06 mi
+1,995 ft
-2,182 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
This is a very beautiful walk in the Hautes-Vosges, not very long, nor with a significant elevation gain, but be warned: the terrain is steep in places, and you should avoid this route at the end of winter (unless you have the right equipment) and in wet weather. The walk takes you to Schaeferthal and Frankenthal, where, in early spring, you’ll see marsh marigolds and daffodils carpeting the ground, and, later on, martagon lilies...
Gaschney, Hohneck, Schiessrothried: in search of chamois
9.19 mi
+3,110 ft
-3,087 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
The slopes of the Hohneck and the surrounding glacial cirques are all areas frequented by the chamois reintroduced to the Vosges in the 1950s, over 60 years ago.You might just spot them on this hike.
The BloyGR®®531trail between (S/E) and (1) is closed from 1 November to 30 April under a prefectural order dated 18 May 2022.
Circular route from Gaschney to the lakes of Fischboedle and Schiessrothried
8.16 mi
+1,529 ft
-1,493 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
A route around the most beautiful sites in the Munster Valley. A variety of mountain landscapes: high-altitude pastures, twisted beech trees (high-altitude beech), cirques and glacial lakes, scree slopes, via ferrata, scree fields, glacial valleys: a real distillation of the Vosges in a single hike. A must.
This route is rated very difficult due to the section from (10) to (13). It is absolutely not suitable for beginners, children, occasional walkers, or people accompanied by dogs.(!) See also practical information regarding a section that is clearly off-limits.
Schnepfenriedkopf, Nonselkopf and Lauchenkopf
7.38 mi
+1,280 ft
-1,276 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
A hike starting from the hamlet of Schnepfenried, towards the Schnepfenriedkopf (1,258 m), then the Nonselkopf (1,257 m) and the Lauchenkopf (1,314 m). Along the path that runs along the ridge, through stubble fields and forests. Return via wide paths, passing the Salzbach and Uff Rain farm inns. Start and finish near the Schnepfenried Farm Inn.
Short circular loop at Le Gachney
1.87 mi
+289 ft
-279 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
A short, ideal walk at Gaschney to get back into shape at the start of the season; no major difficulties apart from a slightly steep climb between (2) and (3). Suitable for families.
From Gaschney to Lac du Schiessrothried
4.98 mi
+781 ft
-774 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
A short hike offering a variety of mountain landscapes: high-altitude pastures, twisted beech trees, a cirque and glacial lakes.
Tour of the Petit Hohneck
3.61 mi
+974 ft
-974 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
This is a short hike in the hills with beautiful views of the small and large Munster valleys, the Petit Ballon, the Hohneck, the Frankenthal, the Schlucht and the Trois Fours.Good footwear is required as there are a few sections where you have to climb over rocks (north face of the Petit Hohneck) and the descent from Schaefferthal to Gaschney is very rocky.With a bit of luck, you may encounter some chamois grazing on the mountain pastures.
⚠️ This hike is not accessible in winter. See here for closed marked trails .
The Schnepfenried tour
3.07 mi
+436 ft
-430 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
Take a tour of this peak, which rises to 1,258 metres, and enjoy remarkable views of the Hohneck massif, the ridge, the Spitzkoepfe and the Petit Ballon.
Schiessrothried and Fischboedle lakes - Combes de l'Ammelthal and Wormspel
9.12 mi
+2,539 ft
-2,539 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
A beautiful hike with an “alpine” feel, so quite challenging!You’ll discover two small glacial lakes, the Schiessrothried and the Fischboedle, nestled at the foot of the Hohneck.From the Kerbholtz ridge facing the Spitzkoepfe ridge, you descend into the Combe de l’Ammelthal, with very technical but secure sections, then the Combe de la Wormspel where you may spot chamois. The return route takes you via the Hohneck, offering panoramic views.
Baechlé – Lameysberg route
4.80 mi
+1,348 ft
-1,345 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Breitenbach-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
A walk designed for an afternoon, from the upper village towards Lameysberg, through the forest. The viewpoint is at the highest point of the walk. The return route also takes you through the woodland, with the option of stopping for a bite to eat at the Christlesgut farmhouse inn.
Ascent of Mount Hilsenfirst via Mount Sidi Brahim
6.41 mi
+2,136 ft
-2,136 ft
4h 50
Difficult
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
This hike follows part of the route for the ascent of Mont Sidi-Brahim, continuing with the ascent of Mont Hilsenfirst (1,274 metres above sea level).
This route is ideal for those who enjoy climbing the steep paths of the magnificent Vosges forests, whilst paying respectful and contemplative tribute to the sites of the heroic events of the First World War.
Ascent of Mount Sidi Brahim (Haut-Rhin)
4.97 mi
+1,811 ft
-1,811 ft
3h 50
Difficult
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
At the bottom of the Munster Valley, at the foot of the Petit Ballon road, this is a hike for those who enjoy walking through the magnificent forests of the Vosges to discover history at the battle sites of the 6th Company of the 7th Battalion of Alpine Hunters, who fought magnificently here in June 1915.
From Sattel to Gaschney
5.70 mi
+1,211 ft
-1,198 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
This hike is not particularly difficult and follows wide forest paths, offering beautiful views of the Metzeral valley, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance on the way there. On the way back, you can enjoy views of the Col de la Schlucht and the ridges. The hike can be rounded off with a stop at the Schallern Restaurant or the Gaschney farmhouse inn.
Reichackerkopf Historical Trail (1914–1918)
3.33 mi
+505 ft
-476 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
A walk through the painful history of the Vosges mountains, where numerous remains from the First World War can still be found.
Schiessrothried Lake - Charlemagne car park
5.08 mi
+2,352 ft
-1,398 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
From Schiessrothried, tour of Petit Hohneck, Dagobert's cave, Frankenthal and Col de Falimont.
This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (3), (4), (5) and (6) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).
The Petit Ballon circular route starting from Christlesgut and via the Steinberg
7.25 mi
+1,608 ft
-1,604 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Breitenbach-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
A superb hike that passes along the Steinberg ridge, dotted with large granite boulders rising skywards. The summit of the Petit Ballon offers a beautiful view of the Vosges ridge. The Steinberg is reputed to be a major energy hub in the Hautes-Vosges. This hike is also not particularly difficult, even though it includes a few steep climbs.
Lakes and glacial cirques around Kastelberg
6.76 mi
+2,057 ft
-2,070 ft
4h 55
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
The gentle, rounded shapes of the Vosges mountains sometimes conceal the harsh and authentic remains of the Ice Age: rocky chaos, turbulent streams, scree, lakes and cliffs.
This hike follows paths that are sometimes difficult but well secured, and the wild beauty of the glacial cirques around Kastelberg is well worth the effort. However, it should be avoided in winter. Good footwear is essential.
The "megaliths" of Steinberg
1.03 mi
+161 ft
-161 ft
0h 35
Easy
Departure from Luttenbach-près-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
A short and easy hike that will allow you to discover the imposing granite ‘megaliths’ of the Steinberg, with views stretching far into the distance. Ideal after a meal at one of the farmhouse inns near the Petit Ballon.
The megaliths of Steinberg
2.10 mi
+469 ft
-476 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Luttenbach-près-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
Panoramic walk amid sculptural rock formations, witnesses to the ancient past of the Vosges mountains. This site is also famous for being a high-energy place in Alsace!
Petit Ballon - Sengern
5.91 mi
+604 ft
-2,608 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Luttenbach-près-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
The route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.
The Petit Ballon Circuit
3.25 mi
+692 ft
-659 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
A hike offering magnificent views over the Munster Valley, the Alsace Plain, the Black Forest and, on a clear day, the Jura and the Alps!
Le Petit Ballon without too much climbing
1.41 mi
+358 ft
-358 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
The aim of this hike is to reach the Petit Ballon with as little climbing as possible. Due to its position, away from the other peaks of the Vosges, the view stretches far into the distance.
Tour of the Petit Ballon via Buchwald
6.59 mi
+1,430 ft
-1,430 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
Moderately difficult hike on the heights of Petit Ballon.
Hohneck - Altenweiher Lake
7.73 mi
+2,011 ft
-2,014 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
This route will allow you to discover the landscapes of the Hohneck massif with beautiful views of the Munster valley and you may even spot chamois on the slopes of the snowfield trail.
Please note that some sections of this hike are particularly difficult, especially the descent from Rainkopf and the ascent from Séestaedtle to Kerbholz. Avoid this route in wet weather, as the rocks are particularly slippery and a fall could be fatal.
Le Petit Hohneck via the Stolz-Ablass Waterfalls
10.24 mi
+2,900 ft
-2,890 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
Near the magnificent Hohneck glacial cirque, this hike (not recommended in winter conditions) alternates between little-known wild trails and busy tourist paths, sections through forest and bare ridges, alpine landscapes and damp woodlands. Of particular interest are the Petite Fecht waterfalls, the Franquenthal glacial cirque and the exceptional views from the summit of the Petit Hohneck.
Hiking prohibited in winter; see practical information.
Hautes-Vosges ridge and Alsatian side of the Hohneck
8.42 mi
+2,221 ft
-2,244 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
Discover the Hohneck ridge and its Alsatian side, with its panoramic views, flora and fauna, on well-maintained forest trails in a well-preserved environment. A breath of fresh air to be enjoyed without moderation!
Please note: this hike is not possible in winter (see practical information below).
From Saegmatt to Gaschney via the Stolz Ablass and Frankenthal waterfalls
8.17 mi
+1,890 ft
-1,873 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
This is a beautiful hike that climbs along the Petite Fecht, offering views of the Stolz Ablass waterfalls, then the Frankenthal and its peat bog. The return journey is via the Gaschney, taking the Bloye trail.
The Frankenthal, the Stolz Ablass waterfalls and the Mule Trail
6.09 mi
+1,591 ft
-1,572 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
This hike is one of the most interesting in the Munster Valley. You will discover the Stolz Abalss waterfalls and, at the foot of the Hohneck, the Frankenthal glacial cirque with its rock faces, a favourite haunt of chamois, which can usually be seen early in the morning or in the evening
The Stolz Ablass waterfalls and the Sentier des Mulets trail
2.99 mi
+791 ft
-771 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
This is one of the classic walks in the Munster Valley. Walkers will discover the magnificent and refreshing Stolz Ablass waterfalls and the historic Mule Trail (14-18), all in the shade of the fir trees.
The Hohneck The Frankenthal-Missheimle National Nature Reserve IBP 65
6.63 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,057 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
Spotting chamois in the Wormspel, dipping your feet in the clear waters of Lake Schiessrothried, and enjoying the beauty of the Frankenthal-Missheimle Nature Reserve are the highlights of this hike. And if you can also stop off at a farmhouse inn, then... it’s a brilliant day!
A variation of this hike, passing via 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.
Hohneck - Three Lakes - Frankenthal - Col de Falimont - Le Hohneck
12.56 mi
+3,435 ft
-3,468 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
This challenging route takes you through several typical areas, sometimes in the forest, sometimes across rocky terrain and sometimes across moorland. Each difficult section is followed by a section that allows you to recover.
This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (14) and (18) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).
Platzerwasel, Lauchenkopf, Oberlauchen Pass, return via the Uff Rain Inn
4.30 mi
+663 ft
-669 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Sondernach (Haut-Rhin)
Mostly shaded walk. Beautiful views along the way of the Markstein, Sondernach and the Oberlauchen Pass.
From Hohneck to three lakes via Sapin de Kolben
14.29 mi
+3,904 ft
-3,898 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
On the agenda: a full day of breathtaking views!
Starting from the summit of Hohneck, this hike will take you to a less frequented slope to the east of the Col du Rothenbach. This will lead you to the Sapin de Kolben and the chapel, before discovering the three lakes: Altenweiher, Fischboedle and Schiessrothried. Finally, return to the summit via the Col de Schaeferthal.
This hike is classified as very difficult: see the Practical Information section.
The Schweisel, flowing along the banks of the Pfahlrunz and the Salzbach
7.81 mi
+2,119 ft
-2,106 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
The Schweisel is a peak on the main ridge of the Vosges between the Thann valley to the west and the Munster valley to the east.
It is renowned for its exceptional views, as well as for its moorland, forest and wetland area, the Schweiselwasen, on the eastern side. It is this eastern side, criss-crossed by numerous streams, that this route takes you to explore.
Le Hohneck - Sentier des Roches: alternative route with a circular figure-of-eight loop
7.81 mi
+2,320 ft
-2,333 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Starting from the summit of Hohneck, the route will take you to the Sentier des Roches, "the" hike to do in the region. Its route through the rocks offers splendid views towards Alsace.Please note! This hike is not accessible in winter (see practical information below)
Gaschney via the Col de Sattel from Munster
9.79 mi
+1,896 ft
-1,867 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Munster (Haut-Rhin) (Haut-Rhin)
This hike covers both sides of the ridge separating the Stosswhir valley and the Metzeral valley, offering views of the ridges, the Col de la Schlucht and the Trois Fours on the way there, and the Petit Ballon massif and the Schnepfenried on the way back.
Numerous ruins from the First World War dot both sides of this ridge, which was the dividing line between French and German troops. Eight thousand five hundred men died on these slopes.
Le Petit Ballon as seen from the Hilsen
6.41 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,286 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Linthal (Haut-Rhin)
Starting from the Hilsen farmhouse inn, this walk follows a ridge leading to the Petit Ballon. There are numerous viewpoints overlooking the Vosges, the Alsace plain and beyond.
Discovering the flowers in the Frankenthal-Missheimle nature reserve
3.39 mi
+1,089 ft
-1,086 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
A hike starting from the Route des Crêtes, via Frankenthal, to discover the flowers of the Hautes-Vosges.Please note! This hike is not possible in winter (see practical information below)
Charlemagne car park - Schiessrothried Lake
5.84 mi
+728 ft
-1,683 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
day1: hike around Hohneck, snowfield route and descent to Schiessrothried Lake.
Around Hohneck via Lake Schiessrothried and Dagobert Cave
10.93 mi
+3,064 ft
-3,048 ft
2 days
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
A two-day walk around Hohneck for the whole family. We did it in two six-hour stages, at the pace of our children (aged 7 and 10) and including breaks.
Hiking is prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to rockfalls on theGR®®531trail.
Please note! This route is not accessible in winter. Points (2), (3) and (4) connecting the Col du Falimont to Frankenthal are closed from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (prefectural decree of 18 May 2022).
Three Fours Circular via Le Gaschney and Lac de Schiessrothried
8.34 mi
+2,664 ft
-2,644 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
A superb hike to discover the Hohneck ridges (Alsatian side) and the local wildlife, in a preserved environment!⚠️ This hike is not accessible in winter. See here for closed marked trails.
More walks in Metzeral
Select a point of interest below: