Mont Calvaire de l'Oelberg walks

First day of the 3-day Grand Ballon circuit. Starting from Guebwiller, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, which rises to an altitude of 1,424 metres. The ascent is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you can enjoy the varied landscapes and the flora and fauna of the Vosges, and on arrival, the exceptional panoramic views across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, on a clear day, even the Bernese Alps.

Get straight to the heart of the matter with the ascent of the Grand Ballon, which will delight the fittest walkers! Starting from Guebwiller, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, which rises to an altitude of 1,424 metres. The climb to this pass is therefore quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the varied landscapes and the flora and fauna of the Vosges, and on arrival, the exceptional panoramic views across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even the Bernese Alps if the sky is clear.

The Florival Valley seen from above – a perfect way to end the walk! Setting off from Soultzmatt, you’ll enjoy ‘heritage stops’ along the Val du Pâtre Way of the Cross, pausing to visit the churches and chapels of Soultzmatt, Val de Pâtre and Saint-Gangolphe. This long hike concludes on the balcony paths through the Guebwiller vineyards, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Florival Valley, the Grand Ballon and the Petit Ballon. You’ll be able to look back and admire the routes you’ve covered over the last few days.

Randonnée presque quasiment en montée qui permet de relier Soultz, sympathique village culturel, au Col du Grand Ballon où vous pourrez passer la nuit avant d'aller le lendemain matin au sommet. Bien que cette étape soit courte en kilomètres, elle comporte un important dénivelé à ne pas négliger. Mais que de beautés en revanche entre les forêts et points de vues remarquables dans la dernière partie du parcours.

Wine-growing is an integral part of the Alsatian landscape. There is also a route named after it. This route is the third stage of the ‘Traversée des Vignes’ and links Rouffach to Turckheim. There are numerous vantage points, indeed they are almost everywhere outside the villages. The villages themselves are very traditional, with pretty half-timbered houses, and possess an undeniable charm. The region’s heritage is equally well represented.

A very physically demanding first day with a wide variety of landscapes. Starting from Linthal, the most mountainous village in the Guebwiller region, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Auberge du Steinlebach, via the Grand Ballon – the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, rising to an altitude of 1,424 metres – and the Markstein resort. The ascent is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll pass the Gustiberg farmhouse inn, Lake Ballon and the Haag farmhouse inn…

A challenging climb to the Grand Ballon from Sengern (past Guebwiller). The route passes by the beautiful Lac du Ballon and the Gustiberg farmhouse inn, both of which offer very pleasant places to stop for a break.

Begin your descent through varied landscapes towards the first villages of the Alsace plain, situated on the Wine Route. After enjoying the 360° view from the Petit Ballon over the valleys of Guebwiller and Munster and the Hohneck and Grand Ballon mountain ranges, it is as you begin the descent at the end of the ridge that you will catch sight of the Petit Ballon glacial cirque. Beautiful little paths, winding through woods and meadows, vineyards and mountains, will take you to the village of Soultzmatt, via Wintzfelden and Osenbach, not forgetting a short stop at the remarkable site of the ruins of Schwartzenthann Convent.

Enjoy a relaxing break at Lac du Ballon before setting off again along the Route des Crêtes. The route for this second day, starting from the Grand Ballon, includes a short detour to Lac du Ballon, so you can take in the scenery and the tranquillity of this little paradise. The walk continues along the Route des Crêtes to Markstein, with views of the Grand Ballon and the Thur Valley, and, if you wish, you can enjoy the leisure and outdoor activities on offer at the Markstein resort.

An easy route, gently undulating across the highest peaks of the Vosges, through stubble fields and forests. Magnificent views over the surrounding valleys.