Munster (Haut-Rhin) walks

A short, shaded circular walk at the foot of the Petit Ballon, offering beautiful views of the Munster valley.

The Linge region was the scene of bloody clashes in 1914 and 1915. You will discover the remains and traces still very much present on the ground as you follow this route. Between 20 July and 16 October 1915, one of the bloodiest battles of the Great War in the Vosges took place on this section of the Linge-Barrenkopf front, barely 2 km long. It cost the lives of more than 17,000 young French and German soldiers.

Discover the Petit Ballon and its superb panoramic views of the Hohneck, Schlucht, Schnepfenried and Grand Ballon peaks and the valleys of Metzeral, Linthal and Wasserbourg, not to mention, in good weather, the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps.

A very varied hike possible in all seasons, which first crosses the Linge battlefield to discover the geography and remains of one of the deadliest places of the 1914-18 war. After this moving start, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views as you head towards the highest lake in the Vosges mountains: Lake Forlet. Walking through its majestic glacial cirque, you can admire the exceptional views offered by the ridges overlooking the lake.

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.

This forest hike offers views of the Munster Valley, the Petit Ballon and even the Alsace plain, with a stop at the summit of the Staufen, the Schrankenfels Ruins, a number of picnic spots and a little exercise and tranquillity.

This hike offers beautiful views of the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The return route follows the historic Linge Barrenkopf trail.

Superb panoramic views over the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The hike follows the historic route of the Col du Wettstein, the Linge Memorial and the Barrenkopf defence line.

A ride for mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes in the Val Saint-Grégoire to reach the Tanet massif. The circuit mainly follows cycle paths or forest tracks and allows you to discover the beauty of this site, which was once home to a ski resort.

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.

This is an easy hike with beautiful views of the Keysersberg valley to the east and the ridges to the west. You will always find a sunny spot for a picnic around Lac des Truites. The Auberge du Lac Noir welcomes you for a break and the Ferme Auberge du Forlet is open at the end of April. You can also eat at the Mussmiss farmhouse inn, which is clearly signposted on arrival at the Col du Wettstein.

An easy hike around the Basses Huttes towards the Ferme Auberge du Rain des Chênes on wide, shaded paths offering beautiful views of the Val d'Orbey through the gaps in the forest.

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

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.

A very pretty, varied walk with scenic views and fairly easy going, I've rated it as moderate as a precaution.

Moderately difficult hike on the heights of Petit Ballon.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 mountains, 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!

The slopes of the Hohneck and the surrounding glacial cirques are frequented by chamois, which were reintroduced to the Vosges in the 1950s, more than 60 years ago.You may be lucky enough to spot them on this hike. 06/02/2023: Hiking prohibited until furthernotice by municipal decree due to rockfalls on theGR®®531. The BloyGR®®531trail between (S/E) and (1) is closed from 1 November to 30 April by a prefectural order dated 18 May 2022.

A short hike offering a variety of mountain landscapes: high-altitude pastures, twisted beech trees, a cirque and glacial lakes.

A beautiful hike with an "alpine" feel, so it's quite challenging!You will discover two small glacial lakes, the Schiessrothried and the Fischboedle, nestled at the foot of the Hohneck.From the Kerbholtz hillock facing the Spitzkoepfe ridge, you descend into the Combe de l'Ammelthal, with some very technical but safe passages, then the Combe de la Wormspel where you may spot chamois. The return is via the Hohneck, which offers panoramic views. 06/02/2023: Hiking prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to rock and stone falls on theGR®®531.

A magnificent walk along the Wormsabach stream and its waterfalls.

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 offers spectacular, unspoilt landscapes. Steep trails, waterfalls, rocky cirques and glacial moraines await you on this beautiful walk. A classic in the Vosges mountains.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This hike takes you around the thatched roofs of the Petit Ballon, allowing you to enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and the thatched roofs that are so characteristic of these Vosges peaks.

Departure from the Col de Boenlesgrab, passing by the Refuge de la Schellimat, near Hilzen, via Bockswasen, then by the Refuge des Amis de la Nature below the summit of the Petit Ballon, then continuing after the summit along the ridges via the Col du Petit Ballon, Steinberg and its megaliths, then Grothkopf.Return via the farmsteads of Kahlenwassen (near the Virage Pinot) and Buchwald, the former intermediate station of the German cable car, then via the Strohberg farmstead before descending via Brudermatt to the Col du Boenlesgrab. This hike takes you across magnificent high-altitude stubble fields and offers numerous 360° views of the Vosges peaks and nearby Alsatian valleys.

This is a very pleasant hike that also offers views of the Alsace plain. The different environments you will pass through will delight walkers who take the time to look around.

This hike allows you to discover varied landscapes, access the ridge and enjoy superb views of the entire Vosges mountains and the Alsace plain. It crosses two nature reserves: the Franckenthal-Missheimle Reserve and the Tanet Gazon du Faing Reserve.The hike also passes by the Rocher de Hirchsteine, the summit of Tanet and Lac Vert. The entire climb is through forest. ⚠️ 21/07/2025: starting point of the hike changed.

A beautiful hike with views of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet (Lac des Truites) and a lovely stretch along the ridges.

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.

Lac Vert (1,044 m) owes its name to the colour it takes on in summer due to the proliferation of algae. Lac des Truites (or Forlet) is the highest lake in the Vosges mountains at 1,066 m. Both are located in former glacial cirques dominated by the Hautes Chaumes.

A magnificent circuit on the Vosges ridges with views of the Black Forest and, on clear, dry days, the Alps. 400 m of paved road, the rest on trails or wide paths.

This easy loop allows you to discover Tanet, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Vosges, with stunning views and the Haut-Fourneau stone cairns. In late June or early July, you can also enjoy the mountain flowers. The return journey is sheltered by Lac Vert.

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).

Notre-Dame du Schauenberg, a place of pilgrimage, is located at an altitude of 410 metres on the side of a hill in the Vosges mountains, between Gueberschwihr and Pfaffenheim in Upper Alsace. The site is known for its warm welcome, its peaceful setting with views over part of the Alsace plain stretching south to the foothills of the Bernese Alps, and the atmosphere of contemplation that reigns there. 30/08/2023. Message from the moderator: hike modified at (9) to stay on marked paths. Please do not stray from the paths when hunting is open/permitted.

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.

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.

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 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)

A varied hike starting from Lac Noir, progressing through the beautiful Vosges forest, taking us to the Hans rock overlooking Lac Blanc. The return route, which is less busy, allows you to discover the source of the lake and the stubble fields near Gazon du Faing.

An uphill section towards Lake Noir on the slope of Orbey.

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 circular walk from Mittlach passing by a beautiful lake in the Southern Vosges mentioned in the Michelin guide: Lac de Fischboedle.

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.

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)

Mythical and probably one of the most beautiful hikes in the Vosges Mountains! Perched above the Munster Valley with breathtaking natural views. Part of the loop is carved into the rock face and equipped with ladders and handrails. Sure-footedness, good hiking boots and walking sticks are required. This is a shorter version than the many others that exist, designed to take advantage of the shade provided by the vegetation and, on very hot days, avoid the exposed climb up the Col de Falimont. Another special feature is that it includes the "sentier des roches" (rock trail) on the way up.

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.

This beautiful hike combines technical and physical sections and takes you along the famous Sentier des Roches trail to Lac du Schiessrothried and then Lac de Fischboedle. Please note: this hike is for experienced walkers. There are many steep slopes and some sections are dangerous, particularly for children. Risk of falls. Hiking is prohibited in winter (see practical information below) Please note 2: following a comment by "sdegrande" on 17/07/2024: "following a prefectural order, the trail from (11) is closed until further notice due to the risk of rockfalls." From (8), you can take a shortcut to go directly to (13) via the Blue Triangle trail. This trail is about 1 km long and quite steep. If you do not feel comfortable walking it, you can take a shortcut from (7) to go directly to (13) via the Blue Rectangle trail.

A beautiful snowshoe hike from the Col de la Schlucht.

A beautiful hike combining technical and physical sections. Only to be done in good weather, preferably between May and October. Please note! This hike is not possible in winter (see practical information below)

This hike, which follows the marked trails of the Club Vosgien, will allow you to discover the forest, lakes, Hautes Chaumes... the Hautes Vosges. The numerous picnic spots and the warm welcome you will receive at the various farm inns will make your walk even more enjoyable.

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).

A beautiful, challenging hike in the Vosges mountains, taking the Sentier des Roches and the Couloirs trails and the lesser-known climb up to the Col de Falimont from Frankental, then going around the Petit Hohneck via the Schiessroth and returning via the Hohneck and the Trois Fours. Please note: hiking is prohibited in winter. Read the practical information about the difficulties encountered on this hike.

Start at the Col de la Schlucht car park... A very athletic outing. Good equipment and good physical condition are recommended!

A beautiful circular starting from Orbey and taking in two magnificent lakes. First, you will discover Lac Blanc, nestled in a granite basin. On the left, you will see the Rochers du Château Hans topped with a statue. The Chemin Cornélius will take you to Lac Noir, which is lined with fir trees and therefore much darker.

Breathtaking view of the Vosges peaks and the Tour du Faudé.

I suggest a fairly long hike with a significant elevation gain, classified as very difficult, which will allow you to discover the Orbey Valley with various remarkable viewpoints and several interesting sites: the Tour du Faudé, destroyed in 1915 and 1944 and rebuilt in the 1990s, the Duchesne Cemetery, a national necropolis for French soldiers who fell at Tête des Faux during theFirst World War, and the Gazon du Faing with its panoramic trail, a veritable balcony overlooking Lac Blanc and the Orbey Valley. Caution! This route includes a very technical and difficult section on the descent from the ridges to Lac Blanc, between points (14) and (15). Do not attempt in wet weather. Choose the alternative route described in the practical information.

An exceptional hike offering panoramic views of successive lakes. There are a few challenging climbs, but it's well worth the effort. Best done in good weather to fully enjoy the views available to hikers.

A magnificent hike with trails that are sometimes alpine in character.

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

A lovely hike in the Alsatian foothills of the Vosges mountains, passing through Wintzfelden and Osenbach. Very well marked by the Club Vosgien.

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 hike, mainly in the forest, follows the Lauch river and then climbs up through the Belchenseebach gorges, alongside a series of magnificent waterfalls, to reach the romantic Lac du Ballon. The trail is steep in places and some sections are slippery, but they are safe and the views are well worth the effort. The return journey is relaxing, with the option of stopping for refreshments at a farmhouse inn.

A beautiful hike in the Vosges, alternating between forest and stubble fields. Stunning views from the Grand Ballon.

This hike takes you to the Hautes Chaumes in the Tanet-Gazon du Faing Nature Reserve, starting on the Vosges side via the Ruhlock trail along a stream and returning via the Rudlin waterfall.There are beautiful views from the ridges over Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites or Lac du Forlet.

By making a loop from the Étang des Dames, you can quickly reach the Rudlin Waterfall. This is a pretty waterfall about ten metres high, accessible via a path through the woods from the bottom of the valley.

A memorial hike to a small peak that was the scene of violent clashes in 1914-1915, traces of which are still visible on the ground. Along the way, you will pass the very moving Duchesne Cemetery located in the middle of the forest.

The first part of this hike takes place on forest paths and the return journey is through the meadows of the Haute Vallée Noble. The route takes you to the pilgrimage site of Schaefertal (Val du Pâtre), the mysterious site of Schwarzenthann, the meadows of Wintzfelden and the panorama of the Zinnkoepfle and the Noble Valley at Grossfels. This hike can be shortened by almost 4 kilometres if you choose the Shepherd's Valley Chapel as your starting point.

This hike will first take you through the beautiful forest between Westhalten and Osenbuhr and then onto a balcony overlooking the vineyards of Pfaffenheim and Rouffach.