Murbach walks

This hike, suitable for those with some hiking experience and/or good physical fitness, will allow you to discover the Murbach valley and its famous abbey, which exerted political, spiritual and cultural influence over a vast territory for over a thousand years. Along the way, you can enjoy several views of the abbey and the Murbach valley, as well as tables and benches where you can rest or have a picnic.

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.

This hike will allow you to discover the Murbach valley and the ruins of Hohrupf Castle.

A beautiful hike around the Murbach Valley with elevation gain and length suitable for experienced walkers. Mainly in the forest, it offers two beautiful viewpoints at the ruins of Hohrupf Castle and at the end of the walk at Ebeneck.

A circular walk leading to the Ebeneck hilltops, offering superb views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, weather permitting, the Alps on a clear day.

This walk takes you to Hugstein Castle. It is mainly through woodland and offers the chance to spot wildlife or, at the very least, the many tracks they leave behind.

A walk exploring the fortified castles around Guebwiller

A pleasant circular on the heights of Rimbach-près-Guebwiller in beautiful forests, passing through Münsteraeckerle and Judenhut. Halfway through, why not stop off at the very friendly and cosy Ferme Auberge du Glasshütte?

This walk, suitable for most people, presents no particular difficulties. It will allow you to discover the heritage of the village of Lautenbach and enjoy a beautiful view of the Florival Valley and the Vosges ridges.

This route offers a comprehensive tour of the three beautiful sandstone quarries above Guebwiller, which were in operation until the early 20th century. Starting north of Buhl, the route crosses and explores the major sandstone quarries of this massif, those of Buhl, as well as Guebwiller and Bergholtz. This route will take you beneath and above the quarries, passing through the Col du Dreibannstein, which features a Club Vosgien shelter and tables. After skirting the quarry walls, the route offers views of Guebwiller, its Grand Ballon and the Florival valley. The quarries and the very pleasant trails are a delight for the region’s rock climbers. But they also appeal to hikers, with views of the valley, the Vosges, the plain, the sandstone cliffs, and more...

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.

An easy walk (except for a slightly steep initial climb) that passes through the beautiful and wild pink sandstone quarries of Buhl. The pretty quarry trail continues to the famous Menhirs de l'Appenthal and its cyclopean wall. The walk ends along the vineyards, offering a beautiful view of Hugstein Castle and passing by the strange birthing chair, which is said to have been used in ancient times for childbirth.

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.

This walk takes us to the Kletterbach waterfalls, the Gustiberg farm and the magnificent Lac du Ballon in its picturesque setting.

Above Lautenbachzell, this day hike will take you through several different landscapes of the Vosges: orchards and villages in the valley, pine forests, beech woods and stumps. You will reach the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges, after walking along the Lac du Grand Ballon and passing near waterfalls.

Two circular routes around Buhl: varied route offering beautiful views and sights. Several variations or shortcuts are possible.

A very varied route to reach the highest point of the Vosges and walk along the ridges, enjoying numerous panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The Petit Ballon massif also offers a very beautiful setting.

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.

This hike starts in Glashütte and passes through remarkable beech forests. From the Gerstacker meadows, it offers superb views of the Thann valley and the Rosberg massif. Once you reach Roedelen, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Petit Ballon massif before returning via the pleasant Judenhut Pass trail.

Tour and climb to the Grand Ballon from the Glashutte farmhouse inn. This hike offers beautiful views from the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, over the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, depending on weather conditions, perhaps even the Alps.

A lovely little forest walk offering several picnic spots with wooden benches and tables. Along the route, you’ll also come across a multitude of streams and a fountain at the Col du Judenhut. After a climb of about 1 km that will warm up your legs, you can enjoy the rest of the walk, which will seem relatively easy.

This route leads to the Col du Grand Ballon, starting from the Glashutte. It crosses forests, including beautiful beech woods, and stubble fields where the view can be very beautiful. Please note that crampons and snowshoes are required in winter.

A hike entirely through the forest, suitable even in hot weather. On the way to the Col de Judenhut, we choose to take the stony path only for part of the way, preferring the wide track leading to the pass. There, a lovely shaded picnic area awaits us, along with a shelter and a fountain. The path towards Firstacker runs along the hillside, with very little elevation gain, and crosses numerous streams. For the return journey to the Glashütte, we’ll follow the wide track downhill.

This walk visits Guebwiller woodlands. While walking, enjoy different very nice spots ideals to take pictures and learn about various vegetal species (indicated by numbers). This walk is very nice to keep fresh in summer times. However, be careful when raining, it can be quite slippery!

This hike will take you up to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, rising to 1,424 metres. From the summit, weather permitting, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even as far as the Alps. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from coniferous and deciduous forests to clearings and pastures. As you gain altitude, you’ll notice how the flora of the Vosges changes.

The Petit Ballon is a must-see summit in Alsace. Rising to an altitude of 1,272 metres, it offers a splendid view of the Vosges mountains. There are various ways to reach it. This circular hike takes you to the Petit Ballon from the village of Linthal. The climb starts in the forest, then becomes more open from halfway up to the final viewpoint at the summit. For those who would like to do the hike in the opposite direction, it is more difficult.

An easy walk full of discoveries that passes through the beautiful Grossberg clearing (look for its totem tree!). Nearby is the Heidenbuckel menhir, which was once used as a ceremonial site. Further on, we arrive at Dietrichstein, which was probably a place of sacrifice in the 8th century BC.

Guebwiller is a small wine-growing town. As the "capital" of Florival, it is nonetheless well worth a visit. In addition to major tourist attractions such as the Saint-Léger and Notre-Dame churches and the Théodore Deck Museum, there are several other points of interest, such as the Parc de la Marseillaise, the military cemetery and Neuenbourg Castle and its grounds. Of course, there are other lesser-known curiosities along this route.

Why not set off to explore the Grand Ballon d’Alsace on a lovely circular walk? We suggest a loop with a gentle, shaded ascent that’s pleasant on hot days. Only the sections before the Grand Ballon are exposed to the sun; the rest of the way, there’ll always be a tree to shelter you from the heat.

This walk, mainly through woodland, follows the River Lauch before climbing through the Belchenseebach Gorge, past a succession of magnificent waterfalls, to reach the romantic Lac du Ballon.The path is sometimes steep and some sections are slippery, but they are safe and the view is well worth the effort. A relaxing return journey with the option of stopping for a bite to eat at a farmhouse inn.

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

A moderately challenging hike which, as the paths wind their way, offers beautiful views of the Rimbach Valley, the Alsace plain and, of course, the summit of the Grand Ballon. Crossing the little Kaltenbach valley with its trees and moss-covered rocks, its small waterfall and the remarkable 1914–1918 baths is a real treat.

A hike mostly through woodland on the lower slopes of the Grand Ballon, passing the charming Kohlschlag Farm Inn at the foot of the Col Amic. The return route to Sainte-Anne goes via the Holzwasen shelter.

A pleasant circular route for tackling the Petit Ballon from the south through forests and pastures. The gradient is fairly steady and the paths are well signposted. The climb is quite shaded, which is a welcome feature.

A relatively easy walk starting from the Grand Ballon car park, offering a chance to take in the two highest peaks of the Vosges and their magnificent scenery.

This circuit will take you to the highest peak in the Vosges, offering views of the Alps in good weather. You can admire the surrounding Vosges peaks and high-altitude villages such as Geishouse and Goldbach-Altenbach. At the start and finish points, you will find various places to eat and a shop selling local products. During the walk, don't hesitate to stop at the Haag farmhouse inn to enjoy their local cuisine or to quench your thirst.

This family walk takes you around the highest peak in the Vosges Mountains (1,424 metres). While enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest, the Jura and the Bernese Alps, you will discover the rich flora and history of the Grand Ballon.

Tour of the Grand Ballon with forest sections ideal in summer, and stunning views of the Thann valley at the start and the Guebwiller valley, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest towards the end. Food available at the Haag farmhouse inn (booking recommended).

A short, easy route starting from the Grand Ballon car park, offering a chance to take in the scenery from the highest point in the Vosges.

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

This circular mountain route starting from the Col du Firstacker links three farm-inns (the Kohlschlag, the Freundstein and the Molkenrain) whilst offering you the chance to discover the Hartmannswillerkopf Memorial, the famous and deadly Franco-German mountain battlefield of the First World War. Alternating between forests, pastures and ruins, the route subtly blends heritage with farm life and the atmosphere of the forest, all enhanced by magnificent views.

Passion Vosges magazine 2026, dedicated to gourmet hikes, offers a superb circular route around the highest peak in the Vosges. This route passes by the Ferme-auberge du Grand-Ballon and offers magnificent panoramic views.

A beautiful hike, wild in all seasons, through stubble fields and beautiful forests, passing the summit of the Grand Ballon (360° view) from the Firstacker car park, via the stubble fields of Gerstacker, the Haag Pass, around the Storkenkopf in the forest, then up to the summit of the Grand Ballon (Diables Bleus monument and radar dome) before descending via the modified GR®5 route between the Col du Grand Ballon (La Vue des Alpes restaurant) and the Ferme-auberge du Grand Ballon.

This hike connects Gustiberg, Lac du Ballon, Col du Haag and Grand Ballon, starting from Firstacker and alternating between typical mountain landscapes: forests, stubble fields, pastures, scree, etc.

A short walk from Guebwiller will take you through the Alsatian vineyards to the Croix de la Mission, where you will have a beautiful view of Guebwiller, the Grand Ballon and, above all, the Alsace plain.

A long hike taking you through four communal forests: those of Lautenbach, Guebwiller, Bergholtzzel and Orschwihr. It features four climbs with an elevation gain of around 150 to 250 metres, the gradient of which varies depending on the section. There are numerous points of interest, including the town of Guebwiller, the viewpoint in the Bergholtzzell Communal Forest, and the Oelberg Calvary. The walk offers the chance to discover the remains of several castles as well as the Hochfelsen rock formation. Furthermore, it takes you around a small peak rising to an altitude of 688 metres: the Engelstein.

A themed walk exploring the castles around Guebwiller.

Hike undertaken in July on the Alsatian side. Discover the flora and fauna on the pastures of the Vosges.

The hike starts in Jungholtz and crosses the communal forest of Guebwiller to take you to the Col de Peternit. Hike between the Guebwiller and Rimbach valleys, among conifers and deciduous trees. The hike can also be done by mountain bike.

This long hike will allow you to enjoy the many views offered by the Col Amic and the climb to the Grand Ballon. You can also stop for refreshments at the various farm inns located along the route. It's the ideal way to spend a sporty day in the open air on the highest peak in the Vosges.

A beautiful hike on Hartmannswillerkopf mountain, also known as "The Man-Eater", where a battle took place during the First World War. You can discover various historical remains (old cemeteries, old shelters, ruins, trenches) and a magnificent view of the Alsace Plain.

This moderately difficult walk is relatively short. It is suitable for most walkers who, provided they have a minimum level of fitness, should find this route a pleasant half-day walk. Several heritage sites (crosses, a chapel, castle ruins, etc.) can be explored along the way.

This 90-minute circular route takes you to places of remembrance from the First World War near Hartmannswillerkopf. Starting with the Sicurani Chapel, built in honour of a Corsican officer killed on the Vosges front. Pascal Sicurani, captain of the68th Alpine Chasseurs Battalion, died a few days before Christmas, on 22 December 1915. His remains were transferred to his native village in 1923. The circular route then passes by the Abri Baratin.

This short walk in the hills above Soultzmatt will take you to the Langenstein Menhir and a beautiful viewpoint over the Vallée Noble. You will then enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest, which you will walk through for most of this hike, as well as a beautiful meadow that you will cross.

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.

During this hike, we will follow in the footsteps of the poilus who fought at Hartmannswillerkopf during the First World War, and we will cross the Route des Crêtes several times.

A short walk through the forest before setting off to explore the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Thierenbach.

Starting from Wuenheim near Soultz, this hike offers a wealth of historical and cultural heritage discoveries, taking you through beautiful forests in the foothills of the Vosges mountains to Col Amic on the Route des Crêtes, passing historic sites from the 1914-1918 war near Hartmannswillerkopf: Zimmermann Cross, Baratin Shelter and Sicurani Chapel, then return via the Kohlschlag farm inn, Holzwasen, St Anne's Chapel, Notre-Dame de Thierenbach Basilica and the Jewish cemetery in Jungholtz.

A long walk with a relatively gentle gradient, but one that is nevertheless recommended for hikers who are reasonably experienced walkers. History enthusiasts will be delighted by the walk across the Vieil Armand or Hartmannswillerkopf battlefield and by discovering the many monuments linked to the history of the First World War.

This walk between Soultz-Haut-Rhin and Jungholtz takes you along the Way of the Cross from the Rote Rain Memorial to the famous Thierenbach Basilica, before crossing the village of Jungholtz to reach Mittelbourg and its vineyards, and finally returning to the starting point near the stork park in Soultz/Wuenheim.

A lovely walk with no particular difficulties, allowing you to discover the ruins of the former Schwartzenthann convent, pass through the village of Wintzfelden, and walk through the meadows between Wintzfelden and Osenbach... Throughout the walk, you’ll pass meadows where sheep and horses graze. An ideal walk in spring and autumn to enjoy the mid-season sunshine.

Starting from Wuenheim, this circular route will take you through the vineyards of Ollwiller after a short stretch through the forest.

Wuenheim is a small village of 800 inhabitants, situated between Soultz and Cernay. With a history deeply rooted in winegrowing, this route takes you past various winegrowers’ houses that withstood both world wars. Indeed, the village of Wuenheim was severely affected by the First World War. This route allows you to discover Wuenheim’s wine-growing heritage, whilst exploring the theme of the village’s reconstruction following the First World War and learning about the impact that conflict had on the village.

An easy hike that can be enjoyed in all seasons, with a little extra charm in winter.