Rainkopf walks

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.

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.

A peat bog, a lake and two peaks on the ridges with views of the main Vosges mountains. On clear days, especially in winter, you can see the Black Forest and the Alps.

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.

A beautiful descent! But then a beautiful climb back up!!! Magnificent scenery and lots of flowers to admire in early July... and enjoy tasting local produce at the Steinwasen farm inn...

This route is a little way from the La Bresse ski resorts. It is easy up to Lac de Blanchemer, but becomes more challenging as you approach Rainkopf. However, the exceptional panoramic view from the summit makes it well worth the effort.

From the Col de la Schlucht, take the ridge road towards Markstein and park in the Maison de la Nature car park by the roadside. This short hike will take you up the steep slopes of Kastelberg and Rainkopf to discover the Altenweiher dam lake before climbing back up to the top of Rainkopf. You can walk around the lake, which takes about 20 minutes extra.

A beautiful, challenging hike for experienced hikers. This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (8), (9), (10) and (11) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural decree of 18 May 2022).

A hike on and below the great ridge in an almost alpine setting, offering breathtaking views of the Munster Valley.

Circular starting from the bottom of Hohneck (Paquis des Fées) which descends to Lac de Schiessrothried then Lac de Fischboedle, climbs back up via Kerbholz, crosses the peaks of Rainkopf, Rothenbachkopf and Batteriekopf. Lovely views of various other lakes (Kruth-Wildenstein, Blanchemer, de la Lande) and the Alps if the weather is good.

In the La Bresse region, a circular route allowing you to cross the Machais peat bog, then climb three summits, ending at Lac de Blanchemer. Breathtaking views of the Vosges and Alsace.

This route focuses on three beautiful peaks south of Hohneck. The climb passes by the very pretty Altenweiher (old lake) before reaching the ridge. The view of Rothenbachkopf from Rainkopf is superb. This hike combines scree, undergrowth and high-altitude pastures.

48°00'00'' North / 07°00'00'' East, starting point for this hike around Lake Altenweiher. This highly varied hike alternates between forest paths, "alpine" passages and scree slopes in glacial cirques, offering panoramic views of the Alsace and Vosges slopes from the hilltops and summits, as well as the opportunity to stop for refreshments at authentic farmhouse inns.

Circular route along the Vosges ridges around one of its highest peaks, the Kastelberg (1350m). Passage on the Alsace side at Lake Altenweiher (925m) and on the Vosges side at Lakes Blanchemer (985m) and Lande (1034m).

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.

This varied and challenging loop, winding its way through the stubble fields and forests of the Vosges, offers beautiful views of the lakes and Alsace on one side and Lorraine on the other. You may even be lucky enough to spot some chamois. Some difficult sections are reminiscent of the Sentier des Roches. 06/02/2023: Hiking prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to rock and stone falls on theGR®®531.