Refuge du Stahlberg walks

For this lovely new stage, which will take you from Belacker to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges, follow the Club Vosgien route, marked with Yellow Rectangles. These markings indicate theGR®532, an iconic walking route across the Vosges linking Woerth in the Bas-Rhin to Belfort. Although the distance is shorter, this stage is by no means easy. After a descent towards Saint Amarin, with a 560m drop in altitude, don’t forget to save your energy, as a 1,000m climb then awaits you to reach the “roof of the Vosges”.

Return to the Hundrunck Pass via the summit of the Vogelstein.

This beautiful route begins with two remarkable peaks in the Vosges and offers beautiful views of the upper Moselle valley, before reaching the Pays des Étangs.

This hike takes you down from Ballon d'Alsace to Giromagny. It is the continuation of the Vosges crossing, proposed by DNA, Passion Vosges and the Journal d'Alsace (see practical information). The first few kilometres are along the ridges, with views of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley and even the Alps. During this same section, you may come across several ski resorts, such as La Chaumière and La Gentiane. A farmhouse inn at Wissgrut offers lunch. Further on, a shelter at the Col du Chantoiseau provides a place to picnic. The descent then continues, sometimes more steeply than others. The arrival in Giromagny offers views of the city of Belfort.

The Munster Valley, Hohrodberg, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle – just how far will the Col d’Oberlauchen take your view? Setting off from Markstein, before crossing the resort’s ski slopes, you can stop off to visit the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Chapel for a brief cultural break. Heading towards the Petit Ballon, this route crosses numerous passes and peaks, such as the Klintzkopf and the Hilsenfirst, not to mention the Col d’Oberlauchen, from which you’ll be able to spot many of the area’s distinctive features… Keep your eyes peeled!

From the Markstein, the sixteenth stage of the journey across the Vosges proposed by Passion Vosges magazine continues along the Great Vosges Ridge towards the massif’s highest point, the Grand Ballon. After a visit to the Hartmannswillerkopf battlefield (1914–1918) and a climb to the summit of the Molkenrain, a long descent through the forest begins, heading towards Thann and its famous Gothic collegiate church. Franck Buchy’s account of this sixteenth stage can be found in *Passion Vosges*.

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.

Take the time to admire the landscapes and views that make this second day’s walk so special. The route follows the ridges for the most part, leading to the Petit Ballon via the Klintzkopf. Once again, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the panoramic views over the plains and valleys on either side of the mountain. This route, which passes through forests and stubble fields, will allow you to discover the richness of the local flora.

The final stage passes via the Markstein and beneath the Grand Ballon, with more downhill sections and shade provided by the trees, ending in the Thur Valley where you can catch a train to Mulhouse.