Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines walks

This is a beautiful hike through lovely forests and magnificent meadows, offering superb views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. You will also discover a whole chapter of the history of Alsace-Moselle: the German occupation from 1870 to 1918, as well as the battles of theFirst World War that took place in the Vosges. The hike presents no difficulty other than a few hundred metres with a 15% gradient after the Col de Sainte-Marie.

One of the most beautiful slopes in the Vosges to climb one of the highest peaks in the Vosges, with, as a reward on a clear day, a view of the Bernese Jura and its trilogy of legendary peaks: the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau, i.e. the Ogre, the Monk and the Virgin. In autumn, when the mist sets in and the days grow shorter, early morning hikers will be impressed by the bellowing of the stags. This route is far from any noise pollution.

Exploring the old mines of the village of Échery and its Clock Tower. Climb to the summit of the Grand Brézouard and enjoy its 360° panorama of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and the Vosges ridges.

A beautiful historical hike near the Wisembach National Forest.A reminder of the facts:1871 - Alsace/Moselle are annexed by Germany, which modernises many areas.1914 - The heir to the Austrian throne is assassinated / Germany declares war on Russia, France and Belgium. Soldiers occupy villages and mountains.November 1918: the trenches are filled in, the blockhouses and other structures destroyed, but around a hundred remain visible in the heights of the Val d'Argent.

This circular hike links the Col de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines to Chaume de Lusse, through typical Vosges forests of beech, fir, blueberry and high-altitude meadows. The forest paths and roads offer beautiful panoramic views of the Val d'Argent and Meurthe valleys. This is a fairly dynamic route that leads to Chaume de Lusse via a varied course, including sustained climbs (which is why we rate it as difficult), forest passages and open ridges. Part of the route runs between Alsace and Lorraine on paths and trails marked by the GR®531, the former border from 1871 to 1918, with boundary stones marked D (Deutschland), often hammered, and F, marking the historic border and named "Chemins de la Grande Guerre" (Paths of the Great War).

A short circular walk from the Col de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, offering the chance to explore the remains of theFirst World War (1914–1918), including the German army’s installations below the Tête du Violu front line.

Ascent to the Tête du Violu from the Col de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines via the Carrefour des Biches and the Labyrinth.

Thefirst part of the walk is mainly in the shade and not particularly difficult, apart from the fairly steep climb after Grand Rombach. Best done in hot weather to make the most of the shade. Please note that there is tarmac at the start and end of the walk.

A lovely circular walk starting from Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, alternating between open landscapes (offering views of the valley, the Taennchel massif and the Grand Brézouard) and beautiful forests; a route dotted with hamlets featuring old, isolated mountain farms.

A short, shaded hike through a beautiful pine forest, surrounded by ferns and blueberry bushes and above Aubure, to Roche du Tétras.

A pleasant hike above the village of Aubure to discover the Refuge de la Pierre des Trois Bans and enjoy beautiful landscapes over Fréland, Lapoutroie, the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and Aubure.

This hike starts in the hills above Aubure, offering beautiful views of northern Alsace. When you reach the "Pierre des Trois Bans" chalet, there are a few tables where you can stop for a break. Continuing along the ridge path, you can admire the Sainte Marie-Aux-Mines valley. On the way back, there are beautiful views of the Orbey valley and the mountains to the south of Alsace. On a clear day, if you look carefully, you can see the Grand Ballon, the Petit Ballon and even the Hohneck in the distance.

This is a hike of around twelve kilometres that allows you to see most of the interesting rock formations in the magical setting of the Taennchel. The walk starts at the Club Vosgien chalet at Schelmenkopf, above Ribeauvillé. To get there from Ribeauvillé, take the road to Aubure, then at the hamlet of ‘La Pépinière’, turn off towards La Grande Verrerie. Please note: this route is inaccessible in winter as the path is unpaved.

This 12-kilometre hike will take you to the main rocks of Taennchel and the amazing Source des Corbeaux, starting from the small car park at the bottom of the Grande Verrerie.

A walk starting from the hamlet of La Grande Verrerie, allowing you to explore almost the entire Taennchel massif. Allow a full day for the best experience. There is a wealth of literature on the Taennchel, and the information boards along the route help you gain a better understanding of the area.

This outing will take us to an enclave of the Dukes of Lorraine in Alsace, a little-visited valley in the heart of the Vosges forest. This route through mountainous countryside, on well-marked trails, presents no difficulty other than its length and elevation, even in the depths of winter, provided that the snow cover does not hinder progress.

If you want to go on a beautiful hike starting from the Col des Bagenelles, between the valleys of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and Kaysersberg, the Petit and Grand Brezouard tour is for you. Here is the Tour des Petit and Grand Brezouard, which offers views of these two valleys, the Alsace plain and, in the distance, the Black Forest. Very well marked by the Club Vosgien, it is suitable for all types of hikers, including children. 20/08/2024: Hike modified to avoid the Grand Brézouard, which has been unmarked to reinforce the quiet zone.

Beautiful hike in the Val d'Argent, via the Tree of Liberty, to discover the old mines of the village of Échery and its clock tower. Climb to the summit of Grand Brézouard and enjoy a 360° panorama of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and the Vosges mountain ranges.

In spring, there is nothing more pleasant than this circular starting from Fréland and passing through the Col de Chamont. Lovely panoramic views of the Pays Welche, the Fréland and Lapoutroie valleys, the magnificent Mont Kalblin and beautiful forest passages.

The start of this walk, suggested by Passion Vosges magazine as part of its ‘gourmet walks’ series, begins at the car park of the Maison du Pays Welche, which is next to the museum restaurant, the gourmet stop on this outing.

This moderately difficult route passes through beautiful, diverse forests with several points of interest. You can rest or eat at the Clausmatt inn, run by the Espoir association.

This short walk around Col de Fouchy will take you through the northern part of the Val d'Argent, passing Col du Petit Haut, Rocher de la Salière, Roche du Cheval Tombé and Col du Rougerain. A full programme of forest paths and trails accessible to all. Not suitable for pushchairs as some paths are too narrow.

A short two-hour walk, starting from the crossroads above the Saint-Alexis inn. You will walk around the Koenigsstuhl and reach the highest point via the easiest route.

This walk is primarily intended for families with young children or pushchairs. This circular is not difficult but offers truly magnificent scenery and atmosphere. You can ask for more information at the Villé Tourist Office.

This easy circular route, on small mountain roads and very passable paths, will take you to the heights of Le Bonhomme towards the Col des Bagenelles, offering you beautiful postcard views of the Vosges mountain pastures. Taken in May, this walk can also be done in summer to escape the heatwave in the Alsace plain. The Club Vosgien markings are provided for information purposes only, as they may change over time.

This route will take you from an ancient Roman road to the heights of Fréland. Done in good weather at the end of winter, it offers a varied and peaceful hike. Along the way, you will see the first primroses, streams and a view of the Lapoutroie valley. On the way back, it is always a pleasure to cross Fréland. A short visit to the Welche country museum and its adjoining inn will be a pleasant way to round off the walk.

A hike that circles the Grand Brézouard, one of the peaks over 1,200 m located furthest north in the Vosges massif. A fairly demanding route with the main ascent taking place right from the start. Varied terrain and landscapes (woodland, rocky ridge, high-altitude meadows).Please note: at (6) => The quiet zone, in force from 1 December to 1 July, is primarily aimed at preserving habitats favourable to the wildlife of old-growth forests. Furthermore, conditions of silence and tranquillity must be strictly maintained, particularly during the winter and breeding seasons. (INPN - ZNIEFF). 20/08/2024: Route modified to avoid the Grand Brézouard, which has been cleared of signposts to reinforce the quiet zone.

A very beautiful circular hike from Le Bonhomme, which is not too busy. We were lucky enough to pass through areas filled with flowering foxgloves... magnificent.A varied route through forests and pastures.

This circular hike starts in the village of Le Bonhomme and follows the "Circuit de la Grande Guerre sur le massif de la Tête des Faux" (Great War Trail on the Tête des Faux massif), which was a fierce battlefield between 1914 and 1915. Here you will find remnants of the 1914-18 war, two imposing cemeteries, as well as fortifications and technical installations erected by the Germans. The Étang du Devin and its bucolic setting offer a place to rest.

A circular hike starting from Le Bonhomme. It takes us through the forest to Lac Blanc. The return journey crosses a small section of the battlefields of theFirst World War. There are numerous military structures, as well as a national necropolis and a German military cemetery. An important place of remembrance in the history of the Alsace region.

This hike will take you from Le Bonhomme to the 1914-1918 battlefields of Tête des Faux, then to the three passes of Calvaire, Louschbach and Bonhomme. Along the way, depending on the season, you can enjoy the abundance of blueberry bushes along the path.

A lovely snowshoe walk in a place steeped in legends and the history of the 1914-1918 war.

Circular starting from Urbeis in the Villé valley, following the heritage trail on the theme of the mining past, then passing by the ruins of Bilstein Castle, the village of Climont and the Col d'Urbeis.

This route will take you around Urbeis, leading you up to the higher ground and to the foot of the Théophile Mine.

Nestled in the forest at an altitude of 940 m south of the village of Le Bonhomme, the Auberge de l’Étang du Devin is an ideal starting point for the climb up to Tête des Faux (1,208 m). Numerous remnants of the First World War dot the former battlefield, where a magnificent coniferous forest now thrives.

A steep start, a few sections through the forest, but above all beautiful views of Lapoutroie and the Val d’Orbey, the Brézouard and the Tête des Faux, as well as Fréland and the Kaelblin massif.

A short walk starting from the village of Lapoutroie, heading up to see the Tour du Faudé via the Roche du Chat Noir.Standing 16.50 metres tall, the tower rises above the summit of the Faudé. It was inaugurated on 15 August 2002, offering visitors the chance to take in the superb landscapes of the Welche region and the surrounding area.And to round off your day, you can pop into the Haxaire cheese dairy, where Munster cheese is made.

An easy walk that takes you through the Vallon du Limbach and its moss-covered forests, which have unfortunately suffered greatly from various storms. The upper section of the route takes you through beautiful mixed woodland, with conifers, oaks and beech trees. Suitable for all seasons but ideal on a warm, sunny day, as the valley is very shaded. The rest of the route is also in the shade of tall trees.

This walk is a round trip taking you to the ruins of Bilstein Castle.

Snowshoeing towards Climont – 965m – (Vosges Mountains).

This is an unmissable hike in the Villé Valley, which takes you past some unusually shaped rocks (the Cheval Tombé, the Salière and the Roche des Fées) and leads to the Rocher du Coucou with its stunning views of the valley and the Central Alsace plain, as well as the iconic Château du Frankenbourg, which once protected the area.

Loop hike starting from Fouchy, through beautiful pine and deciduous forests. Gradual climb to Col du Petit Haut, alternating between paths and trails. Return via pleasant trails on the slopes of Rougerain and Guichat, with the Rocher de la Salière and the Roche du Cheval Tombé. The walk ends with part of the heritage trail "Une forêt en pays welsche" (A forest in Welsh country) and the viewpoint at the Fouchy reservoir.

Kaysersberg is a village well known for its architecture and historic centre. It is also possible to combine a visit to this village with a route that takes in Aspach, the Ermitage Saint-Joseph, the Roche du Tétras, the Chêne de la Chapelle and the Rocher des Corbeaux. Most of the route runs through woodland. The main viewpoints are largely concentrated towards the end of the walk, but the route offers several points of interest to liven up the day.

A lovely circular route through vineyards, forests and picturesque villages, passing over a little-used mountain pass. Beautiful views over the Alsace plain. The route follows the cycle path for part of the way, with a section on a quiet country road.

A pleasant walk for the whole family, with a lovely climb at the end. Recommended in good weather; otherwise, the start of the path is muddy.

Here is a walk that will allow you to explore the hills of Riquewihr with its castles, the Reichenstein and the Bilstein, as well as the ruins of Sylo Abbey above Hunawihr.You might also take the opportunity to visit the village of Riquewihr and sample its wines.Enjoy your walk.

Hike through the pretty town of Kaysersberg, then into the Alsatian vineyards. The climb continues through a forest with different species of trees. The return route follows a stream that winds its way between the rocks.

This largely shaded hike will take you to hidden corners of Kaysersberg, including its medieval castle and old town.

A walk that takes you to the Club Vosgien’s Chalet Jean Weibel, passing through the medieval town of Kayserberg, then following a circular route. This route runs entirely through woodland except for the section through the historic village.

By following Géovino in Riquewihr, you will learn about the fundamental importance of rocks for vines. You will understand why the soils of the southern slopes of the Vosges mountains are so special, but also the relationship between rocks, soils and vines, and even their influence on the aroma of wines!

Riquewihr is one of the most popular tourist villages in Alsace. This route allows you to explore this charming little village, whose history is closely linked to wine-growing. With its Alsatian houses and fortifications, this walk has everything to appeal to visitors. This route is perfect for exploring the village in two hours or less. It can also be combined with a visit to the Dolder Museum and the Tour des Voleurs.

A very pleasant walk, mainly through vineyards, allowing you to discover several renowned villages in the Haut-Rhin and the beautiful Almond Tree Hill. Best done in March when the almond trees are in bloom!

This short hike in the hills above Villé takes us from the River Giessen to theGR®532trail along the ridges, with beautiful views of the Champ du Feu massif on one side and the Col de Fouchy on the other the other.

The Val de Villé tourist office publishes very well-designed hiking maps. Today, we are following trail No. 12, known as the Route de la Honel, which will take you through villages and forests with scenic views and rock formations. This hike is particularly beautiful in spring when the orchards are in bloom and the views are still unobstructed, as the forest canopy has not yet fully formed. The trail is fairly easy.