Schnepfenriedkopf walks

A lovely climb towards the Vosges ridge along the River Pfahlrunz, with a stop at a charming little lake (unnamed). Lots of remarkable trees. Then an easy walk along theGR®5along the ridge before heading towards the farm inns at Salzbach and Uff Rain, with panoramic views of the Vosges peaks.

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.

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.

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).

Begin your descent through varied landscapes towards the first villages of the Alsace plain, situated on the Wine Route. After enjoying the 360° view from the Petit Ballon over the valleys of Guebwiller and Munster and the Hohneck and Grand Ballon mountain ranges, it is as you begin the descent at the end of the ridge that you will catch sight of the Petit Ballon glacial cirque. Beautiful little paths, winding through woods and meadows, vineyards and mountains, will take you to the village of Soultzmatt, via Wintzfelden and Osenbach, not forgetting a short stop at the remarkable site of the ruins of Schwartzenthann Convent.

The route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.

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*.

Second stage of this hike with bivouac. This time, Lac Lalande, Lac de Retournemer, Cascade Charlemagne and Cascade de Retournemer will be on your route, allowing you to discover magnificent colours.

Starting from Lac de Blanchemer, the route follows theGR®531, taking you via the Rainkopf (alt. 1,305 m), before descending towards the Tourbière de Machais, the Col de Bramont and the Étang de Sèchemer to reach the Chalet de Rouge Mousse.

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!