Sewen walks

Discover the Roches de Morteville, Lake Sewen and Lake Alfeld, the large rock, the statue of Joan of Arc and the waterfalls. A hike bordering on the (very) difficult. GPX track strongly recommended. Route between (5) and (7) updated on 13 May 2025

A peaceful hike that will take you to Sewen Lake and its peat bogs, then to Alfeld Lake, which is very different with its dam. The path is flat until you reach the foot of the dam, then climbs a little.

The Ballon d'Alsace is accessible from several points. Its summit is accessible by road. The more athletic may wish to attempt this circular route starting from Sewen, which offers a few points of interest, notably Lake Alfeld. The return route follows the ridges for the most part, offering views that sometimes stretch as far as the first Alpine peaks when the weather permits. There are numerous shortcuts available to shorten the circular route. Hike accessible via Sewen station (11 GD RUE).

This is a beautiful hike offering views of and above the lakes. You will feel cool as most of the hike takes place in the forest (open areas: downstream from the Baerenbach farmhouse inn, the same for the Gresson moyen and the Haute Bers).

Along the banks of the Doller and then the Wagenstall waterfalls, reach the peaceful stubble fields of the narrow Grand Langenberg valley near an authentic farmhouse inn. Then descend to the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace towards the impressive glacial basin of Lake Alfeld, which dominates the Doller valley. Finally, return along the tumultuous Seebach, which calms down in a wet and marshy meadow, before dying in the peat bogs of Lake Sewen. Please note that theGR®®531is sometimes obstructed (forestry work, overgrown vegetation, fallen trees, etc.) and maintenance is sometimes delayed. In this case, take the Fennematt path along the left bank of the Doller (marked with triangles and red trestles) and rejoin the route at point (1) or point (3).

The summit peaks of the Vosges are always a delight for hikers because of the magnificent views they offer. Those of the Wissgrut (or Wisskritt) between the Belfort gap and the Masevaux valley are remarkable. You will reach them via the beautiful Wagenstall waterfalls and continue along the ridge and the upper Fennematt valley, where the Doller river has its source, and its beautiful panoramic trail.

Come and explore the hills on the right bank of the Doller Valley. At the top of the Schlumpf, you can admire the landscape and enjoy views of the Vosges, from the Ballon d’Alsace to the Grand Ballon, and beyond the Alsace plain, the foothills of the Black Forest.

Starting from the Ferme-auberge du Gresson, this circular walk is one of the most magnificent in the Doller Valley. It first takes you to a secluded ridge where the forest has naturally reclaimed the land, before descending towards the lakes of Les Perches and Grand Neuweiher, two magnificent sites where it is lovely to stroll along the shores.

The Graber discovery trail revives the path that serves the village farms. Walk past the Graber farmhouse inn, overlooking those of Holschlag and Kraitland, and stop off at the small Schlumpf ski resort.

In the Doller valley, the climb to the Lochberg farmhouse inn from the small ski resort of Schlumpf (Dolleren) opens up a high-altitude cirque and offers superb panoramic views of the Rossberg massif and the Ballon d’Alsace.

After dawdling along Lake Alfeld, you climb up following the Issenbach Canal. Crossing a moraine reminds you that you are on granite terrain. Arriving at the Issenbach Refuge, you can enjoy a picnic on a grassy terrace facing the Sewen Valley or, further on, a meal at the Baerenbach farmhouse inn. Then the climb along the Seebach is magical, with its small, steep-sided gorges and numerous small waterfalls.

This walk starts from the Lac d’Alfeld car park. After crossing the lake via the causeway, follow a shaded path running parallel to the Issenbach stream. Once you reach the Issenbach area, head towards this hamlet, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The return journey takes you to the Baerenbach farmhouse inn, then back along the same route via the forest road leading to Lac d'Alfeld.

Belle randonnée en montagne entre forêts et chaumes d'altitude.

Enjoy the hike! It's not very long, but there's quite a bit of elevation gain. The first part is quite steep, but the trails are pleasant

If you want an alternative between several circuits between Lac d'Alfeld and the summit of Ballon d'Alsace, here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and takes you past the old farm ruins that dotted the massif before the Second World War. Here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and allows you to discover the old ruined farms that dotted the mountains before the Second World War.

A short distance but a steep climb await you. This is therefore a fairly challenging hike. The main attraction of the hike is discovering the steep slopes of the Vosges on the Alsace side. The summit of Ballon d'Alsace is accessible by car.

This mountain hike takes about 3½ hours and starts at the shores of Lake Alfeld, at the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace, and ends at the Gresson farmhouse inn, passing by the Baerenbach farmhouse inn and the spectacular little Seebach glacial canyon.

A circular route starting and finishing at the Alfeld Lake car park. It follows the Issenbach stream to the refuge of the same name, then on to the Baerenbach Farm Inn, which is the turning point, before following the Baerenbach and Seebach streams back towards Alfeld Lake.

Cross winding paths nestled between the mountains above the picturesque village of Oberbruck. Let yourself be enchanted by the peaceful atmosphere of the dense forest. Beautiful panoramas offer views of the surrounding valley.

A lovely walk with views over the lakes, the summit of the Ballon d’Alsace and the Sewen valley. Our group opted to hike without snowshoes; snow cover was patchy, with more in the wooded areas.

This is a very rich hike in terms of the diversity of its route, relief and views, types of paths, undergrowth and stubble biotopes, and beech forests. Not to mention the magical Lac des Perches seen from below... Moderator's note: the Blue Disc marked trail between (1) and its junction with the Yellow Chevalet (Steinweg) trail is closed to the public and should not be used as an alternative to the Yellow Chevalet trail. Route modified on 26/06/2023 at point (4) to pass through theGR® 5 and join (6) due to dangerous forest decline for hikers and to preserve biodiversity.

In the Doller valley, this walk will let you discover the lakes of Neuweiher and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Vosges. It's an easy walk and accessible to anyone.

This circular walk starts and ends near the Grand Langenberg farmhouse inn. It follows the north-facing slope of the Ballon d’Alsace National Forest above the Wagenstallbach and Doller valleys. It leads to the ridge of the Wissgrut and Gentiane scree slopes, which marks the border between departments 68 and 90, then passes beneath the Tête des Redoutes to return to the starting point.

This hike will take you to the Source de la Doller, which, contrary to what you might think, does not originate at the Ballon d'Alsace, but below the Schlumpf. During the hike, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Doller valley and have the opportunity to eat at one of the farmhouse inns along the route.

From Lachtelweiher (in the municipality of Kirchberg), a pleasant circular route follows the Doller valley, passing over the peaks of Baerenkopf and Sudel in the Southern Vosges and through the farmhouse inns at Lochberg and Bruckenwald. This circular route also has historical interest as it follows, for a long stretch along the ridge, theGR®5, which runs along the former border between France and Germany from 1871 until the First World War.

This short hike offers breathtaking views of the Col des Perches and the lake of the same name, Sternsee. A bench and a small table above the scree overlooking the lake are ideal for a snack break while admiring the landscape. At the Grand Neuweiher lake, stop at the refuge inn to quench your thirst before heading back to Rimbach. Moderator's note: the Blue Disc trail between (6) and Ermensbach is closed to the public and should not be used as an alternative to the Yellow Horse trail (Steinweg).

A hike that will allow you to discover a beautiful Vosges peak, the Rossberg, which offers a magnificent view of the entire massif, from the Ballon d’Alsace to the Grand Ballon and the Honneck, and, on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. A place that remains free from cars and crowds as no road leads there!

The Wegscheid Forest(1), a regional nature reserve, features a landscape inherited from its volcanic past. Beech, fir, oak and maple trees grow in tiers or mingle among the scree on a steep, rugged slope dotted with volcanic rocks and overlooked by the Vogelstein Rocks. After winding paths to discover these curiosities, the hike leads into wide open spaces in the light of the Rossberg and Belacker hilltops with exceptional panoramic views.

A pleasant, undulating hike between the lakes of the Vosges, offering magnificent views, high-altitude thatched roofs and open, varied landscapes. Starting from Rimbach near Masevaux, head towards Basse Bers, then Lac des Perches, climb up to the pass of the same name, followed by the GR®5 trail overlooking the lake, towards Haute Beers (shelter). Gentle descent via the Seppiweg to the Neuweiher lakes, then climb towards Gresson (farmhouse inn). Descent to Ermensbach via the magnificent log cabin shelter of Lagerwald Hutte, then along the hillside to the church in Rimbach.

This hike takes us to one of the highest lakes in the Vosges, Lac des Perches. Access via the Col de Rimbach makes it a fairly strenuous hike as the climb is steep. But the view over the valleys is magnificent and, in my opinion, the lake is one of the most beautiful in the massif. As it is only accessible on foot, it is also well preserved.

Starting in Rimbach, a charming mountain village in the Masevaux Valley, this circular route takes us to one of the highest lakes in the Vosges, Lac des Perches. (alt. 984 m)A relatively strenuous hike with a fair bit of elevation gain, certainly, but the reward is well worth it; the view over the valley is magnificent and the lake is one of the most beautiful in the massif, and as it is only accessible on foot, it is also well preserved.About half of this lovely route takes you through the shade of the forest; the valley floors, lower slopes and certain ridges carpeted with grass are a delight for the cows from mid-May to September.We have classified this route as difficult; it will be so for occasional walkers and young children, but is of moderate difficulty for seasoned hikers.

Hike alternating between forests and alpine meadows with magnificent views and passing through wonderful sites such as Lac des Perches and Lac Neuweiher or the Haute-Bers stubble fields.Please note that there are some tricky sections for those who are prone to vertigo and fear of heights on the GR®5 section overlooking Lac des Perches.

Panoramic or bird's-eye views of the southern Vosges mountains and valleys. Relief, forest, stubble fields, ridges, wild valleys, paths winding through the woods... Exercise and enjoyment guaranteed! Special feature: the beautiful, wild valley at the end of the route, between Belacker and Rimbach!

This walk takes you to the Lac des Perches ; a lake that nestles at the bottom of a very steep-sided cirque. Then the path leads you on to a stubble field where there is a very beautiful view over the valley of the Doller and even of the Alps when the sky is clear.

A hike for those who enjoy a good trudge. The hike can be done in winter, if necessary with snowshoes, bearing in mind the steep gradients encountered throughout the route and particularly over the final few hundred metres. A beautiful hike with Lac d'Alfed as the focal point and the climb up to the ridge.

A family walk in unspoilt, lush countryside at an average altitude of 950 m and with no difficulty. The first part of the route is below the Plain de la Gentiane, in the forest among century-old trees and lush vegetation. Once you reach the Wissgrut, the return journey is along the ridge through sun-drenched pastures with panoramic views of four departments.

This pretty route through meadows and woods is not difficult and the elevation gain is very moderate. It is a family walk suitable for young children. It offers some beautiful views and allows you to discover the grassy slopes of Gentiane, Wissgrut and Tremontkopf, as well as little-used forest paths.

A superb snowshoe hike starting from the Col de la Gentiane, near Ballon d'Alsace, 30 km north of Belfort. This hike will allow you to discover the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Vosges and, if you are lucky enough to have clear weather, you can admire the Swiss Alps and even Mont Blanc.

A challenging hike to discover the secrets of the Ballon d'Alsace! It is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

Starting from the secluded Entzenbach Farm Inn (612 m), this circular route takes you to another, very discreet farm inn in the Doller Valley, the Bruckenwald (750 m). Then, after a long climb to the Baerenkopf (1,074 m), at the summit of which stands one of the oldest mountain huts in the Vosges, the trail leads you to a third farmhouse inn, the Lochberg (910 m), before returning to your starting point.

Starting from the small village of Lamadeleine-Val-des-Anges at the bottom of the Madeleine river valley, there is a pleasant climb through the forest to the Lochberg Pass via the Sept Chemins and Chat passes. From the Col du Lochberg, a circular route will allow us to discover the stubble fields and ridges of the Schlumpf with beautiful views of the upper Doller valley and the nearby peaks, as well as its magnificent log shelters (Sommerseite, Graber) before returning to the pass via the Fennematt and the Source de la Doller. Return to the starting point via the summit of Baerenkopf, Haquin and Trou du Loup.

In the hills above Lamadeleine-Val-des-Anges, starting from one of the smallest and most picturesque villages in the Belfort area, you will climb the Baerenkopf to the legendary refuge of the same name. The route is marked with a Blue Ring.

A long walk passing several remarkable fir trees, forests and pastures, a beautiful 360° viewpoint, fountains, waterfalls and even a cave.

This short walk will allow you to enjoy some quality family time in the heart of the Chaume des Neufs Bois conservation area.

This is a beautiful, fairly challenging route that will take you to Sternsee (Perch Lake), the Neuweiher lakes through the forest and stubble fields, then to the Col des Charbonniers before returning to Rouge-Gazon. You will be able to admire the view of the Alsace plain and the Alps on several occasions when the weather is fine.

A circular route alternating between forest paths and open stretches with lovely views. Historical points of interest include the site of the unfinished Urbès tunnel (a pleasant discovery trail) and the 18th-century oil mill (check for visiting days and times).

A lovely circular route that begins with a walk past the very pretty Lac des Perches, through a charming little village (with a restaurant), through beautiful forests with impressive rock formations (the Forêt des Volcans) and along ridges with views of the three major peaks of the Southern Vosges: Servance, d’Alsace and the Grand. Perhaps a little long, but two shortcuts are suggested which reduce the hike by at least 1½ hours and 200m of elevation gain.

A very beautiful circular trail with a wide variety of landscapes: beech and fir forests, meadows and pastures, and Vosges lakes nestled in their green surroundings. The trails themselves are equally varied: steep and rocky, wide and gently sloping, or narrow paths between the trees. Some beautiful viewpoints. Several possible stops in inns (check closing days) or mountain huts.

A family walk with a quick descent to Lac des Perches but a more gradual return to the starting point at Rouge Gazon.

A lovely little walk starting from the Rouge Gazon car park and ending at the magnificent Lac des Perches. A glacial lake covering 4.5 hectares and 17 metres deep.

This hike, starting from Le Rouge Gazon, offers magnificent scenery, with a fairly significant elevation gain relative to the distance covered. It provides the perfect combination of viewpoints, a waterfall, an inn, a lake and woodland. Depending on the weather or individual preferences, the route can also be adapted.

There are numerous lakes in the Vosges mountains. These include Lac des Perches, as well as the Grand and Petit Neuweiher. This walk takes you to these lakes and on to the Roche de l’Enfer. There are numerous viewpoints, particularly along the first section. It is a technical and challenging hike, but absolutely stunning. When there is water, the 70-metre Gazon Vert waterfall puts on a spectacular show. Among the viewpoints along the route are those at Tête du Rouge Gazon, Gazon Vert, Roche de l’Enfer, as well as two overlooking the Petit and Grand Neuweiher.

This superb hike will take you to Lac des Perches and its magnificent glacial cirque, then to Lac de Neuweiher with its charming inn. Beautiful beech forests, rocks and grassy slopes, some beautiful views.

Circular forest loop at the Ballon d'Alsace starting from La Chaume du Rouge Gazon, passing by Lac des Perches and the Neuweiher lakes. Please note! The route is currently impassable between (7) and (8); you can bypass this by taking the path marked with a Blue Cross and then a Red Rectangle.

From Niederbruck to Bruckenwald: go via the trail and return via the path.

A very pleasant walk in the foothills of the Vosges.The walk follows mostly wide, gently sloping paths.Beautiful views over the valleys.Several picnic spots with shelter.The route is marked by a Red Ring.

A lovely walk in the Southern Vosges with beautiful panoramic views, the Wissgrutt pastures and the chance to explore distinctive rocks and boulders (Grande Roche, Pierre Écrite, Roche du Serpent).

This is a moderate hike on a path that crosses a magnificent Vosges forest. Between the trees towards the Col du Chantoiseau, there is a view of the Swiss Jura. Experienced hikers can take a detour from the Chantoiseau to Tremonkopf for a 360° view. The descent from Chantoiseau reveals a view of Planche des Belles Filles and Ballon d'Alsace. The end of the route crosses the pretty village of Planche le Prêtre.

A walk without any particular difficulty in the southern foothills of the Vosges. Perfect for the start or end of the season.