Soultzeren walks

The Linge region was the scene of bloody battles in 1914 and 1915. It is the remains and traces still very much visible on the ground that you will discover as you follow this route. On this section of the Linge-Barrenkopf front, barely 2 km long, one of the bloodiest battles of the Great War in the Vosges took place between 20 July and 16 October 1915. It claimed the lives of more than17,000 young French and German soldiers.

A challenging hike due to its elevation gain and occasionally alpine terrain. An exposed section near the Hirschsteine. Do not attempt this in wet weather. The route offers magnificent views, with peat bogs and lakes, and perhaps even chamois, if the hiker remains quiet (around the Hirschsteine and amongst the rocks on the ridges). Following the suggested route, all the ascents are in the shade. On the ridge sections or descents, you’ll discover some of the ‘must-see’ highlights of the Hautes-Vosges!

This hike offers beautiful views of the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The return route follows the historic Linge Barrenkopf trail.

Superb panoramic views over the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The hike follows the historic route of the Col du Wettstein, the Linge Memorial and the Barrenkopf defence line.

This route is just 2.4 km long and not particularly difficult. Two-thirds of the route is shaded, with the remainder in open country offering beautiful panoramic views of Munster and its valley. With an extra 400 metres (there and back), you can reach the summit of the Hoernleskopf.

A fairly varied hike starting from Soultzeren, linking Lac du Forlet to Lac Vert. The route consists of pretty, shaded paths running alongside or through a few meadows. After afirst climb of 600 m, which is a little challenging, the rest of the hike is very pleasant and does not present any particular difficulties. Refreshments are available at the Ferme-auberge du Forlet and the Chalet Erichson run by the Club Vosgien (snacks or packed lunches).

A walk through the painful history of the Vosges mountains, where numerous remains from the First World War can still be found.

This hike covers both sides of the ridge separating the Stosswhir valley and the Metzeral valley, offering views of the ridges, the Col de la Schlucht and the Trois Fours on the way there, and the Petit Ballon massif and the Schnepfenried on the way back. Numerous ruins from the First World War dot both sides of this ridge, which was the dividing line between French and German troops. Eight thousand five hundred men died on these slopes.

This hike is not particularly difficult and follows wide forest paths, offering beautiful views of the Metzeral valley, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance on the way there. On the way back, you can enjoy views of the Col de la Schlucht and the ridges. The hike can be rounded off with a stop at the Schallern Restaurant or the Gaschney farmhouse inn.

An almost perfect circular route, worthy of a postcard. Along the entire route, points of interest follow one after another: military remains, historic sites, impressive rocks with remarkable shapes, magnificent panoramas and breathtaking scenery guaranteed. Between the Col du Wettstein, the Rain des Chênes, the village of Les Basses-Huttes, the small pass of Linge, the Schratzmaennele and the Glasborn, with trails and a few forest tracks, charming villages, authentic farm-inns and magnificent views of the Vosges ridges, every kilometre holds its own share of discoveries. A comprehensive hike that has it all: nature, history, heritage, gastronomy and exceptional scenery, for an experience as varied as it is unforgettable.

This is an easy hike with beautiful views of the Keysersberg valley to the east and the ridges to the west. You will always find a sunny spot for a picnic around Lac des Truites. The Auberge du Lac Noir welcomes you for a break and the Ferme Auberge du Forlet is open at the end of April. You can also eat at the Mussmiss farmhouse inn, which is clearly signposted on arrival at the Col du Wettstein.

A beautiful hike starting from the Col du Wettstein, with steep climbs up to the ridge above Lac Noir and Lac Forlet, a descent towards Forlet, where caution is advised, then a gentle stretch to the Musmiss Farm Inn (a gourmet stop) and then, in ten minutes, back to the Col du Wettstein.

An easy hike around the Basses Huttes towards the Ferme Auberge du Rain des Chênes on wide, shaded paths offering beautiful views of the Val d'Orbey through the gaps in the forest.

This short hike on trails marked by the Club Vosgien has in the first instance views of the valley of Munster, and also a view of the peaks of the Vosges. The many picnic opportunities around the Lac des Truites or Lac Forlet lakes, the trout spotting opportunities, as well the welcoming farmhouse make for an enjoyable outing.

Explore the forest, lakes and the Hautes Chaumes, the highlights of this hike that follows Vosges Club trails.

A very pretty, varied walk with scenic views and fairly easy going, I've rated it as moderate as a precaution.

Le Petit Ballon is one of the iconic peaks of the Vosges. This challenging hike takes you up to Le Petit Ballon via its northern slope, specifically from Munster. It is divided into two sections, each 8 km long. The first section involves a climb of over 800 metres in elevation between Munster and the summit, whilst the second section takes you back down. From the top, there is a splendid view of the highest peaks of the Vosges as well as the Munster and Florival valleys. It is also worth noting that the descent is more wooded than the ascent.

A very varied hike possible in all seasons, which first crosses the Linge battlefield to discover the geography and remains of one of the deadliest places of the 1914-18 war. After this moving start, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views as you head towards the highest lake in the Vosges mountains: Lake Forlet. Walking through its majestic glacial cirque, you can admire the exceptional views offered by the ridges overlooking the lake.

A walk through the town of Munster and its surroundings, centred on the theme of water. It is suitable for families. Come and discover Munster’s heritage through some twenty fun and educational panels, placed along the route. Do take a moment to explore the old wash houses in particular. The walk also offers a glimpse of the hydroelectric power stations still in operation.

This is a beautiful hike that climbs along the Petite Fecht, offering views of the Stolz Ablass waterfalls, then the Frankenthal and its peat bog. The return journey is via the Gaschney, taking the Bloye trail.

This hike is one of the most interesting in the Munster Valley. You will discover the Stolz Abalss waterfalls and, at the foot of the Hohneck, the Frankenthal glacial cirque with its rock faces, a favourite haunt of chamois, which can usually be seen early in the morning or in the evening

This is one of the classic walks in the Munster Valley. Walkers will discover the magnificent and refreshing Stolz Ablass waterfalls and the historic Mule Trail (14-18), all in the shade of the fir trees.

Near the magnificent Hohneck glacial cirque, this hike (not recommended in winter conditions) alternates between little-known wild trails and busy tourist paths, sections through forest and bare ridges, alpine landscapes and damp woodlands. Of particular interest are the Petite Fecht waterfalls, the Franquenthal glacial cirque and the exceptional views from the summit of the Petit Hohneck. Hiking prohibited in winter; see practical information.

This hike allows you to discover varied landscapes, access the ridge and enjoy superb views of the entire Vosges mountains and the Alsace plain. It crosses two nature reserves: the Franckenthal-Missheimle Reserve and the Tanet Gazon du Faing Reserve.The hike also passes by the Rocher de Hirchsteine, the summit of Tanet and Lac Vert. The entire climb is through forest. ⚠️ 21/07/2025: starting point of the hike changed.

A lovely little family circular path to discover Lac Vert nestled in the heart of the Vosges pine trees.

A beautiful hike with views of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet (Lac des Truites) and a lovely stretch along the ridges.

A beautiful hike that takes you up to the “Gazons”, the famous pastures of the Hautes Vosges, and along the steep slopes overlooking the magnificent cirques where the lakes of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet lie. All of this is situated at an altitude and in landscapes that are reminiscent of the Alps.

A circular walk in the hills above Muhlbach-sur-Munster, starting from the La Perle des Vosges restaurant, along paths that wind through beautiful mountain forests, heading towards the Col du Sattel and the former First World War front line.

A walk designed for an afternoon, from the upper village towards Lameysberg, through the forest. The viewpoint is at the highest point of the walk. The return route also takes you through the woodland, with the option of stopping for a bite to eat at the Christlesgut farmhouse inn.

Lac Vert (1,044 m) owes its name to the colour it takes on in summer due to the proliferation of algae. Lac des Truites (or Forlet) is the highest lake in the Vosges mountains at 1,066 m. Both are located in former glacial cirques dominated by the Hautes Chaumes.

A magnificent circuit on the Vosges ridges with views of the Black Forest and, on clear, dry days, the Alps. 400 m of paved road, the rest on trails or wide paths.

A walk along the ridges of the Hautes-Vosges, taking in both well-known and lesser-known paths. The route passes near three lakes and offers magnificent views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and the Alps on clear days. Plenty of blueberries in season.

This easy loop allows you to discover Tanet, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Vosges, with stunning views and the Haut-Fourneau stone cairns. In late June or early July, you can also enjoy the mountain flowers. The return journey is sheltered by Lac Vert.

Starting from the Route des Crêtes between the Col du Calvaire and the Col de la Schlucht, this walk begins with a panoramic view of Lac du Forlet from the Crête du Gazon du Faing. The route continues, alternating between woodland and open terrain, taking you to discover Lac Noir, Lac du Forlet (also known as Lac des Truites) and Lac Vert.

A hike that starts at the foot of the Solberg antennas, runs along the heights of the Wasserbourg valley, then crosses over to the Metzeral valley, offering beautiful views of the ridges. Along the route, you will come across some remains of structures from the First and Second World Wars.

A short, shaded circular walk at the foot of the Petit Ballon, offering beautiful views of the Munster valley.

A short, very pleasant walk along lovely paths dotted with beautiful viewpoints. An unmissable spot for understanding the Battle of Metzeral, which raged in June 1915, with information boards on site.

A short, ideal walk at Gaschney to get back into shape at the start of the season; no major difficulties apart from a slightly steep climb between (2) and (3). Suitable for families.

The slopes of the Hohneck and the surrounding glacial cirques are all areas frequented by the chamois reintroduced to the Vosges in the 1950s, over 60 years ago.You might just spot them on this hike. The BloyGR®®531trail between (S/E) and (1) is closed from 1 November to 30 April under a prefectural order dated 18 May 2022.

Not to be missed! This is one of the most iconic and famous hikes in the Vosges. The landscapes and views of the entire Vosges mountain range, the Black Forest and even the Alps (on a clear day) are simply magnificent. If you're lucky, you may even spot chamois on the slopes of Hohneck, so don't forget your binoculars! ⚠️ This route is not accessible in winter. The route between (4), (2) and (5) is closed from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).

This is a very beautiful walk in the Hautes-Vosges, not very long, nor with a significant elevation gain, but be warned: the terrain is steep in places, and you should avoid this route at the end of winter (unless you have the right equipment) and in wet weather. The walk takes you to Schaeferthal and Frankenthal, where, in early spring, you’ll see marsh marigolds and daffodils carpeting the ground, and, later on, martagon lilies...

A short hike offering a variety of mountain landscapes: high-altitude pastures, twisted beech trees, a cirque and glacial lakes.

This is a short hike in the hills with beautiful views of the small and large Munster valleys, the Petit Ballon, the Hohneck, the Frankenthal, the Schlucht and the Trois Fours.Good footwear is required as there are a few sections where you have to climb over rocks (north face of the Petit Hohneck) and the descent from Schaefferthal to Gaschney is very rocky.With a bit of luck, you may encounter some chamois grazing on the mountain pastures. ⚠️ This hike is not accessible in winter. See here for closed marked trails .

A route around the most beautiful sites in the Munster Valley. A variety of mountain landscapes: high-altitude pastures, twisted beech trees (high-altitude beech), cirques and glacial lakes, scree slopes, via ferrata, scree fields, glacial valleys: a real distillation of the Vosges in a single hike. A must. This route is rated very difficult due to the section from (10) to (13). It is absolutely not suitable for beginners, children, occasional walkers, or people accompanied by dogs.(!) See also practical information regarding a section that is clearly off-limits.

A beautiful hike with an “alpine” feel, so quite challenging!You’ll discover two small glacial lakes, the Schiessrothried and the Fischboedle, nestled at the foot of the Hohneck.From the Kerbholtz ridge facing the Spitzkoepfe ridge, you descend into the Combe de l’Ammelthal, with very technical but secure sections, then the Combe de la Wormspel where you may spot chamois. The return route takes you via the Hohneck, offering panoramic views.

Set amongst forests, with lovely views and idyllic, rural streets, discover Metzeral, a charming mountain village nestled in the heart of the Vosges.

Discover the southern part of the village of Metzeral, nestled in the heart of the Vosges, via little-known trails. As well as magnificent views of the village, you’ll pass by the Church of the Emm, an iconic monument to the Great War in the Munster Valley!

Discover the village of Metzeral, nestled in the heart of the Vosges, and take a complete tour of it along trails that are often little known. As well as enjoying numerous magnificent views of the village, you’ll pass by the Emm Memorial Church, a First World War memorial in the Vosges!

A pretty loop around the heights of Metzeral and Muhlbach with beautiful views of the Grande Vallée, the Vosges ridges and the Hohneck massif. The Kuhfeil lookout offers a breathtaking view of Metzeral. It is also a place of remembrance. Bitter fighting took place here during the Battle of Metzeral in 1915.

Hike in the hills above Metzeral, starting from the station, with a gradual climb to Petit-Ballon, before reaching the Steinberg ridge and Grothkopf and descending towards the village via the Brietenbach slope. Throughout the route, you will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills and villages in the valley.

Starting from the car park at the Auberge du Gazon du Faing, this circular route links three glacial lakes, each with its own distinct character: Lac Blanc, the largest, dominated by the Rocher du Hans and the Belmont Observatory; Lac Noir, wilder and more enclosed; and Lac du Forlet (or Lac des Truites), nestled in a spectacular glacial cirque at an altitude of over 1,060 metres, the highest lake in the Vosges. Between the three lakes, the trail crosses the Gazon du Faing, a nature reserve of tall grasslands and peat bogs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Vosges ridges. Around ten kilometres of varied trails, through woodland, along ridges and over rocky outcrops, making for one of the most beautiful hikes in the region.