On the ridges: Grand Ballon – Markstein – Petit Ballon

(S) From the Chalet Hôtel Club Vosgien, follow the trail marked with red-white-red Red Rectangles. This starts at the rear of the chalet. Descend to the Col du Haag ( street view).

(1) Follow the path marked with a Yellow Rectangle and a Red Rectangle, leaving the farmhouse inn on your right.

(2) Go round the Stronkenkopf on the left until you reach the Route des Crêtes ( street view).

(3) Follow the path marked with Red Rectangles and Yellow Rectangles. This runs alongside the Route des Crêtes and goes round the Hundskopf. Continue to the Markstein station street view.

(4) Continue to follow the Red Rectangle-marked trail, which runs alongside the Route des Crêtes on its right. Head
to the Col du Hahnenbrunnen and the refuge ( street view).

(5) Follow the path marked with a Blue Ring, which heads off to the right and crosses meadows then a shady forest before reaching a road. After crossing the road, turn left and follow it for 30 m.

(6) Then turn right street view. Continue through the forest to the Col d'Oberlauchen.

(7) Please note: there are two possible routes to the Col de la Lauchen; see the photo and on-site signs.

(8) Depending on the season, stay on the ridge (as shown on the map) or take the Sentier des Américains from the south to reach the Col de la Lauchen.

(9) Follow the path marked with a Yellow Rectangle.

(10) Pass the Col du Hilsenfirdt and then walk past the Bockenwasen chalet.

(11) Arrive at the foot of the Petit Ballon, in front of the Amis de la Nature chalet. Head to the summit of the Petit Ballon via the path that starts in front of the chalet.

(12) Descend via the path marked with a Red Cross to reach the car park ( street view). Head towards the information board.

(13) Take the path leading down into the field opposite, marked with a Red Cross and a Yellow Ring, to reach the Kahlenwasen farmhouse inn (E).

N.B. On site, the correct spelling is indeedKahlenwasen, as one word and with an ‘n’, contrary to what is shown on the maps.

You can take the bus from the foot of the Chalet Hôtel Club Vosgien to the Marsktein station or to the Col du Hahnenbrunnen, which reduces the walk by a third or half. Find out more here. Please note that the Kahlenwasen farmhouse inn does not accept credit cards (as of July 2015). Hiking equipment is essential.