Wattwiller walks

A beautiful hike from Wattwiller to Hartmannswillerkopf, then Molkenrain, Freundstein with the remains of the castle, and back through the bunkers and trenches of the First World War. There are many places to eat along the hike. Just under 7 hours of walking, not counting long breaks.

Located in the south of the Haut-Rhin, Wattwiller has long been known for its thermal springs. Today, its water is still used in our bottles. This route allows you to discover much of its heritage, notably its four fountains, the Church of Saint John the Baptist and the François Schneider Foundation museum. This route includes a short detour that gives you an overview of the village. To round off the route, we recommend combining it with a visit to neighbouring villages such as Uffolthz or Berrwiller.

Located above the village of Wattwiller, nestled against the slopes of the southern Vosges, this hike is ideal if you want to enjoy views overlooking the village, walk through vineyards or enjoy the coolness of the forest. The start and end points are at the car park in front of the François Schneider Foundation. The route is not difficult and the paths are very well marked.

The existence of the Cantine is directly linked to the Great War of 1914–18. German and French troops fought for control of the summit of the Hartmannswillerkopf, known locally by the abbreviation HWK, which offered a breathtaking view of the Rhine plain. The German sector 2 headquarters was established in casemates.

A cool forest walk on the southern slopes of the Hartmannswillerkopf massif, a major site of remembrance of the Great War. Forest trail along a steep ravine, waterfall, drier conditions at higher altitudes, passage at the Hirtzenstein rock and return to the starting point. The route is punctuated with remnants of the fighting that raged in 1915.

The Hartmannswillerkopf (Viel Armand in French) was the scene of fierce fighting throughout 1915. Losses amounted to 50,000 dead, evenly divided between the two sides. This hike pays tribute to these soldiers by following part of their trenches. It begins with the ascent of the massif, following the German fortified trenches to the summit where the necropolis is located. The return route descends via the French side, the "Chemin des Dames".

Uffholtz is a small village with 1,700 inhabitants. Located near Cernay, it is known to cyclists as the starting point for the ascent of the Hartmannswillerkopf and the Grand Ballon. This short route, which can be extended to include a visit to the neighbouring village of Wattwiller, allows you to discover all its heritage: Saint Erasmus Church, the 1914–1918 Shelter and its park, Schaecher Chapel and the Plague Cross, dating from 1565.

Set off to meet the storks of Cernay from the charming little village of Uffholtz, passing by numerous points of interest and beautiful views of the region. In good weather, you will also be able to see the Alps!

A lovely walk starting from the centre of the charming village of Uffholtz. It circles the bucolic Loh plateau, where orchards, vineyards, meadows and crops alternate. It ventures into the Uffholtz communal forest to enjoy a refreshing shaded passage halfway along a very open route where the sun can be intense. On the way back, the walk follows the Egelbach stream.

Starting from the village of Uffholtz, you will walk to Wattwiller, passing through the vineyards on the hill overlooking the two villages.

We did this hike in winter. There are a few difficulties, but overall it's a pleasant hike.

This beautiful, short hike is based directly on the guide of the same name published by the Cernay Tourist Office.

This hike, which presents no major difficulties, allows you to explore the immediate surroundings of Cernay and then, after crossing the vineyards and the Loh plateau, to enter the oak forest above Steinbach. A number of vantage points offer sweeping views across much of the Alsace plain as far as the Black Forest. On a clear day, certain spots also provide breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

Cernay is a small town with a population of 11,000. It is situated at the entrance to the Thur Valley. This route allows you to discover much of Cernay’s heritage, starting from the town’s historic centre. The walk begins near Saint-Étienne Church and then heads towards the suburbs, which bear witness to the town’s industrial past. The route then winds back and forth between the suburbs and the town centre, allowing you to discover as many historical and cultural sites as possible.

Accessible walk with two magnificent viewpoints from the Rehbrunnel rock (Wotan Oak shelter) and the Hirlenstein rock.

The Ostein farmhouse inn, located along this hike, is a great place to quench your thirst before continuing on to Steimbach. A stop at the Ostein rock offers breathtaking views of the entire valley and the Grand Ballon.

Like the "South and North Trenches of Hartmannswillerkopf" hikes, this hike pays tribute to the soldiers of theFirst World War. This hike follows the German supply routes that fed the front. The Zeller canteen was the location of the German army's Sector II headquarters in 1914. Around this canteen, the pioneer village included a bookshop, dentist, hairdresser, kitchen, photographer and a chapel. Warning. Friday 12 May 2023. From (9) to (10), dangerous to approach, the owners of the Ollwiller estate almost let the dogs loose. Be very careful, do not approach the estate. Awaiting modification...

A small village with just over 1,000 inhabitants, Berrwiller is situated near the Wine Route. It is a village in the countryside. This route takes you on a tour of the entire village, exploring its pleasant streets close to the farming community. The highlight of the route is undoubtedly Berrwiller Church.

Hartmannswiller is a small village situated at the foot of the Vieil Armand. It is best known for its church and its fortified cemetery. This walk allows you to discover other sites, marked by cultural information boards, such as the town hall, the well on Grand'Rue and the crosses. To round off your exploration of the area, you can combine this walk with a visit to the neighbouring village of Wuenheim.

The Hartmannswillerkopf (HWK, Viel Armand in French) was the scene of fierce fighting throughout 1915. Like the "South Trenches of the HWK" hike, this hike pays tribute to the combatants by following part of their trenches and shelters. It begins with an ascent of the northern slope of the massif and the German side to the summit, followed by a descent via the French side before passing by the Sicurani Chapel.

Starting from Wuenheim near Soultz, this hike offers a wealth of historical and cultural heritage discoveries, taking you through beautiful forests in the foothills of the Vosges mountains to Col Amic on the Route des Crêtes, passing historic sites from the 1914-1918 war near Hartmannswillerkopf: Zimmermann Cross, Baratin Shelter and Sicurani Chapel, then return via the Kohlschlag farm inn, Holzwasen, St Anne's Chapel, Notre-Dame de Thierenbach Basilica and the Jewish cemetery in Jungholtz.

Starting from Wuenheim, this circular route will take you through the vineyards of Ollwiller after a short stretch through the forest.

Wuenheim is a small village of 800 inhabitants, situated between Soultz and Cernay. With a history deeply rooted in winegrowing, this route takes you past various winegrowers’ houses that withstood both world wars. Indeed, the village of Wuenheim was severely affected by the First World War. This route allows you to discover Wuenheim’s wine-growing heritage, whilst exploring the theme of the village’s reconstruction following the First World War and learning about the impact that conflict had on the village.

A beautiful hike on Hartmannswillerkopf mountain, also known as "The Man-Eater", where a battle took place during the First World War. You can discover various historical remains (old cemeteries, old shelters, ruins, trenches) and a magnificent view of the Alsace Plain.

This long hike will allow you to enjoy the many views offered by the Col Amic and the climb to the Grand Ballon. You can also stop for refreshments at the various farm inns located along the route. It's the ideal way to spend a sporty day in the open air on the highest peak in the Vosges.

Starting from the Route des Crêtes, near the Freundstein farmhouse inn, a magnificent, fairly easy and varied route with numerous viewpoints.

Vieux-Thann is best known for its industrial heritage. However, there are green spaces that allow you to escape this atmosphere entirely. This route takes you to discover them all. The walk passes by Saint-Dominique Church and Place Bernard Thierry-Mieg, as well as the Espace Rammersweier. Other points of interest along the route include the town hall and Place Scherrer.

A hike mostly through woodland on the lower slopes of the Grand Ballon, passing the charming Kohlschlag Farm Inn at the foot of the Col Amic. The return route to Sainte-Anne goes via the Holzwasen shelter.

A moderately challenging hike which, as the paths wind their way, offers beautiful views of the Rimbach Valley, the Alsace plain and, of course, the summit of the Grand Ballon. Crossing the little Kaltenbach valley with its trees and moss-covered rocks, its small waterfall and the remarkable 1914–1918 baths is a real treat.

The hike starts in Jungholtz and crosses the communal forest of Guebwiller to take you to the Col de Peternit. Hike between the Guebwiller and Rimbach valleys, among conifers and deciduous trees. The hike can also be done by mountain bike.

This 90-minute circular route takes you to places of remembrance from the First World War near Hartmannswillerkopf. Starting with the Sicurani Chapel, built in honour of a Corsican officer killed on the Vosges front. Pascal Sicurani, captain of the68th Alpine Chasseurs Battalion, died a few days before Christmas, on 22 December 1915. His remains were transferred to his native village in 1923. The circular route then passes by the Abri Baratin.

During this hike, we will follow in the footsteps of the poilus who fought at Hartmannswillerkopf during the First World War, and we will cross the Route des Crêtes several times.

The Grand Ballon is a legendary peak in the Vosges. It is easily accessible by car. More experienced hikers can reach it on foot via various hiking trails. One of the longest routes starts from Soultz. The climb is steady on the first day and the descent is steady on the second. The more athletic can complete this hike in a single day, but to fully enjoy the scenery, it is better to do it over two days. This hike will leave you with lasting memories of the view from the summit at over 1,400 metres above sea level.

A long hike, almost flat, but covering a significant number of kilometres. This route will take you through villages and towns such as Hartmannswiller and Cernay. When conditions allow, the view stretches as far as the Alps. Apart from the theme of religion, which is very prominent with the various small churches and the Thierenbach Basilica, the theme of the First World War is also present on the way back. Most of the hike is in open country. Only a quarter of the hike is covered between Wattwiller and the basilica of Thierenbach.

Soultz-Haut-Rhin is a small town with a population of 7,000 located at the gateway to the Florival Valley. It is home to two museums: the Nef des Jouets (Toy Museum) and the Bucheneck Museum. This walk takes you on a tour of the town and other historical sites such as the old railway line, the Capuchin monastery of Saint-Maurice, the old synagogue, memorials and various green spaces.

Passion Vosges magazine 2026, dedicated to gourmet hikes, offers a superb circular route around the highest peak in the Vosges. This route passes by the Ferme-auberge du Grand-Ballon and offers magnificent panoramic views.

This hike connects Gustiberg, Lac du Ballon, Col du Haag and Grand Ballon, starting from Firstacker and alternating between typical mountain landscapes: forests, stubble fields, pastures, scree, etc.

A beautiful hike, wild in all seasons, through stubble fields and beautiful forests, passing the summit of the Grand Ballon (360° view) from the Firstacker car park, via the stubble fields of Gerstacker, the Haag Pass, around the Storkenkopf in the forest, then up to the summit of the Grand Ballon (Diables Bleus monument and radar dome) before descending via the modified GR®5 route between the Col du Grand Ballon (La Vue des Alpes restaurant) and the Ferme-auberge du Grand Ballon.

This circular mountain route starting from the Col du Firstacker links three farm-inns (the Kohlschlag, the Freundstein and the Molkenrain) whilst offering you the chance to discover the Hartmannswillerkopf Memorial, the famous and deadly Franco-German mountain battlefield of the First World War. Alternating between forests, pastures and ruins, the route subtly blends heritage with farm life and the atmosphere of the forest, all enhanced by magnificent views.