Wissgrut walks

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.

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 very beautiful hike with a stunning view from the summit of Ballon d'Alsace over two other ballons. This hike takes us to the remarkable sites of Saut de la Truite, Rummel Waterfall, Étang du Petit Haut and Vierge du Ballon.

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 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).

The walk is a bit of a challenge at the start with a significant climb, but it’s along a shaded forest track with a gentle gradient. The magic happens again when you emerge from the forest and reach the stubble fields, where you can enjoy a different atmosphere.

A lovely walk with plenty of magnificent views over the valley.

The route starts in the village of Lepuix, situated at the foot of the southern slope of the Ballon d’Alsace. A pleasant climb through the forest towards the scree slopes of the southern ridges of the Ballon d’Alsace and La Gentiane in the Les Plaines and Wissgrut area, offering magnificent views of the neighbouring mountain ranges: the Grand Ballon, the Black Forest, the Jura, and as far as the Bernese Alps with their legendary peaks (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, etc.) ⚠️Dog kennel between 14 and 15 – best avoided if you have a nervous dog; see comment dated 5 May 2025.

A hike that requires sure-footedness. The path is sometimes slippery from the start up to the Col de Rode Tête, setting off from La Jumenterie to reach Ronde Tête via Lake Alfeld and its waterfalls. The route passes through Sewen and its lake before heading up to Wisgrutt. From there, theGR®5takes us back to the foot of the Ballon d’Alsace to climb to its summit: the Vierge, an orientation table and stunning views of the surrounding area. Finally, we pass by the statue of Joan of Arc before returning to our starting point.

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 hike takes you down from Ballon d'Alsace to Giromagny. It is the continuation of the Vosges crossing, proposed by DNA, Passion Vosges and the Journal d'Alsace (see practical information). The first few kilometres are along the ridges, with views of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley and even the Alps. During this same section, you may come across several ski resorts, such as La Chaumière and La Gentiane. A farmhouse inn at Wissgrut offers lunch. Further on, a shelter at the Col du Chantoiseau provides a place to picnic. The descent then continues, sometimes more steeply than others. The arrival in Giromagny offers views of the city of Belfort.

This long circular hike will take you through or past a large number of remarkable, picturesque and spectacular spots, and you’ll have the satisfaction of having climbed the Ballon d’Alsace with a significant elevation gain – something not everyone gets to do. The route can be completed in a long day’s walk, provided you are in good shape and set off early in the morning. It is very manageable over two days at a more leisurely pace, with an overnight stay at the Ballon d’Alsace.