Hike in the Vosges
The Vosges remain a range somewhat overlooked by hikers, yet the nature here is stunning. The accessibility of the main summits makes things easier for beginners and allows for beautiful hikes in the shoulder seasons — no need to wait for the height of summer required by higher-altitude ranges. Here is a selection of the best hikes in the Vosges!
From the Col de la Schlucht to the summit of the Hohneck
This is a beautiful route but a challenging one along the so-called Sentier des Roches. It is a showcase of nature, mountain, fauna and flora. The summit of the Hohneck is one of the most popular spots in the Vosges. Allow a good half-day to complete this extraordinary trail. It is very well marked by the Club Vosgien but remains prone to accidents and is not recommended for children.
The eastern face of the Hohneck can remain snow-covered well into spring. It is therefore worth checking weather conditions before setting off. From spring onwards, however, it is a very pleasant route through forest with beautiful viewpoints. And above all, air as pure as you'll find anywhere.
Lac Vert – Lac des Truites – Gazon du Faing
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful hikes in the Vosges, and the nature here is of rare beauty. The route is pleasantly varied — through forest between Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet, then out in the open across the high pastures of the Vosges. The hiking route has no real technical difficulty and along the way you'll find numerous farm-inns where you can eat and pick up snacks to take with you.
Allow around 10 kilometres of walking, but take your time to admire the landscapes — and don't forget your camera!
Le Grand Ballon: the iconic hiking route of the Vosges
Perched at an altitude of 1,424 metres, Le Grand Ballon is indeed the highest peak in the Vosges. It is accessible on foot via a pleasant hiking route, not particularly demanding, with 360° panoramas over the Alsatian plain and Lorraine.
You can reach Le Grand Ballon from Gérardmer by following the direction of the Markstein, from Mulhouse towards Thann, or from Colmar towards La Schlucht. There are several access paths, all of which can be completed fairly quickly and make for a lovely family outing. What's more, they all offer fine viewpoints.
Ascent of Lac White
This hiking route starts from Orbey and involves some challenging sections. But your efforts will be well rewarded by the views over the lake and the surrounding landscape. You cannot swim in Lac White, but you can walk around it — with some tricky passages in places, but also superb views!
The viewpoint at Rocher Hans is sublime and you'll carry that image in your memory for a very long time.
From Thann to the Auberge du Gazon Vert via the Belacker
Here is a hiking route of 21 kilometres with more than 1,200 metres of elevation gain. It sets off from the Cercle Saint-Thiébaut in Thann and follows the Col du Hundsruck then the Forêt des Volcans. You then reach the Vogelstein flow (an ancient lava flow) and then the Belacker, an area of high pastures that is magnificent in every way. All that remains is to press on to the Lac des Perches and then your final destination.
This fairly challenging route is truly delightful from the first warm days of the year and gives you a real sense of the Vosges mountains, between the scent of fir trees and flowering meadows that are wonderful to walk through.
Hiking in the Vosges is a wonderful activity for discovering this region of hidden charm. You walk along well-shaded trails and share the life of mountain herds at altitude. Moreover, the local gastronomy and the rich culture of the region are not to be overlooked as you make your way along the Vosges paths. And while summers can be warm, the shoulder seasons are often very favourable with a very pleasant mildness. As always, plan your routes, warm up properly and above all make sure you're well equipped with the right clothing for hiking and quality footwear for trail walking!
