Hike in the Vosges
The Vosges remains a range slightly overlooked by hikers, yet its nature is stunning. The accessibility of the main summits makes things easier for beginners and allows for beautiful mid-season hikes. No need to wait for the height of summer required by higher-altitude massifs. 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, following the so-called Sentier des Roches. It's a feast of nature, mountain, wildlife and flora. The summit of the Hohneck is one of the most popular spots in the Vosges. You should allow a good half-day to complete this extraordinary trail. It is very well marked by the Club Vosgien, but it is nonetheless prone to accidents and is not recommended for children.
The eastern slope of the Hohneck can remain snow-covered well into spring. It's worth checking the weather conditions before you set off. From spring onwards, however, it makes for a very pleasant route through forest with beautiful views — and above all, air as fresh as nowhere else.
Lac Vert – Lac des Truites – Gazon du Faing
This is perhaps one of the finest hikes in the Vosges, and the scenery here is of rare beauty. The route is pleasingly varied — through forest between Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet, then out in the open across the high heathlands of the Vosges. The hike has no real technical difficulty, and along the way you'll find plenty of farm inns to eat and stock up on snacks for the road.
Allow around 10 kilometres of walking, but take your time to take in the scenery — and don't forget your camera!
Le Grand Ballon: the iconic Vosges hiking trail
Perched at an altitude of 1,424 metres, Le Grand Ballon is indeed the highest peak in the Vosges. It can be reached on foot via a pleasant hiking route that is not particularly challenging, with 360° panoramas over the Alsatian plain and Lorraine.
You can reach Le Grand Ballon from Gérardmer by following the direction of Markstein, or from Mulhouse towards Thann, and finally 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 also offer beautiful viewpoints.
Ascent to Lac White
This hiking route starts from Orbey and presents a few challenges. But your efforts will be well rewarded by the view over the lake and the surrounding landscape. You can't swim in Lac White, but you can walk around its entire perimeter — with some tricky passages in places, but equally breathtaking views!
The viewpoint at Rocher Hans is breathtaking, and it's an image that will stay with you for a very long time.
From Thann to the Auberge du Gazon Vert via the Belacker
This is a 21-kilometre hiking route with over 1,200 metres of elevation gain. It starts from the Cercle Saint-Thiébaut in Thann and follows the Col du Hundsruck then through the Forêt des Volcans. You then reach the Coulée du Vogelstein (an ancient lava flow) and then the Belacker — an absolutely stunning heathland area. All that remains is to head towards the Lac des Perches and your final destination.
This fairly challenging route is truly delightful from the first warm days of the year, giving you a real sense of the Vosges mountains — the scent of fir trees and flower-filled meadows where walking is a pure pleasure.
Hiking in the Vosges is a wonderful way to explore this region of hidden charm. You wander along paths sheltered from the sun and share the mountain life of grazing herds at altitude. The local gastronomy and rich culture of the region are not to be overlooked as you walk the Vosges trails. And even if summers are warm, the shoulder seasons are often very favourable, with a most pleasant mildness. As always, take time to plan your routes, warm up properly, and above all make sure you're well equipped with the right clothes for hiking and quality footwear for walking the trails!
