Hike in the Vosges
The Vosges remain a slightly overlooked range among hikers, yet the nature here is spectacular. The accessibility of the main summits makes things easier for beginners and allows for great 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
It is a beautiful route, though the trail known as the Sentier des Roches remains demanding. It is a showcase of nature, mountains, fauna and flora. The summit of the Hohneck is one of the most popular spots in the
Vosges. Allow a good half-day to cover this remarkable trail. It is very well marked by the Club Vosgien, but remains prone to accidents and is not recommended for children.
The eastern slope of the Hohneck can remain snow-covered quite late in the season. Always check 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 fresh 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, with nature 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 Vosges pastures. The hike presents no real technical difficulty, and along the way you'll find numerous farm-inns where you can eat and pick up snacks for the road.
Allow around 10 kilometres of walking, but take your time to soak in the scenery — and don't forget your camera!
Le Grand Ballon: the iconic hiking route in the Vosges
Perched at an altitude of 1,424 metres, Le Grand Ballon is indeed the highest summit in the Vosges. It is accessible on foot via a pleasant, low-difficulty hike with 360° panoramas over the Alsatian plain and Lorraine.
You can reach Le Grand Ballon from Gérardmer by heading towards the Markstein, or from Mulhouse via Thann, and finally from Colmar via La Schlucht. Several access trails exist, all of which are completed fairly quickly and make for a lovely family outing. They also offer superb viewpoints along the way.
Ascent to Lac Blanc
This hike starts from Orbey and offers some challenge. But your efforts will be well rewarded by the views over the lake and the surrounding landscape. Swimming is not permitted at Lac Blanc, but you can walk all the way around it — with some tricky passages in places, but equally superb views!
The viewpoint at Rocher Hans is sublime, and you'll carry that image with you for a very long time.
From Thann to the Auberge du Gazon Vert via the Belacker
Here is a 21-kilometre hike with over 1,200 metres of elevation gain. Starting from the Cercle Saint-Thiébaut in Thann, it follows the Col du Hundsruck and then the Forêt des Volcans. You then arrive at the Coulée du Vogelstein (an ancient lava flow) and on to the Belacker, a truly magnificent area of high pastures. All that remains is to push on towards the Lac des Perches and your final destination.
This fairly challenging route is an absolute delight from the first warm days, giving you a true feel for the Vosges mountains — fragrant fir trees and blooming meadows perfect for walking.
Hiking in the Vosges is a wonderful way to discover this region with its hidden charm. You'll follow trails well sheltered from the sun and share the life of mountain herds at altitude. The rich local gastronomy and strong regional culture are also not to be overlooked as you walk the Vosges paths. Finally, 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
the right clothing for hiking and quality shoes for walking on the trails!
