The 13 most beautiful hikes to do in the Vosges

Go on to adventure by walking one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Vosges!

Welcome to the Vosges! This department of Eastern France has beautiful landscapes for him. Green forests, sumptuous mountains or large air spaces... Here, nature changes faces constantly over the seasons!

Instead of skiing in one of the thermal cities or skiing in the resort, why not go hiking?

Indeed, the department offers beautiful possibilities for hiking. We offer you to discover them without further delay: you will necessarily find your happiness! Here is our selection of the most beautiful hikes to be made in the Vosges.

1. Lake Schiessrothried and Hohneck

This hike in the Vosges takes place within the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges. The course begins in the Gaschney ski resort and continues to the picturesque little lake of Schiessrothried.

The route will lead you to the top of the Hohneck: you will contemplate the whole plain of Alsace and the sumptuous Black Forest.

The pass of the Schaeferthal will serve as a descent trail. Attention: to the mountain, time is changing very fast and can surprise hikers. Prudence!

2. The trenches of Hartmannswillerkopf

Close to Wattwiller, in the Upper Rhine, this hike in the Vosges is a major cultural event. The Hartmannswillerkopf (Viel Armand in the language of Molière) was a high place of the First World War.

In 1915, the fighting caused more than 50,000 deaths... Today it is possible to browse the trenches and shooting poses that remain intact. The ascent of the massif leads to a memorable necropolis and allows to contemplate the Alps In clear time...

3. The three castles of Ribeauvillé

This route starts from Ribeauvillé and aims to visit three beautiful castles of the region. The castles of Girsberg, Saint-Ulrich and Haut-Ribeaupierre are indeed superb to explore!

The point of the course of this hike in the Vosges is undoubtedly the Rocher Kahlfelsen. A beautiful trail will make the link between these sumptuous sites.

4. Lake Longemer and Returnnemer

These two lakes are accessible via a well shaded path that promises beautiful landscapes. Forests of pines, waterfall, climbing a small mountain and a break on the edge of sumptuous water... the trail promises nice family moments!

However, good shoes and of water in quantity – during the summer season – for this hike in the Vosges.

5. Kruth-Wildenstein Lake

Turning around Kruth-Wildenstein Lake is a must among the hikes to be made in the Vosges. It is an artificial lake located in the Alsatian part of the splendid Vosges massif.

Accessible to all, the course is particularly pleasant in summer when it’s hot. The Bockloch waterfall and the ruins of the Schlossberg Castle are close to this route. Don’t hesitate to accept it by going to visit them!

6. The Hohwald waterfall and the scent of the Veaux

This pretty loop between forest and pastures will lead you to an impressive cascade. The signage of the trail is particularly well-kept: follow it to the Hohwald waterfall where you can enjoy a quiet picnic.

The pond of the "Champ of the Veaux" is very close and will be a pleasant and bucolic break for the whole family.

7. The waterfall and the Nideck Castle

Wanderlix wanted to present you a hike in the very medieval Vosges. Start by parking at the Nideck waterfall, nestled at the foot of a majestic cliff.

Raise your head: the Nideck Castle is above! To reach it, take a well-appointed path (stairs and running hands secure your progression).

The ruins are well preserved as a whole and the view of the region is breathtaking. Prefer spring and fall to enjoy a pleasant temperature!

8. The loop of the Tendon cascades

This hike in the Vosges runs through the forest of the massif. On the menu: forest trails, impeccable signage and stream passages. Yes, the itinerary is sometimes similar to an initiation to canyoning: this water circuit is more readily available in the fall or spring .

The departure is given to the parking lot of the small waterfall between Tendon and Le Tholy. The rocky itinerary will easily lead you to the local waterfalls: some even allow you to swim. Good recommended shoes , nice memories assured!

9. The hiking of the three lakes

It is near Orbey in the Upper Rhine that you will access this typical forest route. This route starts at the Black Lake car park and is well sheltered in the shade of multi-centered trees.

Balized yellow , you will reach Lake Blanc without congestion and then reach GR5. Then? The natural area of the Gazon du Faing, which is quite windy, precedes the steep path to Lac des Truites.

These three lakes are very frequent in the summer. But how happy to enjoy their freshness!

10. The pass of Sapois and the Saut of Bourrique

This hike in the Vosges is located Gerardmer . It aims to reach the Saut de la Bourrique, a waterfall of the Vosges massif.

You'll have to be equipped with up shoes Because of the rocky and slippery paths! From the Lac de Gérardmer, follow a path leading to a chain of stone bridges and wooden bridges.

The Saut de la Bourrique waterfall precedes the Sapois pass and the Mérelle waterfall with a panoramic viewpoint. This course is accessible to all and is one of the most beautiful in the region!

11. The Tour de Mérelle

Close to the previous one, the trail starts on the yellow marked path of Lake Gerardmer. Small wooden bridges lead to the Chanony waterfall and to the Merelle waterfall.

The observatory of the Tour de Merelle, perched at 897 metres , will make you enjoy a splendid view of the region. Our advice? You'll get there. in autumn to admire the white Bunnies of the Vosges with their most beautiful colours.

12. Panorama of Lac des Corbeaux

It is in La Bresse in the Vosges that you can perform this short pedal loop. Lac des Corbeaux is a 9-hectare glacial lake located in 887 meters altitude .

To reach it, park in the parking lot of the Route des Bouchaux. The lake is nearby and you can access a sublime window overlooking it.

The strength of the rando? You can swim there! This hike in the Vosges is for everyone: try it with family!

13. Roche des Bioquets and Grouvelin Head

This well-marked trail starts in the heart of the ski resort of La Croix Claudé near Gerardmer. You will also take a green track to reach the top of Grouvelin’s head.

After passing the shelter of La Croix Claudé, you will take the direction of the Roche des Bioquets. Beautiful views of the region await you on the trail: a orientation table offers precious indications to the visitors of the day.

The Vosges massif then opens to you in all its splendor: rather cool, right?