The Vosges massif offers dozens of magnificent hikes that are accessible to beginners and experts alike. They explore its cultural heritage, waterfalls, lakes, mid-mountain peaks and villages. Here are our 11 favorite hikes in the Vosges!
1. Around Gérardmer lake
- Distance: 5.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 50 m
- Duration : 1 h 15
- Itinerary
This superb hike takes in the Vosges' most famous lake from every angle. At an altitude of 660 m, it is the largest natural lake in the massif! Its flat banks make it an easy hike. It's ideal for a hike with friends, and you can even pack a picnic lunch at one of the picnic areas. Because of its popularity and ease of access, this hike can be very busy, so it's not a destination off the beaten track.
2. Tendon waterfalls
- Distance: 7.5 km
- Elevation gain: 320 m
- Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This is a hike to do in the Vosges on hot days, as it is partly shaded and passes through the forest. The looped route takes in the two Tendon waterfalls: a small one, and a large one. At 30 m, the latter is the highest waterfall in the Vosges! This is a medium-level hike, as it climbs a little and is on uneven ground. It is, however, accessible to beginners, provided they have good shoes. You can buy them second -hand at one of the region's many shoe exchanges.
3. The GR® 5, crossing the Vosges mountains
- Distance: 430 km
- Altitude difference: 14,000 m
- Duration: 15 to 25 days
- Itinerary
The GR® 5, traversing the Vosges massif, is one of the longest hikes in the Vosges - and in Europe! It stretches 430 km from Wissembourg in the northern Vosges to Belfort in the southern Vosges. But don't worry, you can also choose to do just one stage. However, if you'd like to take up the challenge of completing the entire walk, you can sleep in one of the many accommodations close to the route, or why not bivouac. You can even continue with the Grand Traversée du Jura, followed by the Grand Traversée des Alpes.
4. The Hohneck summit from Schiessrothried lake
- Distance: 12.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 650 m
- Duration :
- Itinerary
This Vosges hike straddles the Vosges and Haut-Rhin departments. Starting from the Gaschney ski resort, you first climb to the small Schiessrothried lake. This 5-hectare glacial lake is ideal for swimming, but to protect this fragile environment, it's best to avoid it. You can then reach the Hohneck, the highest point in the Vosges department, and the third highest peak in the massif. Because of the steep gradient, this is a rather difficult hike.
5. The Roches trail
- Distance: 18.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 1,000 m
- Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This superb high-altitude trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Vosges, so it's far from being an off-the-beaten-track destination. Dominated by the summit of the Hohneck, it links the Col de la Schlucht to the Cirque du Frankenthal, and offers landscapes that seem to be high mountain. However, this beauty has to be earned, as it is a very difficult trail, both long and steep. It follows part of the same trail as the one mentioned above, but this is a more complete and demanding version.
6. Le Grand Ballon
- Distance: 2 km
- Difference in altitude: 117 m
- Walkingtime : 1 h
- Itinerary
The Grand Ballon is a real must-see in the Vosges, as it is the highest point in the massif! However, we're proposing here that you discover it without having to make too much effort to climb to the top of its 1,424 m, thanks to a quick, family-friendly walk of just 2 km. While the loop trail does take you to the summit, from which you'll enjoy superb views, its starting point is quite high, so you won't have too much trouble. The summit is part of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, so visitors are encouraged to take steps to protect the environment.
7. Panoramic view of Lac des Corbeaux
- Distance: 3 km
- Height difference: 230 m
- Duration : 1 h 30
- Itinerary
If you're looking for a panoramic hike in the Vosges that's not too difficult, the Lac des Corbeaux panorama hike is for you. To do so, drive or hitchhike to the Lac des Corbeaux parking lot. You'll then drive around the lake, away from it a little on the south shore, to reach the Collet Mansuy, at 1,055m. From the Roche du Lac lookout, you'll enjoy an extraordinary view of the lake.
8. The Kastelberg tour
- Distance: 9.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 340 m
- Time : 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This beautiful hike in the Alps takes you around the summit of the Kastelberg, on a medium-level route. At 1,350 m, it is the fourth highest peak in the Vosges. The trail is highly varied, with sections on ridges and others in forest, giving a superb overview of this ecological destination. However, it is also part of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, so it's essential to protect the environment on this hike, and to take a bag to collect your garbage.
9. Ribeauvillé's three castles
- Distance: 7 km
- Height difference: 385 m
- Time : 3 hrs
- Itinerary
This medium-level hike is ideal for those who like to combine nature and historical heritage. You'll discover three castles: Château de Girsberg, Château de Saint-Ulrich and Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre. This kind of historic landscape really does make the Vosges an ideal hiking destination. While you can hike this loop in either direction, it's recommended that you do so clockwise, to ensure a smooth finish.
10. The Three-Lake Trail
- Distance: 12 km
- Elevation gain: 500 m
- Duration : 5 hours
- Itinerary
Why see one lake when you can see three? This challenging hike starts at Lac Noir. It then follows the Cornelius trail to the famous Lac Blanc. Finally, you'll reach Lac des Truites. At 1,066 m, it's the highest lake in the Vosges! Good footwear is a must for this hike, which includes many very rocky and uneven sections.
11. The Hohneck via Lake Fischboedle
- Distance: 11.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 700 m
- Time : 5 hrs
- Itinerary
This trail begins at the Col du Wormspel, which you'll have to reach by car rather than by soft mobility. Along the way, you'll discover the rocky ridge of the Spitzkoepfe, a rather ragged ridge culminating at 1,290 m. You'll then reach the Fischboedle lake, a small glacial lake, before finally approaching the famous Hohneck, one of the highest peaks in the Vosges. This is a challenging hike, with a lot of elevation gain, but it's not overly technical.
To find out more about the French mountains, take a look at our articles on the best hikes in the Alps, Pyrenees and Auvergne.
