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The Vosges: hiking above Alsace
The Vosges form the forested mountain range right behind the Alsace Wine Route — for day trippers from southern Baden and northern Switzerland, a morning hike in the mountains and an afternoon stroll through a wine village are often just a short drive apart.
Grand Ballon — the highest point
At 1,424 metres, the Grand Ballon is the highest peak in the Vosges. On a clear day the view stretches from the summit all the way to the Alps and the Black Forest — on good days you can even spot your own home region from up here.
Fermes-auberges: dining with tradition
Many hiking trails pass fermes-auberges — working mountain farms that traditionally serve a fixed marmite menu (a stew of smoked meat and potatoes). They're usually open seasonally only, so a quick reservation ahead of time is worthwhile.
Route des Crêtes
This mountain pass road along the Vosges ridgeline was built during the First World War as a military supply route — several memorials and museums along the way commemorate the front line that ran through here between 1914 and 1918.
Frequently asked questions
Can you combine Vosges hiking and the Wine Route in a single day?
Yes, this is one of the most popular day trips — a short hike in the Vosges in the morning, lunch at a ferme-auberge or a wine village at the foot of the mountains, and an afternoon stroll through Kaysersberg or Eguisheim.
Are the Vosges suitable for families with children?
Many trails around the mountain lakes (e.g. Lac Blanc, Lac Noir) are moderate and family-friendly, while the Route des Crêtes and the Grand Ballon are better suited to more experienced, fitter hikers.