The Tour of the Hautes Vosges in freedom
This 3-stage loop of mid-mountain walks in the Hautes-Vosges offers breathtaking scenery.
This splendid 4-day loop hike (3 walking stages) in freedom takes place in the most emblematic site of the Hautes-Vosges : The Great Peak! The high paths of the Vosges lead you to discover the high valleys of Alsace and Vosges, protected peat bogs where you can admire a particular flora on the bare crests of the Hautes Chaumes offering dazzling views sometimes as far as the Alps …
Between 600 and 1400 meters of altitudethe high paths of the Vosges will lead you to the discovery of the high valleys of Alsace and Vosgess, the bogs where you can admire a particular flora with a wide range of bare peaks of Hautes Chaumes offering dazzling views sometimes as far as the Alps, from the beech and fir forests to the many isolated high altitude lakes, from the roundness of the summits to the verticality of the glacial cirques… Some chamois may even surprise you on the slopes of the Hohneck massif… And many culinary specialities on the program!
Europ’Aventure allows you to enjoy your stay in total relaxation: accommodation, half board, luggage transport,…
Free hiking – 4 days – Departure possible from May to October.
Program
Day 1
Munster
Reception around 6pm at the hotel located in the valley of Munster (famous for its cheese of character…), one of the largest and most beautiful valleys of the Alsatian side of the Hautes-Vosges. Set up for one night.
Day 2
Munster (370m) – the Blast Furnace (1288m) – Schlucht Pass (1139m)
6h30 walk (16 km). Difference in height 990m, difference in height 270m.
Magnificent increase in power of your stay. Very varied landscapes thanks to a very gentle progression of the different layers of vegetation crossed. Passage to the Alsatian village of Hohrod nestled in a forest and greenery (481m) then to Soultzeren. As you ascend, you take measure of the remarkable view that is offered to the eyes. Here towards the Hohneck, there towards the Petit Ballon, there again on the valley or Munster. You finish your ascent to the top of the Blast Furnace. Passage to the Schlucht pass (the highest in the Vosges) before reaching the Chalet Hôtel de montagne located at 1100m. Set up for one night.
Day 3
Schlucht Pass – Kastelberg (1350m) – Markstein (1200m)
5h30 walk (18.5 km) Ascent 560m, Descent 480m.
Stage of crests and summits, all in altitude, between 1200 and 1400m, with successive points of view over the whole Vosges Massif: sublime!
After having climbed the Hohneck (1363 m) you follow the summit ridge of the massif which separates the Vosges from the plain of Alsace. On the way, many small peaks dot this ridge, the Kastelberg (1350 m), the Rothenbackhopf (1316 m), …. But you don’t have to climb them all! Below, glacial lakes pearl in the middle of the coniferous forest.
Day 4
Markstein – Langenfeldkopf (1290 m) – Petit Ballon (1272 m) – Munster (370 m)
6 hours walk (21 km). Positive altitude gain 660m, negative altitude gain 1460m.
This is the wildest stage, the landscapes are very endearing, with a variety of vegetation of pines, heather and juniper. Transfers to the Markstein. We cross the old stems of Markstein then those of the Steinlebach before joining the Oberlauchen pass (1211m). The path follows the ridge up to the Petit Ballon and then starts the descent to Munster which is quite beautiful!
End of the hike to 16h00 to Munster, possibility to visit the village: abbey, church, the Albert Schweitzer and Fecht parks, exhibition in the premises of the Parc des Ballons…
Map
Practical information
Home : on day 1 around 6pm at the hotel in Munster (Haut-Rhin-68 – contact details will be provided at registration)
Dispersion : on day 4 at about 5pm in Munster.
Difficulty: This medium mountain hike presents no particular technical difficulty – be accustomed to walking in varied terrain and be in good physical condition. The courses are well marked. The average altitude difference on the way up is about 800m per day. The itinerary takes place at an altitude between 370m (Munster) and 1424m (the Grand Ballon). You will walk an average of 6 to 7 hours a day.
Framing : hiking in freedom without an attendant
Dogs: dogs have not been allowed on this trail since April 2022.
Luggage transport: with luggage transport from one stage to the next. 1 piece per person, maximum 15 kg.
Access by car: Munster (370m – Haut-Rhin – 68) is on the D417 about 20km east of Colmar in the direction of Col de la Schlucht/ Gérardmer/ Epinal. Parking : you can leave your car in the closed car park in the garden of the hotel, during your hike, negotiated rate: 5 € for the 3 days (to be paid on the spot). Or on the free car park of the village hall, located 900 m from the hotel, in the centre of Munster.
Train access : Munster via the station SNCF of Munster via the station SNCF of Colmar (19 km – Timetable to be consulted at the SNCF).
Extension : If you wish to climb the Grand Ballon, it is possible to add a night at the Markstein to make a loop hike that passes by the summit.
Dates
May 12 to October 26, 2024 No departure on Friday and Saturday
Prices
Below is the price list per person for 2024. The price depends mainly on the size of your group.
- From 2 to 3 persons: € 495.00
- From 4 to 5 people: € 450.00
- From 6 to 7 people: 430.00 € (€)
Single room supplement: + € 85.00 per person
Supplement for 1 single participant: + € 70.00 per person
- Price per person, without luggage transport: € 415.00
The price includes:
- Organization and booking fees
- ½ board accommodation(except dinner on day 1!!)
- The freedom pack (all the documentation needed for the tour: maps, descriptions, etc.)
- Luggage transportation
The price does not include:
- The drinks
- The means of transport to the meeting place
- Picnics
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Possible visits
- Everything not mentioned in the “Price includes” section.
Extension
(2nd night at Le Markstein 1/2 board + road book): + 90 €/person. Must be booked at time of registration.
From
430,00 €
Highlights
- Successive views of the Vosges Massif
- Discover the high valleys of Alsace and the Vosges
- Luggage transport
In pictures
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