4.5
(3760)
22,436
hikers
210
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois traverse a landscape characterized by its Vosgian relief, featuring rounded mountain summits known as "ballons" and extensive beech-fir forests. The region includes diverse ecosystems such as peat bogs, scree slopes, and high prairies. Hikers will find a variety of terrain, from dense woodlands to open mountain pastures, with elevations reaching up to 1,216 meters at Ballon de Servance.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
4.8
(88)
476
hikers
10.3km
03:16
440m
440m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(64)
271
hikers
11.7km
04:05
620m
620m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(56)
275
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(16)
100
hikers
15.0km
05:46
870m
870m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(25)
134
hikers
13.0km
04:22
620m
620m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
Too bad the dam is currently under construction.
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Hiking from the balloon over the mountain ridge through the High Vosges promises wonderful solitude and panoramic views.
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Caution: very wet, slippery path, wear good shoes, especially from September onwards.
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The view and the path are simply fun, rocky and a really great view.
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Comfortable bench with a great view of the mountains.
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Great view and a good opportunity for a break
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Very interesting to see what is true
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There are over 200 hiking routes accessible directly from bus stations in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois. These trails cater to various fitness levels, with 32 easy, 134 moderate, and 40 difficult options.
Yes, the region offers several easy, family-friendly routes accessible by bus. For a pleasant and scenic walk, consider the Beautiful views – Ballon d'Alsace loop from Col du Ballon d'Alsace. This route is relatively short and offers rewarding vistas suitable for families.
The Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois is rich in diverse natural features. You can expect to encounter dense beech-fir forests, rounded mountain summits known as "ballons" like the Ballon de Servance, and unique hydrological formations such as peat bogs and cascades. The region also features high prairies and moorlands, offering varied landscapes.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same bus stop. An example is the Ballon d'Alsace – Rummel Waterfalls loop from Col du Ballon d'Alsace, which offers a moderate challenge and includes a beautiful waterfall.
Hikers can discover several interesting landmarks. The iconic La Planche des Belles Filles summit is a significant point, as is the Ballon de Servance. You might also encounter the Chevrères Pass or the tranquil Sailley Refuge and Fountain on the Ballon de Servance.
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 3,300 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning panoramic views from the 'ballons', and the peaceful immersion in nature offered by the diverse forest ecosystems.
Absolutely. The region is known for its unique hydrological and geological formations. The Ballon d'Alsace – Rummel Waterfalls loop from Col du Ballon d'Alsace is a great example, leading you to beautiful cascades. You can also find trails that pass by peat bogs and scree slopes, showcasing the diverse natural landscape.
The Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois offers unique experiences in different seasons. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flora, while summer provides pleasant temperatures for higher altitude hikes. Autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant fall foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, though some trails may require appropriate gear due to snow and ice.
Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, there are several difficult routes accessible by bus. These often involve significant elevation gain and longer distances. The region's mountainous terrain, with peaks like the Ballon de Servance, provides ample opportunity for strenuous and rewarding hikes.
The reserve is a habitat for a rich array of protected species. Keep an eye out for birds like the Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, and various woodpeckers. If you're lucky, you might even spot larger mammals such as Chamois or Lynx. The diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to peat bogs, support a remarkable biodiversity.
Many trails in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois provide breathtaking panoramic views. The rounded summits, or 'ballons', are particularly known for their expansive vistas. Consider the Lake Alfeld – Valley view loop from Col du Ballon d'Alsace for stunning perspectives over the surrounding valleys and lakes.


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