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Routes
Running trails & routes
France
Alsace
Thann-Gebweiler
Lautenbachzell

Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Grand Ballon

Routes
Running trails & routes
France
Alsace
Thann-Gebweiler
Lautenbachzell

Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Grand Ballon

Hard

5.0

(1)

13

runners

Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Grand Ballon

00:34

3.22km

180m

Running

Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

20 m

Haag Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Route des Crêtes, or the Vosges ridge road, is one of the most impressive mountain roads in France. The scenic Route des Crêtes runs along the main ridge of the Southern Vosges almost entirely at an altitude of 1200 m.
Originally, it was laid out by French troops as a supply route during the First World War. Today, in the snow-free months, it is mainly visitors to the Vosges who travel on it. It runs for 75 km from Col du Bonhomme in the north via Col de la Schlucht, Hohneck, Markstein, Grand Ballon and Cernay to Thann in the south.
The route passes several sites from the First World War and touches the highest mountain in the Vosges, the Grand Ballon.
Mostly deciduous and mixed forests line the road, or there are wonderful views of the wooded slopes of the Vosges, the Rhine plain and the Black Forest opposite. On a clear day the view extends as far as the Swiss Alps and Montblanc.
On nice days it is very popular with bikers with and without motor, and hikers get their money's worth on the left and right of the road.
Many convertible tours are also made here, which come from all regions of Europe.
The Ferme, (cozy Alsatian country inns), which can be found along the entire route, offer refreshment opportunities.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

962 m

3

1.15 km

Great view

Highlight • Other

Nice place with a fantastic view.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

1.27 km

Blue Devils Monument

Highlight • Monument

beautiful landscape

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

1.40 km

Grand Ballon

Highlight • Summit

The Grand Ballon (German: Großer Belchen), at 1,424 meters above sea level, offers a magnificent panoramic view and is the highest mountain in the Vosges Mountains.

In 1927, a monument to the Blue Devils (French: Diables bleus), a mountain infantry battalion during World War I, was erected. It was destroyed by the Germans in September 1940 and reconstructed by the sculptor Bouret in October 1960. A radar station has stood on the summit since 1997, serving civilian aviation during approaches to the airports of Strasbourg and Basel-Mulhouse.

On clear days, you can see far into the Rhine Valley and the Alps.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

1.66 km

This superb promontory offers you a clear 360-degree view of the Black Forest and the Alps when the sky is clear. It is also an ideal location to admire the summit of the Grand Ballon from a little more perspective.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

2.49 km

Haag – Grand Ballon area

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pleasant part of the loop around the crest of the Grand Ballon. Plus beautiful views.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

3.22 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.66 km

428 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.95 km

129 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Sunday 12 July

32°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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