Hiking

Ridge hikes

The ridge trail (GR5) links the summits across the high moorlands, overlooking the Alsace plain.

Photo: Pexels
Moderate

The ridge trail, followed by the GR5, runs along the divide between Lorraine and Alsace, from the Donon to the Ballon d’Alsace. You walk the high moorlands — windswept alpine grasslands — with the Alsace plain and Black Forest on one side, the Vosges valleys on the other. The Hohneck – Col de la Schlucht – Grand Ballon section is the most iconic.

Tips & good to know

Tips & good to know

  • Exposed to wind and fog: bring a warm layer and windbreaker.
  • Easy starts from the passes (Schlucht, Markstein).
  • Farm-inns along the way for the marcaire meal.