Built during the First World War, the Route des Crêtes follows the divide between Alsace and Lorraine and serves the Grand Ballon, the Hohneck and the Col de la Schlucht. On foot you soon leave the road for paths across the high pastures, with views over the Alsace plain on one side and the Vosges forests and lakes on the other.
The GR 5 runs alongside the route between the Hohneck and the Col du Bonhomme, switching from one side of the ridge to the other. Along the way, farm inns serve the traditional repas marcaire and Munster cheese. The climbs are manageable for regular walkers, but the summit weather can surprise even in summer.
💡 Good to know
Bring a windproof and warm layers even in summer, and check that your chosen farm inn is open: many only operate in season.
Photo: Pexels