4.4
(419)
16,103
riders
78
rides
Road cycling routes around Malmerspach are situated in France's Haut-Rhin department, within the Alsace region, at the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. This area provides diverse terrain, from challenging mountain passes with significant elevation gain to scenic routes through valleys and past natural features. The landscape is characterized by rounded summits, dense forests, and glacial cirques, offering varied road cycling experiences.
Last updated: October 8, 2026
4.9
(19)
1,875
riders
123km
07:12
3,030m
3,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.4
(19)
518
riders
39.2km
02:13
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.6
(22)
611
riders
44.0km
02:37
1,030m
1,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.5
(12)
249
riders
47.1km
02:28
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.1
(7)
190
riders
40.4km
02:09
650m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The Col du Hunsrück (748 m) is a quiet and wooded pass above Willer-sur-Thur. The steady climb and beautiful nature make this a pleasant classic in the southern Vosges, with connections to both the Thur and Dollervallei valleys.
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The last hairpin bends on the east side of the Grand Ballon are among the most characteristic passages of the climb. Several bends are paved with natural stone (cobblestones and not setts), a reminder of the historic mountain road. Between the steep slopes and the impressive views, these cobblestone bends form a special approach to the highest peak of the Vosges.
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The bare mountain lends itself to beautiful panoramas.
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When you drive from the Route des Crêtes towards Le Grand Ballon, you pass the Col du Haag (1233 m) almost unnoticed. Yet, this pass marks a special point on the southern flank of the highest mountain in the Vosges. Here, steep roads from the Thurdal leave the wooded slopes and reach the open heights of the massif. From the col, a typical Vosges landscape unfolds with mountain meadows, scattered farms, and sweeping views. The proximity of the Grand Ballon is felt everywhere: the imposing summit towers above the pass and forms the natural goal of the final climbing kilometers. For cyclists, the Col du Haag is mainly known as the point where difficult climbs from the valleys converge before the road continues to rise to the highest point of the Vosges.
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Le Markstein (1184 m) is meer dan alleen een kruispunt op de Route des Crêtes. Het is echter een echte bergpas en het hoogste punt van de oversteek tussen het Lauch- en Thurdal. Het ligt in het hart van het Vogezenmassief, midden een populair wintersportgebied dat nauw verbonden is met de Grand Ballon
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Stuwdam Lac de Kruth‑Wildenstein View over the quiet mountain lake on one side, and on the other side the steep, wooded rock face of the Thur valley.
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The Cascade du Bockloch is an atmospheric waterfall in Alsace (Haut-Rhin department), located on the wooded northeastern bank (right bank) of the Kruth-Wildenstein Lake. The waterfall is fed by the Hinterbockloch mountain stream, which originates on the slopes of the nearby Grand Ventron massif. Water plunges here via an abrupt, steep rock face about 12 meters down into a small, photogenic basin, just before it flows into the reservoir.
5
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The Col d' Oderen is an 8.2 kilometer climb. This is a category 3 climb. It is located in Cornimont, Lorraine, France. The average gradient of this climb is 3.9% with a maximum of 6%. The Col d' Oderen rises from 573 meters at the start to 885 meters at the top, with a total of 312 meters of elevation gain.
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There are over 80 road cycling routes around Malmerspach, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 12 easy routes, 41 moderate routes, and 29 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
The region offers diverse terrain, from challenging mountain passes with significant elevation gain in the Vosges Mountains to scenic routes through vineyards and valleys. You'll find well-paved surfaces, dense forests, and glacial cirques, providing varied road cycling experiences.
Yes, Malmerspach offers routes suitable for less experienced riders and families. While many routes feature significant climbs, there are 12 easy routes and 41 moderate routes available. For a more leisurely experience, consider routes that explore the valleys or parts of the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route, which often utilize quiet country lanes.
Many routes offer stunning views. You can cycle towards the Grand Ballon, the highest point in the Vosges, for panoramic vistas. Other points of interest include the Markstein mountain pass and the scenic Haag Pass. The Route des Crêtes also provides continuously scenic riding along the crests of the Vosges.
Yes, some routes incorporate natural features like lakes and waterfalls. For example, the Lake Kruth-Wildenstein – Bockloch Waterfall loop from Geishouse is a moderate route that takes you past these beautiful natural attractions. You can also find highlights like the Bubalafels Waterfall and Ballon Lake in the vicinity.
The best time for road cycling in Malmerspach is generally from spring to early autumn. During these months, the weather is most favorable for tackling challenging mountain passes and enjoying the scenic valley and vineyard routes. Clear days can offer breathtaking panoramic views extending to the Bernese Alps from higher elevations.
Absolutely. Malmerspach is a haven for cyclists seeking demanding climbs. Iconic passes include the Grand Ballon, Ballon d'Alsace, Col du Firstplan, Petit Ballon, and Col du Platzerwasel. Routes like the Col Amic Pass – Grand Ballon loop from Ranspach offer substantial elevation gain, testing the mettle of even experienced riders.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 260 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging mountain ascents to serene vineyard routes, and the stunning natural environment of the Vosges Mountains.
Yes, many road cycling routes around Malmerspach are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the challenging Firstplan Pass – Pinot Bend loop from Moosch and the moderate Oderen pass – Col du Page Memorial (957 m) loop from Ranspach.
The region around Malmerspach, being popular for outdoor activities, offers various options for accommodation and cafes. Charming towns and villages nearby, such as Thann, are likely to have facilities catering to visitors. It's advisable to check local listings for specific cyclist-friendly establishments.
While Malmerspach is nestled in a natural setting, public transport options might be limited directly to trailheads. It's best to research local bus or train services connecting to larger towns in the Haut-Rhin department, such as Thann, and then cycle from there. Planning your route with public transport in mind is recommended.
Generally, road cycling on public roads and designated cycle paths within the Vosges Mountains and the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges does not require special permits. However, always respect local signage, protected areas, and any specific rules that might apply to certain sections or events. For general information on nature and wellbeing in the region, you can visit visit.alsace.


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