Top 20 Mountain Passes around Épinal
Best mountain passes around Épinal are found in the Vosges Mountain range, which is easily accessible from the city. This region features gentle mountains, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes. The area offers diverse attractions for visitors, characterized by its natural beauty. These passes have historically served as crucial links between different cultural regions.
Best mountain passes around Épinal
- The most popular mountain passes is Ballon d'Alsace, a natural monument that holds historical significance as the first pass ever conquered…
Last updated: September 29, 2026
Wormspel Combe
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Col de Bramont
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Col du Bramont (Southwest)
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With a length of 7 kilometers, this pass has a drop of 385 meters, with a maximum gradient of 7%.
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Oderen Pass
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Page Pass (957 m) & Memorial
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Climbing the Col d'Oderen from Kruth
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Few cars use this road, allowing you to reach the summit, at 884 meters, in peace and safety.
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Mont de Fourche Pass
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Col des Feignes (Sous-Vologne)
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Falimont Pass
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Col de Bussang (731 m)
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Popular around Épinal
European Divide Trail — 7,600 km across the continent
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Other adventures around Épinal
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There are no restaurants or cafes at the summit of the Col de Bramont itself. However, the pass serves as a strategic junction. From the summit, you can directly connect to the famous Route des Crêtes (the D431), which links the main mountain peaks of the Vosges. This allows you to easily cycle or hike to larger attractions nearby, such as the Col de la Schlucht, the Hohneck, or the Grand Ballon. The climb is enjoyable due to its 12 hairpin bends on the southern flank (Kruth).
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The climb starts relatively calmly; the first 4.5 kilometers hardly show any significant incline, while the road runs slightly undulating along the Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein reservoir. Only after that does the real climbing work begin over a distance of about 3.5 to 4 kilometers. From that moment on, the road winds its way up via 12 characteristic hairpin bends. The gradient during this section is very constant and fluctuates almost continuously around 5 to 6%, making the climb ideal for finding a steady rhythm. The road is well-asphalted and leads entirely through a dense pine forest. This allows you to cycle delightfully in the shade, although due to the dense vegetation at the top and during the climb, there are few sweeping views of the valley. Once at the top (955m), you can descend directly to the north side towards La Bresse or join the well-known Route des Crêtes to extend the ride to, for example, the Col de la Schlucht or the Grand Ballon.
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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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Brilliant ascent to the pass relatively quiet with a pleasant gradient
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Finally reached the highlight of the day
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This is the starting point for many hikes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some historically significant mountain passes in the Vosges region near Épinal?
The Vosges region boasts several passes with rich history. The Ballon d'Alsace is particularly notable as the first pass ever conquered in the Tour de France in 1905. Other historically crucial passes that served as links between Latin and Germanic cultures include the Col de Bussang (727m) and the Col du Bonhomme (949m).
Are there challenging mountain passes for experienced cyclists near Épinal?
Yes, for cyclists seeking a challenge, the Col de Bramont offers a mix of challenging ascents and thrilling descents through dense forests and meadows, reaching 956 meters with a maximum gradient of 7%. The Col d'Oderen also provides a quiet yet challenging ascent, with its steepest section reaching a 7.5% gradient over five kilometers.
What kind of natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see at the mountain passes around Épinal?
The mountain passes around Épinal offer diverse natural beauty. For instance, Wormspel Combe, near the prominent Hohneck peak, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Schiessrothried and the Wormsa Valley. Many passes, like the Col des Feignes (Sous-Vologne), also feature scenic viewpoints and forest landscapes.
Are there family-friendly activities or passes suitable for a day trip near Épinal?
The Col de la Schlucht is an excellent choice for family day trips. It's a popular year-round destination, offering a summer toboggan run and numerous hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. Its easy accessibility and range of activities make it a great spot for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes around Épinal?
The Vosges Mountain range, accessible from Épinal, provides abundant opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and hiking. For specific trails, explore guides like MTB Trails around Épinal, Gravel biking around Épinal, and Mountain Hikes around Épinal.
When is the best time to visit the mountain passes near Épinal?
The Vosges mountain passes offer different experiences throughout the year. During summer, they are ideal for hiking, cycling, and scenic drives, with many passes like Col de la Schlucht becoming lively day trip destinations. In winter, some passes, such as Col de la Schlucht, transform into popular winter sports hubs with ski lifts.
What makes the Col du Page Memorial special?
The Col du Page Memorial (957 m) is appreciated for its quiet connection routes and its peaceful environment. Visitors also note the presence of a spring with drinking water near the summit, making it a convenient stop for hikers and cyclists.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' mountain passes worth exploring near Épinal?
While not widely publicized, passes like the Mont de Fourche Pass are considered small but beautiful Vosges passes with little traffic. It's even been part of the Tour de France, with its history clearly documented at the top, offering a fast descent into the Moselle valley.
What are the typical terrain and elevation gains like on the mountain passes around Épinal?
The mountain passes in the Vosges region generally feature gentle mountains and diverse terrain. For example, the Col du Bramont (Southwest) rises to 956 meters with a drop of 385 meters over 7 kilometers, and a maximum gradient of 7%. The region offers a mix of moderate and challenging climbs suitable for various fitness levels.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around Épinal?
Visitors frequently praise the fresh, invigorating air, the natural beauty of the dense forests and meadows, and the panoramic views offered by many passes. The historical significance of certain passes, like the Ballon d'Alsace, also adds a unique charm, while others are valued for their quiet routes and challenging terrain for outdoor sports.
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