5.0
(3)
19
hikers
6
hikes
Mountaineering around Uffholtz offers access to the diverse landscapes of the Vosges Mountains, characterized by rounded summits, dense forests, and glacial cirques. The region features significant peaks like the Grand Ballon, the highest in the Vosges, and the Storkenkopf, providing challenging ascents and panoramic views. Varied terrain includes forested foothills, open mountain ridges, and valleys, making it suitable for demanding outdoor activities.
Last updated: October 27, 2026
5.0
(2)
7
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
15.5km
04:57
640m
640m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

3
hikers
13.9km
04:10
430m
430m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(3)
6
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
26.8km
08:45
1,200m
1,200m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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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.
6
0
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.
6
0
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
6
0
Le Markstein is a well-known winter sports and outdoor resort in the High Vosges, located at an altitude between 1020 and 1268 meters. The resort is situated directly on the iconic Route des Crêtes and forms an important crossroads and recreational area within the municipalities of Oderen and Lauw (near Wildenstein). At Le Markstein, you will find several traditional Fermes-Auberges and hotels where you can taste the local repas marcaire (a traditional hearty meal from the Vosges). Additionally, the location has gained significant fame in cycling; it is regularly the setting for tough mountain stages in the Tour de France (and the Tour de France Femmes), often as the final challenge after the climbs of Petit Ballon and Platzerwasel.
6
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De Col van Hahnenbrunnen ligt op een open bergzadel in de Hoge Vogezen, tussen de Markstein‑kam en de Breitfirst. De pas bevindt zich rond 1180 meter hoogte en vormt een overgang tussen de bergweiden (chaumes) van de Route des Crêtes en de beboste hellingen die afdalen naar het dal van de Lauch. Het gebied is genoemd naar oude bergboerderijen (fermes d’altitude) die hier eeuwenlang vee hielden op de hooggelegen weiden.
6
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Dedicated to the blue devils (diables bleus), who had to lose their lives at Hartmannswiller Kopf = man-eater head (mangeurs d'hommes) = elite troop of the French, the Chasseurs Alpines. 30,000 victims, Germans and French alike. Compare with Douaumont (Verdun) = Symbol of horror.
0
0
360° panorama and view of the Alps on a clear day (especially in winter).
0
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There is a very nice view over the Sondernach Valley.
0
0
Mountaineering routes around Uffholtz offer a range of challenges. While some are moderate, many routes are considered difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and longer distances. For instance, the Hundsruck Pass – Vogelstein (Bird Rock) loop from Willer-sur-Thur is a demanding 26.8 km route with over 1200 meters of ascent, ideal for experienced mountaineers.
Yes, many of the mountaineering routes around Uffholtz are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A great example is the Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Grand Ballon, which offers expansive views from the highest point in the Vosges.
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You'll encounter the characteristic rounded summits and dense forests of the Vosges Mountains. Many routes offer panoramic views that can extend across the Rhine Valley and even to the Alps on clear days. Notable natural features include the Grand Ballon and Storkenkopf peaks. You can also explore historical sites like the Hartmannswillerkopf National Monument, which is accessible via hiking trails.
The mountaineering routes around Uffholtz are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from challenging ascents to panoramic viewpoints, and the opportunity to explore both natural beauty and historical sites within the Vosges Mountains.
Yes, if you're looking for routes that pass by Lake Lauch, consider the Markstein – Lake Lauch loop from Le Markstein. This 13.9 km trail leads through beautiful mountain landscapes and directly past the lake, typically taking around 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete.
The Vosges Mountains offer excellent mountaineering opportunities from spring through autumn. Summer provides the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, while autumn brings stunning foliage. Some mountain shelters are open continuously from mid-June to mid-September, and on weekends during the off-season. Winter mountaineering is possible but requires appropriate gear and experience due to snow and ice conditions.
Yes, the region around Uffholtz is steeped in history, particularly from World War I. The area near Hartmannswillerkopf, known as 'The Man-Eater,' features several historical remains. You can find sites like the Zimmermann Cross, Baratin Shelter, and Sicurani Chapel along various hiking trails. The Hartmannswillerkopf National Monument itself is a significant historical landmark.
For longer excursions or multi-day treks, there is a mountain shelter located at 1125 meters altitude in the Vosges mountain range. It is open continuously from mid-June to mid-September, and on weekends and public holidays during the off-season. For more details, you can check the information provided by Les Amis de la Nature.
Absolutely. Many routes in the Uffholtz area are renowned for their panoramic vistas. For example, the Hundsruck Pass – Panoramic view loop from Bourbach-le-Haut traverses varied terrain and provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The Grand Ballon, the highest peak, also offers magnificent views extending across the Rhine Valley.
Uffholtz provides access to some of the highest peaks in the Vosges Mountains. The Grand Ballon, at 1,424 meters, is the highest and offers magnificent panoramic views. The Storkenkopf, the second-highest at 1,366 meters, also provides an excellent vantage point and is accessible via charming forest paths from the Route des Crêtes. You can experience the Grand Ballon's summit on routes like the Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Col du Grand Ballon.
While the primary focus of these routes is mountaineering in the Vosges, Uffholtz is also part of one of the southernmost vineyards on the Alsace Wine Route. You can find wine trails in the foothills that allow you to discover the hillsides and vineyards, offering a different kind of exploration after your mountain adventures.


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