Grand Ballon – Grand Ballon loop from Herrlisheim-près-Colmar

France

Alsace

Colmar-Ribeauvillé

Herlisheim (Oberelsass)

Grand Ballon – Grand Ballon loop from Herrlisheim-près-Colmar

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

Grand Ballon – Grand Ballon loop from Herrlisheim-près-Colmar

07:14

99.4km

2,020m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 42.1 km for 1.30 km

Closed: • November-April (otherwise open)

After 44.2 km for 3.33 km

Closed: • November-April (otherwise open)

After 54.6 km for 78 m

Closed: • November-April (otherwise open)

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

6.15 km

Path through the vineyards to Pfaffenheim

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Rue de Pfaffenheim, between Rouffach and Pfaffenheim, beautiful path through the vineyards.

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32.9 km

Col Amic Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The climb of the Col Amic from Soultz-Haut-Rhin is a beautiful and accessible climb in the Vosges, ideal for cyclists who love regularity and nature. The climb is 12.1 km long, bridges 559 meters of altitude and has an average gradient of 4.6%. The route winds through a quiet, wooded area and offers beautiful views of the Alsatian plain along the way. The summit is at 829 meters and forms a junction towards the Grand Ballon or the Hartmannswillerkopf massif. Thanks to its even profile, this climb is suitable for both recreational cyclists and athletic climbers.

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40.1 km

Grand Ballon

Highlight • Summit

The Grand Ballon (German: Großer Belchen), at 1,424 meters above sea level, offers a magnificent panoramic view and is the highest mountain in the Vosges Mountains.

In 1927, a monument to the Blue Devils (French: Diables bleus), a mountain infantry battalion during World War I, was erected. It was destroyed by the Germans in September 1940 and reconstructed by the sculptor Bouret in October 1960. A radar station has stood on the summit since 1997, serving civilian aviation during approaches to the airports of Strasbourg and Basel-Mulhouse.

On clear days, you can see far into the Rhine Valley and the Alps.

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40.9 km

Grand Ballon

Highlight • Summit

The Col du Grand Ballon from Moosch is 12.6 km long with a total drop of 949 m. The average gradient is 7.6% with maximum gradients of 14.5%. There are stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The climb is often included in the Tour de France.

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42.1 km

Haag Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Route des Crêtes, or the Vosges ridge road, is one of the most impressive mountain roads in France. The scenic Route des Crêtes runs along the main ridge of the Southern Vosges almost entirely at an altitude of 1200 m.
Originally, it was laid out by French troops as a supply route during the First World War. Today, in the snow-free months, it is mainly visitors to the Vosges who travel on it. It runs for 75 km from Col du Bonhomme in the north via Col de la Schlucht, Hohneck, Markstein, Grand Ballon and Cernay to Thann in the south.
The route passes several sites from the First World War and touches the highest mountain in the Vosges, the Grand Ballon.
Mostly deciduous and mixed forests line the road, or there are wonderful views of the wooded slopes of the Vosges, the Rhine plain and the Black Forest opposite. On a clear day the view extends as far as the Swiss Alps and Montblanc.
On nice days it is very popular with bikers with and without motor, and hikers get their money's worth on the left and right of the road.
Many convertible tours are also made here, which come from all regions of Europe.
The Ferme, (cozy Alsatian country inns), which can be found along the entire route, offer refreshment opportunities.

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47.7 km

Markstein

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Magnificent viewpoint on the Route des Crêtes, located at the crossroads of the east-west and north-south roads, near the Grand Ballon.

A renowned farm inn is located nearby, ideal for a lunch break between two cycling trips.

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51.7 km

Le Breitfirst

Mountain Pass

54.5 km

Col du Platzerwasel

Mountain Pass

77.0 km

D40 Ascent Col du Firstplan

Highlight (Segment) • Other

Reopened at the end of March 2024 after a long closure. Relatively even gradient on both sides and very little traffic (on a Saturday morning there were only 3 cars during my trip). At the top of the pass there are several tables/benches for a short break.

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