Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Goldbach-Altenbach

Hiking trails & Routes

Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Goldbach-Altenbach

Hard

4.8

(21)

143

hikers

Grand Ballon – Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit loop from Goldbach-Altenbach

05:11

14.8km

800m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

6.02 km

Cave Entrance

6.32 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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.57 km

Blue Devils Monument

Highlight • Monument

beautiful landscape

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.70 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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.73 km

Grand Ballon Civil Aviation Radar

Highlight • Other

The radar was designed as an architectural masterpiece by its designer, Claude Vasconi, and was built in 1997.
Under the radome, visitors can access an orientation table offering superb views.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.82 km

Way to the observatory

Highlight • Other

very beautiful 360° view

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.97 km

Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit

Highlight • Summit

This superb promontory offers you a clear 360-degree view of the Black Forest and the Alps when the sky is clear. It is also an ideal location to admire the summit of the Grand Ballon from a little more perspective.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.14 km

Le Grand Ballon, elevation 1,325 m

Highlight • Other

Le Grand Ballon (1325 m) forms the highest point of the Vosges mountains and is one of the most famous destinations for cyclists in the mountain range. Although the summit itself is slightly higher (1424 m), the mountain pass is located at an altitude of approximately 1325 meters on the side of the Route des Crêtes. From here, vast panoramas open up over the Vosges, the Alsace plain, and on clear days even as far as the Black Forest and the Alps.

For cyclists, Le Grand Ballon is a legendary climb. Long and often challenging ascents lead from the various valleys to this iconic mountain. The final kilometers above the tree line offer an impressive scenery of mountain meadows, rocky outcrops, and expansive vistas.

Showing Translation

Tip by