Grand Ballon – 1,424 metres (4,672 ft): highest point in the Vosges mountains
Grand Ballon – 1,424 metres (4,672 ft): highest point in the Vosges mountains
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Grand Ballon – 1,424 metres (4,672 ft): highest point in the Vosges mountains
03:21
8.89km
470m
Hiking
The Vosges massif extends over seven departments in eastern France. Made up of medium-sized mountains, it separates the Lorraine plateau from the Alsace plain. This land of nature and discovery offers a rich diversity of landscapes and activities in all seasons. Located at an altitude of 1,424 meters, the emblematic Grand Ballon is the highest point of the massif.
This loop takes you to discover this iconic summit, while exploring its surroundings. The start is at the Haag farm inn, at the pass of the same name. The alternation between vast beech forests and mountainous terrain makes it a particularly fun outing. The route begins with a descent to Lac du Ballon. You go around the expanse of water embedded in a glacial cirque before returning to the Gustiberg inn.
The following section takes place uphill to the summit of the Grand Ballon. Gradually the vegetation gives way to mountain landscapes. Along the way, the Grand Ballon chalet allows you to rest a little before tackling the final ascent to the roof of the Vosges. A few meters before reaching it, a pretty promontory offers a lovely 360-degree view. The Grand Ballon then offers you a panorama which dominates the entire massif.
Shortly after starting the descent, you discover the Blue Devils monument which pays tribute to the Alpine hunters engaged in the war of 14-18. The loop ends with a very pretty path which leads to the Col du Haag.
Last updated: June 10, 2024
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8 m
Haag Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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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2.02 km
Ballon Lake
Highlight • Lake
Embedded in a glacial cirque, it offers a setting of all splendor, the reflections of the sun making its surface shimmer in an alternation of shadow and light created by the rich surrounding vegetation.
Although natural, it is forbidden to bathe there because it is used to supply water to the valley.
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4.04 km
Gustiberg Farmhouse Inn
Highlight • Restaurant
And if the weather is with you, you will have lunch on the terrace with an absolutely magnificent view of the Vosges.
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7.25 km
Panoramic view from the Grand Ballon summit
Highlight • Summit
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7.51 km
Grand Ballon
Highlight • Summit
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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8.89 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.17 km
3.22 km
1.29 km
101 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
4.29 km
2.46 km
982 m
917 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,410 m)
Lowest point (980 m)
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Wednesday 15 July
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Comments
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The 360-degree view from the summit of the Grosser Belchen is unparalleled. Miles of visibility stretches from the valleys below to the horizon.
The hike around Lac de Ballon was very varied. It went up and down, sometimes over an alpine pasture, then through a beautiful deciduous forest, and time and again the forest opened up to …
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I can't answer the question of whether the tour should be reversed better.
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relive.cc/view/veqzmYd7nB6
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September 27, 2023
The Vosges massif extends over seven departments in eastern France. Made up of medium-sized mountains, it separates the Lorraine plateau from the Alsace plain. This land of nature and discovery offers a rich diversity of landscapes and activities in all seasons. Located at an altitude of 1,424 meters
Translated by Google •
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