Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see

Mountain Peaks

France
Alsace
Thann-Gebweiler
Wattwiller

Viewpoint at the summit of Vieil Armand

Discover
Places to see

Mountain Peaks

France
Alsace
Thann-Gebweiler
Wattwiller

Viewpoint at the summit of Vieil Armand

Highlight • Viewpoint

Viewpoint at the summit of Vieil Armand

Recommended by 353 hikers out of 362

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges

Save

Share

  • More

  • Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Viewpoint at the summit of Vieil Armand

    4.8

    (20)

    125

    hikers

    1. Ascent through the trenches – La Suisse Lippique Trenches loop from Wattwiller

    13.8km

    04:41

    700m

    700m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Intermediate

    4.9

    (28)

    106

    hikers

    Intermediate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Intermediate

    Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Expert

    Tips

    September 6, 2020

    This French observation post was restored in this place in 1985, it was then on the southern slope.
    It is of the "Molehill" type, model OD 92-95
    in the shape of a hemisphere, with a rotating visor.
    After the war, these objects were incorporated into the Maginot Line or scrapped.
    I find it very good to incorporate such objects into this system, it takes on a different meaning in a place where it once stood more than 100 years ago than in a museum.

    Translated by Google •

      March 23, 2020

      The Hartmannswillerkopf was bitterly contested between the Germans and the French during the First World War because of its exposed and strategically favorable location with a view of the Alsatian and Upper Rhine plains.

      The battle for the summit began on December 31, 1914. The heaviest fighting took place on 19/20. January 26th, March 25th and 26th April and 21./22. December 1915. During the four years of the war, the hilltop changed hands four times. From about mid-1916 both sides reduced their troops there; more intense fighting took place in the more northerly sectors of the front. From 1916 onwards there were essentially only artillery duels. Both sides limited themselves to keeping their lines.

      30,000 French and German soldiers died in the entrenchment battles at Hartmannswillerkopf; about twice as many were injured. They did not lead to a result for either side and now stand for the futility of war. The Hartmannswillerkopf has occasionally been called the "mountain of death".

      On August 3, 2014, the 100th anniversary of Germany's declaration of war on France (World War I), Federal President Joachim Gauck and French President François Hollande met at Hartmannswillerkopf. On November 10, 2017, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated a joint Franco-German museum to commemorate the battles.

      Translated by Google •

        April 18, 2019

        The magnificent natural landscape of the Vosges Mountains stands in sharp contrast to the hell unleashed by humans that raged here a good 100 years ago. The trenches, barbed wire fence and bunker facilities, but even more so the many crosses of the military cemetery, could be reason enough to rethink the concept of "Europe of the Fatherland" thoroughly.
        However, the many paths with some great views to the Grand Ballon, over the Rhine Valley and over to the Black Forest are definitely highly recommended. Also, the museum, located directly on the parking lot, is definitely worth a visit.

        Translated by Google •

          Sign up for a free komoot account to get 16 more insider tips and takes.

          Sign up for free

          Details

          Informations

          Elevation 940 m

          Weather

          Powered by AerisWeather

          Today

          Wednesday 29 October

          15°C

          10°C

          0 %

          If you start your activity now...

          Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h

          Most visited during

          January

          February

          March

          April

          May

          June

          July

          August

          September

          October

          November

          December

          Loading

          Location: Wattwiller, Thann-Gebweiler, Alsace, France

          Other Popular Places to Check Out

          Cascade du Siehlbaechle

          Explore
          RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
          Download the app
          Follow Us on Socials

          © komoot GmbH

          Privacy Policy