イーゼンハイムの絶景の山頂・トップ9

Vieil Armand, also known as Hartmannswillerkopf, is a striking mountain peak in the southern Vosges, near the Col Amic. This place is not only popular with cyclists because of the challenging climb and the panoramic view of the Rhine plain, but also an important historical monument. During the First World War, fierce fighting took place here between French and German troops, resulting in a static trench warfare. Today, the area is a national memorial with a crypt, military cemetery and well-preserved trenches. The climb to Vieil Armand via the Col Amic is not only sportingly rewarding, but also impressive because of the historical significance of the landscape.

https://www.memorial-hwk.eu/

A quiet road up to Geishouse, then a cycle and footpath with fine asphalt and plenty of shade until about 1 kilometer before the Col du Grand Ballon. Praise for the planning and development of this greenway! This is what cycling tourism is all about. A few shorter sections, especially toward the end, have double-digit gradients of up to about 15%. https://www.quaeldich.de/paesse/grand-ballon/

The highest elevation on the Hartmannsweilerkopf, unfortunately also one of the most tragic places on this battlefield. Around the cross there are many trenches, fortresses and fortifications which can also be visited. These tell the sad story of this otherwise beautiful place.

Impressive. Easily accessible via the official circular route. On good/nice days there is quite a lot going on here

Historical place in the Vosges that was hotly contested during the First World War

The climb via Geishouse to the Grand Ballon has been newly paved since summer 2023, making it a truly beautiful alternative to the routes where you have to share the road with motorcycles and sports cars. It's also highly recommended for scenic reasons and, as it's mostly through the forest, is relatively bearable in summer.

Recommended! The asphalt after Geishouse has recently been completely renewed and is completely car-free from there to Ferme du Haag. However, they have closed the road with a barrier that you cannot go around but only under. So you have to get off and click in again at 8%. Not very convenient and completely dangerous if you descend via that side. Hopefully they will adjust this. The climb is easy to do at the beginning with a very steep section of 10%. After Geishouse on the renewed asphalt it becomes more difficult with a few kilometers around 9%. You get a chance to catch your breath for a while and then finish with sections of 11-12% to Ferme du Haag. The last 2 km to the top of the Grand Ballon are a bit easier again but all in all it makes for a pretty tough climb.