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Superb panorama of the Vosges – Grand Ballon loop from Thann

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Hiking trails & Routes

Superb panorama of the Vosges – Grand Ballon loop from Thann

Hard

4.6

(16)

104

hikers

Superb panorama of the Vosges – Grand Ballon loop from Thann

09:40

28.9km

1,320m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 13.0 km for 271 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

8.15 km

Ruins of Freundstein Castle

Highlight • Castle

The ruins of the fortified castle of Freundstein, above Goldbach-Altenbach, dominate the plain of Alsace at an altitude of 948 metres.
The Freundstein appeared in the texts in 1297 as the property of ministerials.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.94 km

Col Amic

Mountain Pass

10.3 km

Firstacker

Mountain Pass

12.1 km

Superb panorama of the Vosges

Highlight • Summit

Even on the way to the Grande Ballon, there are always magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

13.2 km

View of the Grand Ballon

Highlight • Viewpoint

On a clear day you have a wonderful view over the foothills of the Vosges towards Switzerland

Translated by Google •

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13.9 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.

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13.9 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 •

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14.0 km

Way to the observatory

Highlight • Other

very beautiful 360° view

Translated by Google •

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14.3 km

View of the Grand Ballon

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Lac du Ballon, also Belchensee, is a karst lake. In the 16th century, Vauban converted it into a reservoir.

Translated by Google •

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14.6 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 …

Translated by Google •

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23.6 km

Viewpoint

28.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.6 km

7.05 km

6.61 km

469 m

171 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

13.5 km

5.75 km

4.77 km

4.44 km

236 m

111 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 2 September

28°C

12°C

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Comments

April 29, 2025,GR 5: Grand Ballon naar Thann

Another very beautiful stage, but still a bit underestimated. I thought it would go smoothly because it was mainly downhill, but there were still a few tough climbs to overcome.
It was a long day of walking and I took regular breaks because it was very, very hot.
The descent to Thann seemed endless.
I will skip the two very …

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Superb panorama of the Vosges – Grand Ballon loop from Thann

Ruins of Freundstein Castle

Superb panorama of the Vosges

View of the Grand Ballon

Grand Ballon

Grand Ballon Civil Aviation Radar

Way to the observatory

View of the Grand Ballon

Grand Ballon

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