The Route des Crêtes
The Route des Crêtes is a panoramic 70km road from Cernay through Markstein, Grand Ballon (highest point of the Vosges mountains), Hohneck and the Col de la Schlucht to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. It can be reached from the valleys of the Doller, Thur, Florival, Munster, Weiss and Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.
The road was built during the First World War and played a strategic role in communication, logistics and defence of the Front des Vosges. Hartmannswillerkopf or «Vieil Armand » is an example from this period.
Admire the many wonderful panoramic views of beautiful countryside and mountain lakes on the Route des Crêtes, while respecting its fragile flora and fauna. The landscape is typical of the Vosges, with mountains and valleys, lakes and hills with the Plain of Alsace in the distance and, on a clear day, the Black Forest, Austria, Liechtenstein and Mont Blanc on the far horizon.
The Route des Crêtes is very popular with walkers and also features many ‘ferme-auberges’ (working farms with food and accommodation) offering traditional ‘Marcaire’ food which varies with the seasons and Munster cheese. Don’t hesitate to stop off while on a walk, you are guaranteed a warm, traditional welcome.
Grand Ballon is the highest summit of the Vosges at 1,424m altitude. The view from the top is simply breathtaking and on a clear day you can see the high peaks of the Alps.
Our selection of accommodations
Our new accommodations
