Hiking and nature immersion in the High Vosges
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationGrand Est / Vosges
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions71.47 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
German
English
In a few words
Nestled at an altitude of 950 meters , in a clearing in the heart of the Vosges forests , this stay invites you to completely disconnect in a preserved and rejuvenating environment. Facing the Alsace plain and the peaks of the Black Forest , you will enjoy an immersion in nature accompanied by passionate guides who will lead you, at your own pace, to the most beautiful corners of the region. Between contemplative walks and authentic discoveries , each day will be a revitalizing interlude.
The warm welcome from your hosts, the carefully prepared regional cuisine , and the relaxing spaces – inviting lounges and a private sauna – all contribute to making this a haven of well-being . A stay designed to reconnect with what truly matters, breathe fresh air, and rediscover the pleasure of simple things, in complete serenity .
The highlights
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The magnificent landscapes of the Vosges
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Comfortable hostel accommodation
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The support of the guides
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
Management
French
German
English
David has over 20 years of experience guiding in the mountains. A native of the region, he knows its history, landscapes, fauna, flora, etc., perfectly. He coordinates a team of guides to whom he imparts his professionalism: Charlotte, Guillaume, and Vincent are likely to assist him in accompanying you on these magnificent hikes.
Program
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Arrival and presentation of the stay
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We welcome you to the hostel from 4:30 pm and will give you time to settle into your rooms. Around 7 pm, we invite you to get acquainted and present your stay. Dinner is then served.
Day 1 -
In the heart of the Welche country
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 12km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll depart by car for the Grand Faudé parking area. From there, we'll follow a route through pastures and past typical farms of the Pays Welche region. We'll meander through the many hamlets of the Orbey commune. Our return journey will be in the sunshine and will take us to the legendary Faudé site, a pilgrimage destination dating back to Celtic times. We'll enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Pays Welche.
12km / 420m elevation gain / 16.2km effort
Day 2 -
Passing through Lorraine…
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the Route des Crêtes (Crest Road) high above the Thur Valley, we cross over to the Lorraine side of the Vosges Mountains, heading towards Lake Blanchemer. There, we can admire its shimmering waters. We traverse magnificent beech and fir forests characteristic of the High Vosges, eventually arriving at the secluded Machais peat bog (National Nature Reserve). We then ascend this landscape shaped by glaciers.
10.6km / 420m elevation gain / 14.8km effort
Day 3 -
Alpine landscapes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h55 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off from Mittlach, in the Munster Valley, to climb the southern slopes of the Kastelberg. We pass through forests of diverse tree species, which lead us to high pastures. We continue up the steep slopes overlooking Lake Altenweiher. From the lake's edge, we descend into a deep, refreshing valley.
10.8km / 610m elevation gain / 16.9km effort
Day 4 -
From Lorraine to the Vosges Mountains
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin at the Étang des Dames, the source of the Meurthe River. We ascend through the Hospices de Nancy forest, one of the most beautiful forests in the High Vosges. We reach the "Hautes-Chaumes" (High Pastures) and their summit peat bogs. We follow the Lac Blanc trails, which offer breathtaking views of the lake and the Rhine Valley. We pass by the Gazon du Faing, a promontory of the largest glacial cirque in the Vosges Mountains. The descent westward is enhanced by the waters of the Rudling waterfall.
12.3km / 600m elevation gain / 18.3km effort
Day 5 -
In the Alps, on the Vosges
- Transportation Minibus - 00h55 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the village of Mittlach, we'll ascend the iconic glacial valley of the Vosges Mountains: the Wormsa, leading to Lake Fischboedlé, the jewel of the vast Munster Valley. We continue our climb towards Lake Schiessrothried, nestled at the foot of the Hohneck. We'll then ascend the steep slopes of the Petit Hohneck, admiring the most alpine landscapes of the Vosges. The descent follows the sunny side of the mountain to the heights above Metzeral.
13km / 600m elevation gain / 19km effort
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast. You are welcome to ask us for advice on how to best enjoy your last moments in the region.
Day 7
Note
For organizational reasons, weather conditions or the fitness of participants, we may need to adapt the program to ensure your safety and the success of the stay.
Accommodation
The inn is located at an altitude of 950m, in a peaceful setting with views of the Alsace Plain and the Black Forest. You will be pleasantly surprised by the tranquility and serenity of this place.
We have several types of accommodation available: rooms with private bathrooms, rooms with shared bathrooms, and apartments to share.
The basic rate is that of a shared room with shared bathroom facilities on the landing.
For people who register alone in a shared room, in the event that no other person shares the room with you, you will be asked for the single supplement at the end of your stay.
Access
Go to the starting point
For the end of the stay, those who are leaving by train will depart with us around 9:10 am. Bus at 9:35 am, arrival at 10:40 am at Colmar station.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay includes full board, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
- Accommodation in a double room with shared bathroom facilities on the landing, to be modified with the options. Transfers during the stay
- Guided hikes
- Bed linen and towels
- The loan of the sticks
The price does not include
- Drinks
- The tourist tax
- Cancellation insurance
- Transfer from Colmar train station to the hostel and back (the return trip is by bus from the village, we will drop you off there)
- The sauna
- Massages
- The supplement for a room with shared or private bathroom facilities, the single supplement.
- WARNING: If you book a shared room and end up alone in the room, you will be charged the single supplement at the end of your stay.
Options
- Single room supplement, shared bathroom : CHF206.74 / person
- Supplement for a shared room for 2 people in a 2-bedroom apartment : CHF53.06 / person
- Supplement for a double room with private bathroom : CHF119.84 / person
- Single room supplement with private bathroom : CHF369.58 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- We can lend you walking sticks
- Picnic boxes, cutlery, and napkins are available for loan.
Equipment to bring
- A backpack of at least 30 liters that can hold your picnic and personal belongings
- Water bottle, thermos, 1 liter minimum
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal pharmacy
- Camera, binoculars...
Clothing to bring
- All seasons: suitable, good quality hiking boots and hiking socks are essential.
- Summer: light and breathable clothing is highly recommended; a waterproof windbreaker can be a good idea.
- Winter: Insulating clothing is necessary to enjoy the experience without being bothered by the cold. Please note that our region is prone to rain and snow. A good quality, windproof raincoat is highly recommended in winter.
- High-top or mid-top walking shoes
- Walking trousers
- Shorts or bermudas
- T-shirts
- Fleeces or warm sweaters
- Mountain jacket (waterproof and windproof)
- Hat against sunstroke
- Hiking socks
- Gloves and a hat (you never know)
- Comfortable outfit for the evening
- Swimsuit for the sauna
- Evening shoes
