A hiking adventure with friends in the Vosges

For the first day of hiking in the Vosges, leave from Ribeauvillé and go along a section of the GR5 hiking route. Walk via the Col de Seelacker, and then the Col de Koenigsstuhl to get to the highest village of Alsace: Aubure. When you get there, head to Adoneth for a cup of tea and pastry. Breathe in the mountain air. Why not choose a spot on the grass for a short yoga session with friends? 

In the evening, book a room at the Ferme Lossow. This remote bed & breakfast has a big garden where you can make the most of the summer days with friends.

It’s time to set off for a 9-hour hike. Le Bonhomme is a mountain village on the Route des Crêtes (route of the ridges). Once you arrive there, those who still have some energy can carry on up to the Tête des Faux. Pass by Devin lake, a place known for its peaceful atmosphere. It is also a classified, protected area. Admire the view there and just take in your surroundings. 

Spend the night in Le Bonhomme, at the Tête des Faux. This charming little hotel is perfect for hikers.

After walking for most of the day, you'll arrive in Orbey where you can dip your feet in the waters of the Lac Noir or the Lac Blanc, just 1.2 km from the village. At the Col du Wettstein, visit the Musée Mémorial du Linge, a battlefield from the First World War that has been preserved and is protected. 

In the evening, make your way to the Hotel-Restaurant Les Terrasses du Lac Blanc. The chef there will prepare hearty dishes for you, inspired by regional specialities. 

When you leave the village, go along the footpath that winds up to the ridges. The Col de la Schlucht is the highest mountain pass in the Vosges. The scenery is stunning there and alternates between fir tree forests, rocky cliffs and grassy hillsides. 

When you get to the peak, check-in at the Hotel-Restaurant Le Chalet. Share a delicious dish of local choucroute or try the tasty flammekeuche. 

The fifth day of your hike in the Vosges mountains will take you to Le Schweisel, well-known for the breathtaking views at an altitude of 1,271 metres. While you’re up in the clouds, why not get out a pack of cards, or just embrace the silence alongside your friends. 

Head to the Refuge du Hus for your evening meal, in the town of Kruth, 1.1 km from Le Schweisel. The association does not serve food or drinks. It’s a great opportunity to cook dinner together as a group.

Leave Le Schweisel and head to Le Markstein. The first to catch a glimpse of a doe, chamois or buzzard, wins! Try out summer tobogganing, crazy golf or archery. 

In the evening, head to the Hotel-Restaurant Wolf. The chef there concocts specialities of the mountains, soups and tourte alsacienne (meat pie) 

It’s time to give your feet a break for the seventh day. Back to the departure point, in Ribeauvillé. Go to Ranspach train station and take the first train of the day to Mulhouse. Change trains to get to Sélestat and then get a bus to Ribeauvillé. When you get there, it’s time for a well-deserved rest at the Spa Diane Barrière with a 3,600 m2 balneotherapy area. Would you like to stay an extra night? Book a room at the Hotel de la Tour.  

• Visit le Massif des Vosges