Slow tourism with children in Alsace!

To begin your first day of hiking, make your way to Grand Ballon in Geishouse! Standing at an elevation of 1,424 metres, this is the highest peak in the Vosges mountains. This is a popular route with nature lovers and can be accessed via various paths. The 1.5-hour panoramic tour is perfect for admiring the scenery as a family. Once you get to the top, there’s a breathtaking view across the Alsace plain, the Forêt Noire and the Swiss Alps.

When you come back down, stop for lunch at the Ferme Auberge du Grand Ballon, where dishes are made with local products and served in a rustic, welcoming environment.

Then head to Le Markstein and check in at the Hôtel Wolf, where you can also enjoy an evening meal in the outdoor dome for an enjoyable, unique experience.

At the heart of the Hautes Vosges, the Le Markstein resort has a wide range of activities on offer for families.

In the morning, try solving the riddles on the treasure hunt or how about archery?

Recharge your batteries at 1183 , a restaurant serving traditional cuisine of the mountains.

In the afternoon, explore the scenery all around you and really embrace this slow tourism experience in Alsace. In winter, you can go snowshoeing on an introductory trail (30 to 45 minutes), and in the summer you can choose to go hiking on the Le Markstein trail (1 to 1.5 hours).

After that, make your way to the Hohneck and check in at the Belle Hutte Campsite in La Bresse-Hohneck for two nights, a welcoming establishment with the ‘Green Key’ certification.

Hohneck is bordered by two glacial cirques and is heaven on earth for chamois. The La Bresse-Hohneck resort there is the perfect destination for a family holiday.

In the morning, don’t miss an original activity at Schlitte Mountain: the toboggan track. Thrilling rides guaranteed!

Stop by  Slalom for a snack or for lunch.

In the afternoon, book yourself onto a course with France Tactical Gear (approximately 3.5 hours) to learn about how to survive in the wilderness and discover nature.

On your way to the reserve, make a first stop at the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet botanical garden and admire more than 2,500 plant species from all over the globe, including edelweiss, flowers in the shape of slippers from the southern region, Japanese anemones and many more.

Plan a second stop at the Ferme aux Rennes where you’ll feel as though you’ve travelled to Lapland. Follow an educational trail through the forest and watch around forty reindeer roaming around in the wild. For lunch, enjoy their delicious cuisine of Alsace.

Stay the night at the Auberge Gazon du Faing, a few minutes away from Tanet reserve, where you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the mountains.

Early morning, head to the Tanet Gazon natural reserve, that stretches across more than 500 hectares. There is an educational trail there for families, to observe the fascinating wildlife, and admire the deer and chamois among others.

Take a picnic with you and don’t forget a bin bag for all your rubbish.

After your walk, make your way to the Terrasses du Lac Blanc, at the resort of the same name. The restaurant there is committed to sustainable practices and offers dishes made with products farmed locally. Stay there for two nights.

After a hearty breakfast, go and find out all the secrets to making the legendary munster cheese at the Fromagerie Haxaire. As an added bonus, leave with cheese, deli meats, vegetables, etc., everything you need for a local picnic. 

Then, head to the Lac Noir for a short walk over to the  Lac des Truites. This is an easy walk, suitable for the whole family and there are some exceptional viewpoints along the way, that provide perfect photo opportunities for this slow tourism holiday in Alsace (around 1 hr 45 min).

For this last day, make your way to Tellure park to find out all about the 16th century silver mines. Go for lunch at the bar-restaurant in the park and then take part in an escape game as a family!

Then head to the Hotel-Restaurant Wistub in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, where you will enjoy the friendly and traditional atmosphere.

Visit l’Alsace et le Massif des Vosges