The Hohneck (1,363 m, 3rd highest Vosges summit) is the most beautiful panorama of the range. Accessible at all levels depending on the route. Here are the 5 options tested, compared, and rated by locals.
In 10 seconds: fast + easy = via la Schlucht. Best loop = via Blanchemer lake. Wild = via Kruth. Kids = la Schlucht. Winter snowshoe = la Schlucht (marked).
The 5 routes compared
| Route | Start | Distance | Elevation | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Via la Schlucht (GR5) | Col de la Schlucht | 7 km R/T | 250 m | 2h30 | Easy |
| 2. Blanchemer loop | Blanchemer car park | 14 km | 750 m | 5h30 | Moderate |
| 3. Schiessrothried | Mittlach / Metzeral | 12 km | 650 m | 4h30 | Moderate |
| 4. Kruth-Wildenstein | Kruth | 16 km | 900 m | 6h30 | Hard |
| 5. Route des Crêtes | Hohneck station (car) | 1.5 km R/T | 80 m | 40 min | Very easy |
1. Via the Schlucht pass: the fast access (easy)
The classic for families and the time-pressed.
- Start: free car park at Col de la Schlucht (altitude 1,139 m)
- Route: GR5 toward Hohneck, final ridge
- Upside: kids OK from 6-7, perfect marking, constant views
- Trap: very busy in summer and weekends, start before 9 AM or after 4 PM
- After: blueberry tart at the summit inn (15 min queue mid-August)
2. The Blanchemer loop: the most beautiful (moderate)
Our favourite for half-day hikers.
- Start: Lac de Blanchemer car park, 15 min drive from La Bresse
- Route: lake → forest path → uplands → summit → return via ridge
- Upsides: stunning glacial lake (summer swim possible), varied landscapes, 360° from ridge
- Trap: sustained final climb (200 m over 1 km), boots mandatory
- Tip: start early, picnic on ridge, return via GR5
3. Via Schiessrothried: Alsatian version (moderate)
On the Alsace side, wilder, less busy.
- Start: Mittlach or Metzeral, Schiessrothried lake car park
- Route: lake → glacial cirque → hard 600 m climb → summit
- Upsides: spectacular cirque, wildlife (marmot sightings), few people
- Trap: longer drive from La Bresse (1 h), but worth the variety
- Tip: add a night at Metzeral inn before or after
4. From Kruth-Wildenstein: the challenge (hard)
For experienced hikers, 6h30 walking.
- Start: Kruth-Wildenstein lake, €3 car park
- Route: lake → GR532 → Grand Ventron → Hohneck via ridge
- Upsides: full ridge traverse, constant panoramas, isolation
- Elevation: 900 m cumulative, not to underestimate
- Tip: do in 2 days with night at Trois Fours refuge
5. Route des Crêtes: the cheat (very easy)
For families with very young kids, or reduced mobility.
- Start: Hohneck car park (ski station, accessible by D430)
- Distance: 700 m on foot to the summit
- Upside: view and blueberry tart without effort, orientation table
- Trap: car park jammed 11 AM - 3 PM in summer, come early
What you see from the top
| Direction | What you see (on a clear day) |
|---|---|
| East | Alsace plain, Mulhouse, Colmar, Black Forest |
| South-east | Jura, Grand Ballon (1,424 m) |
| South | Ballon d’Alsace massif |
| South-south-east | Bernese Alps (3-5 days/year on very clear weather) |
| West | Lorraine, Lac de Blanchemer, La Bresse |
| North | Route des Crêtes toward Col de la Schlucht |
Stone orientation table at the top identifies 40+ landmarks.
Essential gear
- Hiking boots waterproof with grip (rocky at top)
- Windbreaker (windy ridges even in August)
- 1.5 L water per person, no source on route
- Sun cream + sunglasses (strong altitude sun)
- Fleece if climbing above 1,200 m
- Poles recommended on routes 2, 3, 4
When to go
| Season | Vibe | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| May | Flowers, still green uplands | Route 1 or 5 |
| June | Late daffodils, 15-18 °C | Ideal all routes |
| July-August | Flowering uplands, crowds | Start before 9 AM |
| September | Colours, few people | Our favourite |
| October | Frequent rain + mist | Check weather 1h before |
| November-April | Snow, wind, ice | Snowshoe + experience |
Summit farm-inn
Ferme-auberge du Hohneck: open May to October. Vosges plate €16-22, blueberry tart €5, terrace with view (clear weather). Reserve in July-August: 03 29 63 20 20.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Don’t go if mist forecast: paths become slippery, landmarks vanish
- Don’t underestimate wind: 10 °C drop possible in 500 m elevation
- Stay on paths: uplands are protected (endemic species)
- Don’t wear city shoes: rocky at top, guaranteed twisted ankles
- Beware storm timing: rare before 2 PM in summer, descend by 3 PM
Accommodation nearby
At the foot of the Hohneck:
- Chalets in Vologne sector (10 min from Schlucht road)
- Chalets Blanchemer (direct parking)
- Metzeral inn (Alsace side, for route 3)
In La Bresse:
- Chalets village centre or Vologne valley
- 20-30 min drive from the hike start
Around the Hohneck
- La Bresse Hohneck ski guide
- La Bresse weather month by month
- Lac des Corbeaux: the easy hike
- Where to stay in La Bresse
Looking for a chalet near the trailheads? See chalets in La Bresse: filters for capacity, proximity to slopes and trails, bike/ski storage. Direct contact with owners, zero commission.
Frequently asked questions
What's the shortest route to the Hohneck summit?
From la Schlucht via GR5: 3 km, 250 m elevation, 1h10 one way. Fastest access to the 1,363 m summit. Free parking at the pass.
Is the Hohneck suitable for children?
Yes from age 6-7 via la Schlucht. For loops from La Bresse (Blanchemer lake, Schiessrothried), plan for walking-fit kids aged 10+.
Best season for the Hohneck?
June to October for classic hiking. July-August: flowering uplands, late sun. September: colours, fewer people. Winter: snowshoe only, beware snow + wind.
Can you do a loop from La Bresse?
Yes: loop via Blanchemer lake and Grand Ballon (14 km, 750 m elevation, 5h30). Or Schiessrothried variant (12 km, 650 m, 4h30). Car useful from Kruth-Wildenstein.
Is there a restaurant at the summit?
Yes, the Hohneck farm-inn, open summer season (May to October). Blueberry tart, Vosges plates. Reserve in July-August (03 29 63 20 20).
What's the view from the top?
360°: Alsace plain, Black Forest, Jura, on very clear days Bernese Alps (3 to 5 days/year). One of the finest panoramas in Grand Est.
Any specific gear?
Yes: waterproof hiking boots mandatory (rocky at summit), windbreaker even on sunny days (windy ridges), 1.5 L water per person, snacks. No water source on route.