The Hohneck MTB tour is the signature ride of the Vosges: 38 km, 1,400 m of climbing, unforgettable panoramas. Here is the full breakdown to plan it seriously.
The route at a glance
The Hohneck rises to 1,363 metres, the third highest peak in the Vosges. The tour classically starts in La Bresse:
- Distance: 38 km
- Cumulated positive elevation: 1,400 m
- Level: hard
- Duration: 5h to 7h
- Type: full loop
The profile alternates dense forest, open chaumes and technical sections typical of Vosges sandstone.
Section breakdown
Five distinct sections:
1. La Bresse to Lispach (5 km, +200 m): gradual climb on track, perfect warm-up
2. Lispach to Col de la Schlucht (10 km, +500 m): forest trails, first technical difficulty on roots
3. Schlucht to the Hohneck summit (8 km, +400 m): the legendary climb across the high pastures, open views
4. Hohneck descent via Wormsa (10 km, -1,100 m): the finest descent, technical but rideable
5. Return to La Bresse via Vologne (5 km, +300 m): rolling forest finale
Must-see viewpoints
- Hohneck summit: 360-degree panorama over the Alps on a clear day
- Col de la Schlucht: historic border pass
- Falimont chaumes: high pastures, marmots
- Wormsa valley: wild descent through a glacial cirque
Plan a 30-minute summit break: picnic, photos, wildlife watching.
Technical difficulty
Key passages:
- Wet roots between Schlucht and Hohneck: precarious grip after rain
- Rock gardens on the Wormsa descent: choose your line, brake early
- Committed sections: 2 or 3 natural 50 cm steps
- Frequent walker crossings: courtesy and bell
A full-face helmet is not mandatory but recommended for the Wormsa descent.
Good to know
- No resupply between Lispach and the return to La Bresse
- Hohneck refuge at the summit: in-season catering, free water
- Weak mobile signal on some sections: tell someone where you are going
- Changeable weather: a windbreaker and packable fleece are indispensable
- Wildlife: chamois, marmots, sometimes capercaillie (to be respected)
Practical tips
- Hydration: 2.5 litres minimum in summer
- Well-prepared bike: tyre pressure 1.8 bars front, lubed drivetrain
- Full repair kit: tube, tyre levers, multi-tool, chain link
- Sunscreen: chaumes face full sun
- Layered kit: 10-degree gap between valley and summit is possible
Book your MTB stay in La Bresse
A ride of this scale deserves a real base. Book a chalet with bike storage, wash bay and quick trail access.
Frequently asked questions
What level for the Hohneck MTB tour?
Confirmed level required: solid fitness for 1,400 m of climbing and technical ease on rooty, rocky descents. Not for beginners.
How much time to allow?
Between 5 and 7 hours depending on pace and weather. Set off at 9am to finish before any summer storm.
Standard or electric MTB?
Both work. The e-bike makes the route accessible to less-trained riders but does not remove the need for descent technique.
Do you need a guide?
Not mandatory if you are autonomous with GPS, but recommended the first time: some junctions are poorly marked and weather can change quickly at 1,363 m.
Which season?
May to October. Ideally June for greenery, September for colours and cool air. Avoid after storms: terrain very slippery.