Car-Free Route to Grand Ballon – Grand Ballon loop from Geishouse

Bike touring routes & trails

Car-Free Route to Grand Ballon – Grand Ballon loop from Geishouse

Hard

5.0

(2)

riders

Car-Free Route to Grand Ballon – Grand Ballon loop from Geishouse

01:54

21.0km

800m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 11, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 7.17 km for 1.34 km

Closed: • November-April (otherwise open)

After 8.59 km for 2.58 km

Closed: • November-April (otherwise open)

After 13.0 km for 878 m

Closed: • November-April (otherwise open)

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.51 km

Ingenious cycle path to the Grand Ballon

Highlight • Other

Beautiful cycle path without cars, only cyclists and hikers

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.52 km

Car-Free Route to Grand Ballon

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Something like this probably only exists in France. A perfectly paved bike path to the top of a mountain pass. The climb here is closed to motorized traffic, but it's quite challenging. For long stretches, the gradients are between 13 and 15%. In places, even up to 17 and 18%. The upper part of the route is entirely through forest, so there are no views. But that doesn't matter; you're busy with yourself anyway.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.97 km

View of the Grand Ballon

Highlight • Other

Here you can see everything, no wonder it's the highest point of the Vosges (1442m).

Showing Translation

Tip by

7.10 km

Haag Farm

Highlight • Rest Area

In fact, the Hague is one of the few farms and inns that exclusively offer products from the country house and are certified organic. All the cured meats come from their pigs, processed by Laurent in Thillot, the cheese from the milk of their herd.
Not to forget the brilliant view of the Belchen and, when the weather is clear, as far as the Alps.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.52 km

Grand Ballon

Highlight • Summit

The Col du Grand Ballon from Moosch is 12.6 km long with a total drop of 949 m. The average gradient is 7.6% with maximum gradients of 14.5%. There are stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The climb is often included in the Tour de France.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

13.8 km

Haag Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Route des Crêtes, or the Vosges ridge road, is one of the most impressive mountain roads in France. The scenic Route des Crêtes runs along the main ridge of the Southern Vosges almost entirely at an altitude of 1200 m.
Originally, it was laid out by French troops as a supply route during the First World War. Today, in the snow-free months, it is mainly visitors to the Vosges who travel on it. It runs for 75 km from Col du Bonhomme in the north via Col de la Schlucht, Hohneck, Markstein, Grand Ballon and Cernay to Thann in the south.
The route passes several sites from the First World War and touches the highest mountain in the Vosges, the Grand Ballon.
Mostly deciduous and mixed forests line the road, or there are wonderful views of the wooded slopes of the Vosges, the Rhine plain and the Black Forest opposite. On a clear day the view extends as far as the Swiss Alps and Montblanc.
On nice days it is very popular with bikers with and without motor, and hikers get their money's worth on the left and right of the road.
Many convertible tours are also made here, which come from all regions of Europe.
The Ferme, (cozy Alsatian country inns), which can be found along the entire route, offer refreshment opportunities.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

13.8 km

Dedicated pedestrian/bicycle path

Highlight • Other

great view up there

Showing Translation

Tip by

19.4 km

Abbé Fernand Zumbiehl Trail

Highlight • Other

Fernand Zumbiehl, parish priest of Geishouse from 1960 to 1995, was president of the St-Amarin section of the Club Vosgien from 1962 to 1989. With several hundred members at the time, this section was the strongest in Alsace, which must have been a heavy burden for the priest!

Showing Translation

Tip by