Hohneck rises to 1,363 meters, the third-highest summit of the Vosges. Perched on the border between Haut-Rhin and Moselle, it offers a 360° panorama over the Vosges meadows, the Alsatian plain and, on clear days, the Alps. It is an emblematic crossing point on the Route des Crêtes, accessible on foot, by bike or by car from the Munster and Gérardmer valleys.

Practical information at a glance

• Car access: from Munster (Alsatian side) or Gérardmer (Lorraine side) via the D27 / Route des Crêtes.
• Parking: paid parking at Schlucht Pass (nearby); limited parking at the summit.
• Suggested duration: 1 to 2 hours for the ascent and panorama; a full day for hikers.
• What to wear: hiking boots recommended; strong winds frequent at the summit, bring a warm layer even in summer.
• Accessibility: the summit is accessible by car via the Route des Crêtes; the summit trail remains uneven.
• Winter closure: the Route des Crêtes may be closed in case of snow or ice.

What you'll see

At the summit, the chaumes — these mountain meadows typical of the Vosges — stretch as far as the eye can see. On clear days, the view extends to the Black Forest to the east and the Alps to the southeast. A historic hotel-restaurant has occupied the summit since the 19th century. The slopes harbor peat bogs and glacial lakes visible from the ridge trails.

History and context

Hohneck long marked the border between France and Germany. After 1871, the Vosges ridge becomes the Franco-German border; the Route des Crêtes is traced during the First World War to connect French positions sheltered from enemy views. The summit retains vestiges of this military period in its immediate surroundings.

Highlights of the visit

The 360° panorama

On clear days, the view encompasses the Alsatian plain, the Rhine, the Black Forest and the Alps. Orientation is made easy by a viewpoint table at the summit. Dawn and sunset offer the most spectacular light.

The Route des Crêtes

Hohneck is one of the high points of this road and hiking route that connects Cernay to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. Cyclists and hikers use it to string together the summits: Grand Ballon, Markstein, Ballon d'Alsace.

The glacial lakes nearby

Lake Longemer, Lake Retournemer and Lake Gérardmer are located on the Lorraine side. On the Alsatian side, Lake Schiessrothried is accessible on foot from Schlucht Pass in less than an hour.

Alpine fauna and flora

The meadows are home to protected species: mountain arnica, wild bilberries, and sometimes chamois reintroduced to the massif. The Vosges peat bogs, visible from certain trails, constitute a rare ecosystem in France.

Photography tips

Morning light is ideal for photographing the sea of clouds over the Alsatian plain. In autumn, the meadows take on golden hues that are very photogenic. Avoid midday in summer: thermal haze reduces visibility. No known photography restrictions on site.

Location and access

Hohneck is located about 20 km from Munster (Haut-Rhin) and about 25 km from Gérardmer (Vosges). Schlucht Pass, a few kilometers away, is the main road and hiking hub for this area. No regular public transport serves the summit; car or bike remain the main options outside the summer season.

In the area

• Schlucht Pass — starting point for many trails and access to the Haut-Chitelet Alpine Garden.
• Grand Ballon — highest peak of the Vosges (1,424 m), to be explored on the Route des Crêtes.
• Lake Gérardmer — largest natural lake in the Vosges, on the Lorraine side.
• Munster — Alsatian town known for its AOP cheese, gateway to the Fecht valley.
• Markstein — ski resort and viewpoint on the Route des Crêtes, between Hohneck and Grand Ballon.