On the heights of Linthal
A superb trail to walk or run. You'll discover the Lac du Ballon, waterfalls, horses and, if you're lucky, a few chamois, as there is a herd of them in the area.
On the programme: 20km and 1050m of ascent.
Allow 4 hours for the trail at 5km/h and 6/7 hours for the hike, depending on your walking pace.
You start off along a narrow path that takes you to the foot of the Guebwiller forest, where a fairly technical climb awaits that will take you upwards towards the Lac du Ballon. Follow a small path through the forest until you reach a slightly wider track. On your left is the path up to the waterfalls. It won't be long before you hear and see them.
Be careful, though, as in winter the surrounding rocks are frozen and very slippery, and there are many stalactites. The path alongside the waterfall is dangerous and should only be taken by experienced hikers/trailers with some experience of technical trails.
Once you've passed the waterfalls, simply follow the path up to the holiday camp on the Gustiberg heights. Before that, you'll pass Lac du Ballon, a superb stretch of water with a landscape typical of the Alsatian Vosges. You'll find snow at this time of year, as well as horses and goats. If the sky is clear, you'll have a view of the German Black Forest and the Swiss Jura. It's a beautiful place, calm and a change of scenery.
Go around the holiday camp to the left and continue along the small path between the other two. This will take you back down to the valley, past more waterfalls. The terrain here is not very technical, but beware of the stones covered in leaves. The path winds along until it crosses another, larger track.
Climb another hundred metres or so to reach a chalet belonging to the Club Vosgien. The scenery is magnificent on a clear day. Continue downhill to return to Linthal and complete the route.
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