The best cycling routes around Rimbachzell

Le Grand Ballon (1325 m) forms the highest point of the Vosges mountains and is one of the most famous destinations for cyclists in the mountain range. Although the summit itself is slightly higher (1424 m), the mountain pass is located at an altitude of approximately 1325 meters on the side of the Route des Crêtes. From here, vast panoramas open up over the Vosges, the Alsace plain, and on clear days even as far as the Black Forest and the Alps. For cyclists, Le Grand Ballon is a legendary climb. Long and often challenging ascents lead from the various valleys to this iconic mountain. The final kilometers above the tree line offer an impressive scenery of mountain meadows, rocky outcrops, and expansive vistas.

The Ferme-Auberge du Haag is a traditional mountain inn located near the Col du Haag (1233 m), at the foot of the Grand Ballon. For generations, the farms on the higher Vosges ridges have been welcoming hikers, cyclists, and winter sports enthusiasts. The Haag farm is situated in the middle of mountain pastures, with a beautiful view over the southern Vosges and the Grand Ballon.

When you drive from the Route des Crêtes towards Le Grand Ballon, you pass the Col du Haag (1233 m) almost unnoticed. Yet, this pass marks a special point on the southern flank of the highest mountain in the Vosges. Here, steep roads from the Thurdal leave the wooded slopes and reach the open heights of the massif. From the col, a typical Vosges landscape unfolds with mountain meadows, scattered farms, and sweeping views. The proximity of the Grand Ballon is felt everywhere: the imposing summit towers above the pass and forms the natural goal of the final climbing kilometers. For cyclists, the Col du Haag is mainly known as the point where difficult climbs from the valleys converge before the road continues to rise to the highest point of the Vosges.

Le Markstein (1184 m) is meer dan alleen een kruispunt op de Route des Crêtes. Het is echter een echte bergpas en het hoogste punt van de oversteek tussen het Lauch- en Thurdal. Het ligt in het hart van het Vogezenmassief, midden een populair wintersportgebied dat nauw verbonden is met de Grand Ballon

Summer 2026: the chalet, its restaurant and the self-service room are closed. Only the tables on the terrace are accessible, but the vegetation has grown. See https://chalethotel-grandballon.com/ : "Dear customers, Due to a lack of staff, the Chalet-Hôtel du Grand Ballon is not able to welcome you at the moment, nor to respond to your reservation requests for the hotel and the restaurant. We have made the decision to close our establishment until we gather the right conditions to resume our activity. Thank you for your understanding The Manager"

Should be climbed sometime

great view up there

The Wells of Lautenbach The monks who founded Lautenbach settled in this area because of the abundant water resources. Over the centuries, population growth led to a multitude of wells, both public and private. Many wells, like the Stockbrunnen (a type of well), played an important role in the daily life of the village. The use of solid sandstone testifies to the wealth and prosperity of the village, which had developed into a small industrial town by the end of the 19th century. The wells remained in their original state until the construction of a water supply network. --- The Wells of Lautenbach The monks who founded Lautenbach settled in this area for its water resources. Over the centuries, population growth led to a multiplication of wells, both public and private. The names of the fountains, comme le Stockbrunna, participate in the vie quotidienne of the village. The large size used is signe of the richness and the prosperity of the village qui devient, à la fin du XIXe siècle, a small industrial town. Les fontaines conservent leur état d'origine jusqu'à la creation d'un réseau d'adduction en 1896.