Blue Devils Monument – Grand Ballon loop from Le Markstein
Blue Devils Monument – Grand Ballon loop from Le Markstein
4.9
(48)
374
hikers
Blue Devils Monument – Grand Ballon loop from Le Markstein
05:02
16.3km
460m
Hiking
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 11.7 km for 60 m
Closed: • November-April (otherwise open)
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
6.92 km
View of the Grand Ballon
Highlight • Other
Showing Translation
Tip by
7.08 km
Haag Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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
7.10 km
Beautiful trail to the Grand Ballon
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.34 km
Blue Devils Monument
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.46 km
Grand Ballon
Highlight • Summit
In 1927, a monument to the Blue Devils (French: Diables bleus), a mountain infantry battalion during World War I, was erected. It was destroyed by the Germans in September 1940 and reconstructed by the sculptor Bouret in October 1960. A radar station has stood on the summit since 1997, serving civilian aviation during approaches to the airports of Strasbourg and Basel-Mulhouse.
On clear days, you can see far into the Rhine Valley and the Alps.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.58 km
Way to the observatory
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.84 km
View of the Grand Ballon
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.43 km
Haag – Grand Ballon area
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
16.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.24 km
3.59 km
2.27 km
1.13 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
13.2 km
1.70 km
818 m
459 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (1,410 m)
Lowest point (1,160 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 6 July
28°C
13°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Showing Translation
Showing Translation
From the top a little downhill to the col where a restaurant/café is open. On a field behind the restaurant I see 2 campers. I ask in the restaurant if …
Showing Translation
We saw a herd of chamois
Showing Translation
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free