The Grand Wintersberg is the highest point of the Northern Vosges massif. At 581 metres above sea level, it makes for a genuine day out in nature in Alsace Verte, with forest, Club Vosgien footpaths and a panorama from the summit tower.
What awaits you at the summit
The brick tower at the top, built by the Club Vosgien between 1889 and 1890, rises above the woods. After the internal staircase, the view opens out over the Northern Vosges, the Palatinate, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest; on a clear day, you can see a very long way.
The hike
The tourist office lists a circuit from Niederbronn-les-Bains of roughly 12.5 km, with 390 m of ascent and an estimated duration of 3h30 to 4h. The difficulty is moderate: this is not a simple flat stroll, but a fine outing for regular walkers.
What to see nearby
The area also takes in the col de la Liese, a block of pink sandstone with a bas-relief that is probably Gallo-Roman, as well as the Club Vosgien chalet, open on Sundays and public holidays in season according to the information consulted.
The best angle from the Ritter’Hoft
Treat the Grand Wintersberg as a proper hike: an early enough start, water, good boots, weather checked. The summit and the tower reward the effort, but the way back counts just as much as the climb.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Grand Wintersberg?
The Grand Wintersberg rises to 581 metres, the highest point of the Northern Vosges massif.
Is the hike difficult?
The circuit mentioned from Niederbronn-les-Bains is graded moderate, around 12.5 km and 390 m of ascent.
What can you see from the tower?
On a clear day, the view opens out over the Northern Vosges, the Palatinate, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest.
Source: Alsace Verte Tourist Office, "Le Grand Wintersberg" page. Route data and seasonal opening times to be confirmed.
From the Ritter’Hoft
This hike gives your stay a breath of fresh air. The Ritter’Hoft makes a comfortable base camp to come back to for a shower, dinner on site and a proper rest after the effort.