{"id":2186,"date":"2021-10-06T14:17:32","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T14:17:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=2186"},"modified":"2025-09-08T12:32:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T10:32:03","slug":"cycling-in-the-vosges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/fietsen-in-de-vogezen","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in the Vosges: climbing real mountains"},"content":{"rendered":"

Actually, the name for a climb could not be more beautiful than this: Col du Grand Ballon. A big balloon, which you can cycle up from several sides. At the top of the Grand Ballon<\/a> you will also find a large balloon. This is a radar used for all sorts of (unknown) purposes. In winter, you can ski there, judging also by the lift structures that are rigged up (and have little custom in summer). It is an interesting view after a climb of almost 25 kilometres (from B\u00fchl). It makes cycling in the Vosges a real challenge for many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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(c) Visit Alsace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Superb location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The mountainous region of the Vosges is concentrated in the Parc National des Ballons des Vosges. This beautiful area, in the 'armpit' of France, just below Luxembourg<\/a> and west of the Black Forest<\/a>, is loved by many cyclists. Not only because of the variety of routes, but also because of its location in the Alsace wine region. If you have your accommodation east of the park, you can ride beautifully between the vineyards. There you will also find the characteristic villages such as Eguisheim or Pfaffenheim with colourful half-timbered houses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vineyards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Half-timbered houses<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Long work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While from my stay in Rouffach<\/a> taking the bike I look at the sky with a slanted eye. It is not good. It is mid-summer and there are dark clouds hanging over the area where I want to cycle. Naja, it's about 22 degrees so it won't be too bad. With fresh courage I start my still 65 kilometres towards the roof of Alsace and the Vosges: the Grand Ballon. As a route, I have chosen the long version via Buhl. That climb is almost 25 kilometres in total. Then you ride up via Le Markstein and finally to the top of Grand Ballon. I planned the route a bit offhand. I didn't fancy Komoot and I really just want to cycle in the Vosges. The first part I ride somewhat uninspired along the D road towards Issenheim. There I turn right onto the D430, which will take me from B\u00fchl to an altitude of 1325 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the road to Buhl<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In total, it is more than 1,000 altitude metres. The percentage is not too bad, as it averages 3.8%, but there are a few kilometres in it that average 7%. That is a bit spicy. As the road from Guebwiller slowly starts to climb I get a nice rhythm. After a few kilometres, I come across a group of walkers on the right-hand side of the road. They clap their way down and encourage me as if I were riding a tour stage. Separate, I think then. Understandable I later understand. Because I have not even gone a kilometre when from upstairs the shower tap opens. It can rightly be called a rain shower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Col du Grand Ballon<\/a>, Soultz-Haut-Rhin, France<\/p>- Distance: 18.2 km, Elevation difference: 1068 m, Average slope: 5.9 %<\/blockquote>