The 7 best Vosges peaks to climb by gravel bike

If you love gravel biking, Alsace and the Vosges offer an exceptional playground. Climbing a summit on a gravel bike means accepting to step out of your comfort zone, to sweat in deep forests, to push hard on the pedals uphill, but also to let yourself be exhilarated by a smooth descent on a forest track.

Each mountain pass climbed, each summit reached becomes an experience of pushing your limits, but also a moment of profound connection with the landscape. Whether you're looking for a demanding workout or an escape into nature, the Vosges Mountains offer you the essentials: varied terrain, silence, rhythm... and total freedom.

Here is our selection of the most beautiful peaks in the Vosges to discover by gravel bike, from routes accessible to beginners to challenges reserved for experienced cyclists. Get on your bike!

Cyclists on the road in the Vosges mountains

Vosges peaks by gravel bike: beginner level

1. The Col du Calvaire (1,144 m)

• Recommended route: Orbey – Lac Blanc – Col du Calvaire – return via the forest road

• Distance: 30 km

• Elevation gain: +700 m

• Duration: 2h30

• Terrain: drivable tracks & forest

Why go? The Col du Calvaire is one of the most accessible passes in the High Vosges. It connects Orbey to Lac Blanc via a gentle and steady climb along wide forest tracks. Very popular with skiers in winter, it's best enjoyed by gravel bikes in summer for its tranquility and accessibility. At the summit, a panoramic viewpoint offers stunning views of the Alsatian valleys and wooded ridges.

2. The Platzerwasel pass (1,182 m)

• Recommended route: Munster – Sondernach – ascent via forest track through Schallern – Platzerwasel

• Distance: 26 km round trip

• Elevation gain: +850 m

• Duration: 2h30

• Terrain: wide forest track with some stones

Why go? This legendary Vosges mountain pass, a Tour de France classic, becomes a true gem for gravel riding, especially if you avoid the main road. Access via the forest trails on the Sondernach side allows for a secluded climb under the canopy. The final kilometers to the pass open onto pastures and ridges. Ideal for an early morning ride or an autumn outing when the colors are at their peak.

3. The Firstplan pass (722 m)

• Recommended route: Soultzbach-les-Bains – ascent via forest path – Col du Firstplan – descent towards Osenbach

• Distance: 25 km

• Elevation gain: +600 m

• Duration: 2h to 2h15

• Terrain: rolling forest tracks and sections of tarmac

Why go? The Col du Firstplan is an excellent entry point to gravel riding in the Vosges Mountains, both physically accessible and very pleasant to ride. Nestled in the forest between the Munster and Guebwiller valleys, it offers a gentle, shaded climb along well-maintained forest tracks. The view from the top is subtle, but the ride through the undergrowth, among beech and fir trees, is ideal for a relaxing outing or getting back into training.

Gravel riding the Vosges peaks for an intermediate level

4. The Hohneck (1,363 m)

• Route: La Bresse – Lac de la Lande – Wormspel – Hohneck – return via the ridges

• Distance: 38 km

• Elevation gain: +1,050 m

• Duration: 3h30

• Terrain: forest tracks, ridges, road

Why go? The Hohneck, the third highest peak in the Vosges Mountains, offers a 360° panoramic view of the Alsatian valleys, the Black Forest, and even the Alps on a clear day. The ascent via the Wormspel is wild, sometimes technical, but never extreme. Reaching the ridge gives you a rare feeling of freedom on a bike. Perfect for testing your endurance without being too demanding.

5. The Petit Ballon pass (1,163 m)

• Route: Wasserbourg – Firstacker – Petit Ballon – return via the Steinmauer

• Distance: 32 km

• Elevation gain: +900 m

• Duration: 3h

• Terrain: forest tracks, paths, some grassy sections

Why go? You'll love tackling this summit on a gravel bike. It's one of the most typical passes in the central Vosges Mountains, with its farm inns, flowery meadows, and sweeping views. The approach from Wasserbourg is gradual but challenging. Once at the top, the panorama over the Munster Valley and the Alsace Plain is breathtaking. The return via the Steinmauer offers a beautiful, flowing descent through the forest.

Gravel biking in the Vosges mountains: expert level

6. The Grand Ballon (1,424 m) via Steinbach and Judenhut

• Route: Steinbach – Col Amic – Judenhut – Grand Ballon – return via the Route des Crêtes

• Distance: 52 km

• Elevation gain: +1,400 m

• Duration: 4h30 to 5h

• Terrain: varied paths, technical in places

Why go? The Grand Ballon is the highest peak in the Vosges Mountains, and climbing it by gravel bike via forest tracks from Steinbach is one of the most rewarding routes in the range. The Judenhut forest trail is steep and sometimes rocky, but offers a wild alternative to the road. Once at the summit, the view stretches all the way to the Swiss Alps. A true gravel challenge, as much mental as physical.

7. Rainkopf & Rothenbachkopf (~1,300 m)

• Route: Kruth – Lake Kruth – Rainkopf – Rothenbachkopf – descent to Mittlach

• Distance: 48 km

• Elevation gain: +1,600 m

• Duration: 5h

• Terrain: ridges, singletrack, possible portage

Why go? It's pure adventure! These rugged peaks are well worth the effort. The climb from the lake is steep, often technical, and sometimes requires dismounting. But the ridge trail between Rainkopf and Rothenbachkopf is one of the most spectacular gravel bike routes in the Vosges Mountains. The views are exceptional, especially at sunrise or sunset. Recommended for experienced, well-equipped cyclists.

Ready to give it a try?

Whether you are curious to discover gravel riding in the Vosges for the first time or ready to take on a sporting challenge on the highest peaks of the massif, don't miss this opportunity to have fun and progress.

At Alsace Gravel Bike, we offer gravel bikes for rent , perfectly suited to the Vosges mountains, whether for a day trip or a sporty weekend. If you're not willing to do it with a gravel bike, we also offer road tires that will be fitted to the gravel bike you rent. Ride the Welt G100 gravel bike and fully enjoy the experience without constraints. The most important thing is the desire to ride, push your limits, and have fun!

So, which peak are you going to climb: the Calvaire, the Petit Ballon or even the Grand Ballon? Do it on your own, with friends, or even accompanied by a professional guide!