Hohneck (Vosges)
Mountain Prominent Vosges mountain offering panoramic ridge views
High peak in the Vosges, Hohneck provides alpine meadows, Route des Crêtes access and broad views-on clear days to the Rhine valley and Black Forest. Visitors hike, cross-country ski and use mountain refuges.
Hohneck is a prominent mountain in the Vosges massif in Grand Est, France, rising to 1,363 metres. It is a well-known high point within the Hautes Vosges and an established destination for walkers and skiers.
The summit area provides broad panoramic views over the Alsace plain to the east and, on clear days, as far as the Black Forest to the east of the Rhine. Popular outdoor highlights include ridge walks along the Route des Crêtes, marked GR trails, and nearby mountain lakes such as Lac de Schiessrothried.
Geologically the mountain is part of the rounded, forested Vosges range formed of sandstone and older Paleozoic rocks; montane pasture and conifers characterize higher slopes. Seasonal hiking and winter sport facilities on and around the Hohneck make it a year-round outdoor destination.
Hohneck sits in the Ballons des Vosges area within the Grand Est region, between the valleys and towns of the Vosges highlands; it is accessible by mountain roads and trailheads used by regional visitors.
- Elevation and views: The summit elevation is 1,363 metres, making it one of the highest peaks in the Vosges massif and a major local viewpoint on clear days.
What to See #
- Summit: Forms the summit area at 1,363 metres above sea level and offers panoramic viewpoints across the Hautes Vosges; many long-distance trails including sections of the Route des Crêtes and GR footpaths pass close to the summit.
- Lac de Schiessrothried: Lac de Schiessrothried lies on the mountain's western slopes and is a common starting point for walks to the Hohneck summit, set in subalpine terrain with conifer and montane pasture.
How to Get to Hohneck (Vosges) #
Hohneck is accessible from Colmar and Gérardmer. Regional roads lead to parking and lift options; marked trails (including GR paths) connect the summit with nearby valleys and towns.
Tips for Visiting Hohneck (Vosges) #
- If hiking, watch the weather-the Vosges can be foggy and visibility on ridgelines can drop quickly.
- Summer wildflower meadows on lower slopes are attractive; the marked GR paths connect Hohneck with other Vosges summits.
- In winter the area is popular for snowshoeing and skiing-check local avalanche bulletins for steeper routes.
Best Time to Visit Hohneck (Vosges) #
Best in summer for hiking and in winter for snow activities-always check local forecasts.
Weather & Climate near Hohneck (Vosges) #
Hohneck (Vosges)'s climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1627 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (171 mm) and breezy conditions.