Le Massif des Vosges is a mountain range along the western edge of the Alsace region of France, stretching roughly from Strasbourg to Mulhouse. (In previous centuries, it actually was the border when Alsace was part of Germany.) Traveling with my friend through the Alsace region, we were able to see the line of mountains as we drove and visited a number of significant locations and overlooks on the way. (2025)
Le Grand Ballon
Le Grand Ballon (‘The Great Belchen or dome’) is the highest point of the Vosges Mountains and is known for its hiking and ski chalet as well as its signature large white radome containing important radar equipment for French aviation. Also at top is a marker commemorating the Blue Devils infantry who fought in World War I.
Hartmannswillerkopf
Hartmannswillerkopf (also known as Le Vieil Armand) is a mountain in the Vosges that has become a French national historic site due the battles and longstanding siege between the French and German lines in World War I that took place there. In addition to a museum and cemetery monument, the mountain itself has trails where you can see trenches, barbed wire, and other remains of the war.
Le chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg
High atop a craggy cliff in the Vosges, the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg was rebuilt between 1900 and 1908 by Kaiser Wilhelm II during the German era of control of the Alsace region. It was built up from the remains of the original castle which had been there from around the 12th century until its destruction in 1633. Constructed to reflect a somewhat imagined time of the Middle Ages, it is nevertheless an impressive structure with great views over the landscape.
