The southern part of the Vosges Massif Traverse created by the Club vosgien, the GR5 runs from the Donon to the ballons and on to Belfort, from ridge to castle.
291 km15 stages8,800 m ascentHigh point 1,420 mLe Donon → Fesches-le-Châtel
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Elevation profile: from 191 m to 1,410 m over 291.2 km.
The GR5 Vosges at a glance
In the Vosges massif, the GR5 forms the southern part of the Vosges Massif Traverse, a route created by the Club vosgien in 1897. According to the Club vosgien, the name GR5 was given in 1947 to the section running from the Donon to the Territoire de Belfort; the northern part of the traverse, from Wissembourg to the Donon, is called the GR53. On MonGR, the Vosges GR5 ends at Fesches-le-Châtel, in the Doubs, where it continues towards the Jura. This page covers that section of the GR5.
From the summit of the Donon (1,009 m) and the remains of an ancient place of worship, the route crosses the central Vosges via the Champ du Feu and Mont Sainte-Odile, with its Pagan Wall, then passes the castles that overlook the Alsace plain, including the Haut-Koenigsbourg. It then reaches the High Vosges, with their high pastures and ridges, via the Hohneck and the Grand Ballon, the highest summit in the massif, before reaching the Ballon d’Alsace and then Belfort.
This mid-mountain GR suits hikers in good shape who are used to walking day after day. The High Vosges have the longest and steepest slopes. The route regularly comes across villages, passes and farm inns, and many points are served by train or coach, making it possible to split it into sections.
Highlights
A historic route, waymarked by the Club vosgien since the late 19th century.
The summit of the Donon and its remains, then Mont Sainte-Odile and its Pagan Wall.
The fortified castles overlooking the Alsace plain, including the Haut-Koenigsbourg.
The ridges and high pastures of the High Vosges, from the Hohneck to the Grand Ballon, the highest point of the massif.
The farm inns of the High Vosges, for a mountain meal along the way.
Plenty of access points by train or coach, handy for walking in sections.
Practical information
Start
Le Donon
The Donon can be reached on foot from the Bruche valley, served by TER trains from Strasbourg, notably at Schirmeck.
Finish
Fesches-le-Châtel
Belfort, which the route passes through near the end, is served by TER trains and by Belfort-Montbéliard TGV station. Fesches-le-Châtel is near Montbéliard, which is also served by TER trains.
When to go
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The recommended period is from May to October. Some low-altitude sections can be walked from March or April, but the High Vosges stages mean waiting for the snow to melt, usually in May.
Difficulty
Challenging
A mid-mountain route of moderate difficulty, with a few hard stages in the High Vosges, where the slopes are longer and steeper.
Accommodation
25 refuges, 8 gîtes, 16 unstaffed huts and 24 B&Bs
Hotels, B&Bs and refuges line every stage, supplemented by the chalets, refuges and shelters run by the Club vosgien. The farm inns of the High Vosges serve meals. Book ahead, especially in high season.
Rules to know
The route crosses nature reserves and wildlife quiet zones, where special rules apply: stay on the waymarked paths and follow the signs on site. Dogs must be kept on a lead, and some protected areas are off-limits to them, even on a lead. Before bivouacking, check the regulations for these protected areas.
Water and supplies
Villages, passes and farm inns let you stock up regularly. In summer, a shuttle bus serves the Route des Crêtes, useful for joining or leaving the High Vosges stages; the Fluo Grand Est website lists regional transport.
The GR5 Vosges on the map
The 15 stages
TrekGR stage plan: each stage ends where you can sleep. Actual walking time excluding breaks (DIN 33466 standard).
No current alerts for this GR (checked on 12 November 2026). All live updates →
Our advice
Follow the Club vosgien’s red rectangle as far as the Ballon d’Alsace, then the white-and-red GR waymarks to Belfort.
Book your accommodation ahead in summer, especially in the High Vosges.
In spring, check the snow cover on the ridges before tackling the High Vosges.
Look at the map of wildlife quiet zones before setting off and do not stray from the waymarked paths.
Keep your pack light: the traverse involves a great many climbs and descents.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the Vosges traverse does the GR5 follow?
The Vosges Massif Traverse, created by the Club vosgien, links Wissembourg to the Territoire de Belfort. Its northern part, from Wissembourg to the Donon, is the GR53; the GR5 takes over from the Donon to the Territoire de Belfort, then continues towards Fesches-le-Châtel and the Jura. See the Club vosgien page.
Why is the GR5 waymarked with a red rectangle in the Vosges?
The traverse is waymarked by the Club vosgien with its historic red rectangle, from Wissembourg to the Ballon d’Alsace. Beyond that, as far as Belfort, the usual white-and-red GR waymarking takes over.
When is the best time for the GR5 in the Vosges?
From May to October. The lower sections are accessible from spring, but the ridges of the High Vosges often remain under snow until May.
Can you bivouac on the Vosges GR5?
The route crosses nature reserves and wildlife quiet zones subject to special rules. Find out about the regulations for these areas before pitching your tent, or opt for refuges and other accommodation.
Can you hike the GR5 in the Vosges with a dog?
Yes, on a lead, but some protected areas are off-limits to dogs, even on a lead: follow the signs at the entrance to the reserves.
How do you get to the Vosges GR5 by train?
The valleys and towns of the foothills are well served by TER and TGV, for example Strasbourg, Sélestat, Colmar, Mulhouse and Belfort. The regional Fluo Grand Est website helps you combine trains and coaches to reach the stages.
Route: OpenStreetMap contributors. Elevation: IGN’s RGE ALTI®, one point every 50 m. Text checked on 10 November 2026.
