The Col de la Schlucht
At 1,139 metres and twenty minutes from the chalet, the Schlucht is the natural gateway to the ridges. The pass marks the border between the Vosges and Alsace: wooded valley on the Gérardmer side, a vertiginous drop towards Munster and the plain on the other. The Haut-Chitelet alpine garden, two kilometres away, gathers 2,700 mountain plant species from around the world.
Driving the ridges
From the Schlucht the road heads south along the chaumes, the open high pastures that give the range its distinctive look. Hohneck, Markstein, Grand Ballon: each summit has its own panorama over the Alsace plain and the Black Forest. Allow two hours' driving without stops to the Grand Ballon, but set aside the day — you will stop constantly.
The farm-inns
The ridges are dotted with fermes-auberges, working mountain farms that serve the repas marcaire: savoury tart, smoked pork collar, roïgabrageldi, farmhouse Munster and bilberry tart. These family tables are a local institution; book the day before, especially at weekends.
Good to know
The Route des Crêtes is closed between the Hohneck and the Markstein from November to April depending on snow, the stretch becoming a Nordic area. Cyclists are numerous in summer, so take care on the descents. Fog can come down fast on the high pastures, even in August.
