Le Breitfirst

Le Breitfirst is a 1,280-metre summit in the Vosges mountains, rising on the eastern side of the famous Route des Crêtes in the municipality of Metzeral, in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace. Its name comes from Alsatian/German: "breit" means "wide" and "First" means "ridge," so Breitfirst translates roughly as "wide ridge" — an apt description of this broad, gently rounded summit.

How do you get there?

The most popular approach starts from the Col du Hahnenbrunnen, the classic route for both hikers and cyclists. The summit can also be reached from the Col du Platzerwasel or from Le Markstein, two other well-known access points along the Route des Crêtes. Hikers starting from Metzeral can follow the "Hahnenbrunnen et Le Breitfirst" loop trail — about 3.1 km long with just 129 m of elevation gain, taking roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, which makes it manageable even for families with children.

What will you see?

The walk up Breitfirst is not demanding in terms of elevation, but it rewards visitors with repeated open views over the summits of the Hautes-Vosges. The trail passes near fermes-auberges, traditional mountain farms where travelers can stop for regional specialties such as munster cheese or blueberry tart. The landscape is classic Vosges terrain: wide grassy pastures known as chaumes, beech and fir forests, and wind-exposed ridgelines that, on clear days, offer long views deep into Alsace.

When should you visit?

The best hiking season runs from May to October, when trails are dry and the pastures are green with abundant plant life. In summer the area is popular with road cyclists, for whom the nearby Col de Breitfirst is one of several climbs used to test fitness along the Route des Crêtes. In autumn, the beech forests add extra color to the walk, while winter transforms the surroundings into terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing — though this requires proper preparation and gear.

Who is this trail for?

Thanks to its modest elevation gain and short duration, Breitfirst is a good choice for travelers who want an easy taste of the Vosges mountain landscape without a demanding climb. Road cyclists treat the nearby ascents as training climbs, while hikers appreciate the chance to combine a scenic walk with a stop at a ferme-auberge along the way.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Le Breitfirst? The summit reaches 1,280 metres above sea level, making it a moderately high point within the Vosges range, not far from the taller peaks of the Hautes-Vosges.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The most popular starting point is the Col du Hahnenbrunnen, though the Col du Platzerwasel and Le Markstein are also good options — all located along the Route des Crêtes.

How long does the hike to the summit take? The short loop connecting Hahnenbrunnen and Breitfirst covers 3.1 km and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with only 129 m of elevation gain.

Can you get food along the way? Yes, the trail passes close to fermes-auberges, traditional farms serving regional Vosges dishes and products, including munster cheese.