Le Tanet

Le Tanet is one of the highest peaks of the Vosges Mountains, rising above the commune of Soultzeren in the Haut-Rhin department, Alsace. It reaches 1292 metres and, together with the nearby Hohneck, forms one of the most recognisable stretches of the Vosges ridge.

Where exactly is the mountain located?

Le Tanet sits roughly 5 kilometres from Hohneck, one of the range's highest summits, and lies just north of the Col de la Schlucht, a well-known landmark for visitors exploring this part of the Vosges. The ridge running through the area marks the historical boundary between Alsace and Lorraine, and it carries the long-distance GR 5 trail, which links the North Sea to the Mediterranean.

How do you get to the summit?

The most convenient approach from the east crosses the site of a former ski area, starting at the Auberge du Tanet near Seestaedtlé - a popular starting point both in summer and winter. Nearby runs the Route des Crêtes, one of the most scenic driving routes in the region, which passes through the Col de la Schlucht and continues toward Lac Blanc, one of the Vosges' characteristic glacial lakes. That makes it easy to combine Le Tanet with either a longer ridge walk or a short approach for visitors driving the Route des Crêtes.

What will you see there?

Thanks to its height and its position on the ridge, Le Tanet opens up wide views over the valleys on both sides of the Vosges - toward Alsace and toward Lorraine. Its proximity to Lac Blanc and the Col de la Schlucht makes it a natural stop for planning a longer ridge itinerary that links several of the area's landmarks in a single outing. The former ski infrastructure on the Seestaedtlé side is a reminder that the summit has long served as both a summer and winter destination.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer and early autumn bring the best conditions on the open ridge sections - the trails linking Le Tanet and Hohneck are driest and most scenic then. In winter the slopes on the eastern side have historically been used for skiing, though snow conditions are worth checking before heading out. The Route des Crêtes can be closed periodically in winter, so it's worth factoring that in if you're planning to drive.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Le Tanet? The summit reaches 1292 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the Vosges Mountains.

How far is it to Hohneck? About 5 kilometres along the ridge, to the south of Le Tanet.

Can you drive up to the summit? Not directly, but the scenic Route des Crêtes passes nearby, from which it's an easy short walk to the top.

Which long-distance trail crosses this area? The ridge around Le Tanet forms part of the GR 5, which follows the historical border between Alsace and Lorraine.