Satellite map of Route des Crêtes

Grand Est · France

Route des Crêtes

D430D431D417Stosswihr to Soultz-Haut-Rhin

Distance18.5 mi30 km
Drive time35 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 4 of 10
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A WWI ridge road along the crest of the Vosges.

The D430 Route des Crêtes runs the high crest of the Vosges, a strategic road built in the First World War, linking the balloons and passes with long views over Alsace and, on a clear day, the Alps. Flowing and scenic; mind the cyclists, the cattle on the open ridge, and fog that closes in fast.

Scenery

MountainForest

Best seasons

SpringSummerAutumn

In these collections

Where it runs18.5 mi · point to point

StosswihrStart · Grand Est
Soultz-Haut-RhinEnd · Grand Est

Character

Corners30bends
Tightness4of 10
Max gradient7%≈ 1-in-14
Hairpins3tight bends
Climb659 mtotal ascent
Summit1,408.5 mhighest point of the line · 4,621 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 18
5914 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%1,145.1 – 1,408.5 m
summit · 1,408.5 m 1,2001,3001,400 m 0919 mi

From the road

Points of interest3 stops

  • Chalet Hôtel Du Grand BallonFood and drink
    18 mi in
  • Col d’HahnenbrunnenViewpoint
    11 mi in
  • Col du HaagViewpoint
    17 mi in

Hazards

  • Cattle on the open ridge
  • Cyclists on the climbs
  • Fast-closing fog

Sources

  • “affords its travelers a up-close view of the lush hardwood trees and firs that have made this mountain range such a popular retreat. On clear days, a view of Germany's Black Forest is visible on the horizon.”

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Route des Crêtes: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Route des Crêtes?
Route des Crêtes runs 18.5 miles (30 km) and takes about 35 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Route des Crêtes to drive?
We rate it moderate: 30 corners including 3 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 7%, and a tightness of 4 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Route des Crêtes?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.

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