RoutesPlannerFeaturesUpdates
App
Login or Signup
Get the App
Login or Signup
Routes
Road cycling routes
France
Alsace
Thann-Gebweiler

Rufach

The best road cycling routes around Rufach

4.4

(1266)

33,646

riders

24

rides

Road cycling around Rufach, situated in the Haut-Rhin department of Grand Est, France, offers diverse terrain for cyclists. The town lies on the Lauch River at the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains, providing access to both challenging ascents and gentler vineyard routes. The region is characterized by its vineyards along the Alsatian Wine Route and the forested slopes of the Vosges, with varying elevation profiles. Cyclists can explore routes that traverse agricultural lands, historic villages, and mountain passes.

Best…

Last updated: October 8, 2026

4.8

(53)

1,561

riders

#1.

Grand Ballon – Markstein loop from Rouffach

86.8km

04:41

1,540m

1,540m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Navigate with deviceSend to Phone
Save
Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Sign up for free

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 20 more rides around Rufach.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Rufach

Running Trails around Rufach

Hiking around Rufach

Cycling around Rufach

Gravel biking around Rufach

MTB Trails around Rufach

Mountain Hikes around Rufach

Tips from the Community

Willem VS
October 7, 2026, Col du Haag

When you drive from the Route des Crêtes towards Le Grand Ballon, you pass the Col du Haag (1233 m) almost unnoticed. Yet, this pass marks a special point on the southern flank of the highest mountain in the Vosges. Here, steep roads from the Thurdal leave the wooded slopes and reach the open heights of the massif. From the col, a typical Vosges landscape unfolds with mountain meadows, scattered farms, and sweeping views. The proximity of the Grand Ballon is felt everywhere: the imposing summit towers above the pass and forms the natural goal of the final climbing kilometers. For cyclists, the Col du Haag is mainly known as the point where difficult climbs from the valleys converge before the road continues to rise to the highest point of the Vosges.

Translated by Google•

6

0

Willem VS
October 7, 2026, Markstein

Le Markstein (1184 m) is meer dan alleen een kruispunt op de Route des Crêtes. Het is echter een echte bergpas en het hoogste punt van de oversteek tussen het Lauch- en Thurdal. Het ligt in het hart van het Vogezenmassief, midden een populair wintersportgebied dat nauw verbonden is met de Grand Ballon

6

0

Willem VS
October 6, 2026, Markstein

Le Markstein is a well-known winter sports and outdoor resort in the High Vosges, located at an altitude between 1020 and 1268 meters. The resort is situated directly on the iconic Route des Crêtes and forms an important crossroads and recreational area within the municipalities of Oderen and Lauw (near Wildenstein). At Le Markstein, you will find several traditional Fermes-Auberges and hotels where you can taste the local repas marcaire (a traditional hearty meal from the Vosges). Additionally, the location has gained significant fame in cycling; it is regularly the setting for tough mountain stages in the Tour de France (and the Tour de France Femmes), often as the final challenge after the climbs of Petit Ballon and Platzerwasel.

Translated by Google•

6

0

Willem VS
October 6, 2026, Col de Bramont

There are no restaurants or cafes at the summit of the Col de Bramont itself. However, the pass serves as a strategic junction. From the summit, you can directly connect to the famous Route des Crêtes (the D431), which links the main mountain peaks of the Vosges. This allows you to easily cycle or hike to larger attractions nearby, such as the Col de la Schlucht, the Hohneck, or the Grand Ballon. The climb is enjoyable due to its 12 hairpin bends on the southern flank (Kruth).

Translated by Google•

7

0

Brilliant ascent to the pass relatively quiet with a pleasant gradient

Translated by Google•

4

0

short break again and again in the scorching heat

Translated by Google•

0

0

sights again and again towards Cernay

Translated by Google•

0

0

This is the starting point for many hikes.

Translated by Google•

3

1

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of road cycling routes can I find around Rufach?

Rufach offers a diverse range of road cycling routes. You'll find everything from challenging ascents into the Vosges Mountains to gentler rides through picturesque vineyards along the Alsatian Wine Route. The region also features routes that traverse agricultural lands, historic villages, and the Lauch River valley.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy ride?

Yes, Rufach has several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Bike path to Ensisheim – Beautiful blue metal bridge loop from Rouffach is an easy 24.7-mile (39.8 km) route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed ride.

Where can I find challenging road cycling routes with significant elevation gain?

For more demanding rides, head towards the Vosges Mountains. Routes like the Bannstein Pass – Grand Ballon loop from Rouffach offer significant elevation gain, climbing over 1,500 meters across 54 miles (86.9 km). Another challenging option is the Ascent to Col Amic – Climb to Col Amic loop from Rouffach, which covers 58.3 miles (93.9 km) with over 1,000 meters of ascent.

Can I find circular road cycling routes in the Rufach area?

Many of the road cycling routes around Rufach are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Eguisheim – Rouffach Old Town loop from Rouffach and the A Beautiful Middle Age Village – Rouffach Old Town loop from Rouffach, which are both circular and explore charming villages.

What kind of natural features and landscapes will I see while cycling around Rufach?

You'll experience a variety of landscapes. Expect scenic rides through the vineyards of the Alsatian Wine Route, forested slopes of the Vosges Mountains, and views of the Lauch River. From higher points, you might even catch glimpses of the Alps and the Black Forest.

Are there any historical sites or cultural attractions along the road cycling routes?

Yes, several routes incorporate historical and cultural exploration. You can cycle through charming old towns like Eguisheim and Rufach itself, which boasts medieval monuments such as the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church and the historic Witches' Tower. The region's viticultural heritage is also a prominent feature along the vineyard routes.

What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Rufach?

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Rufach, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from challenging mountain passes to scenic vineyard paths, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and historical sites.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Rufach?

While specific data isn't provided, the region's diverse landscapes, including vineyards and mountain passes, suggest that spring, summer, and early autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling. These seasons typically provide good weather for enjoying both the scenic routes and the region's outdoor attractions.

Are there any notable viewpoints or landmarks I should look out for on my ride?

Absolutely. As you cycle, you might encounter highlights such as the Petit Ballon summit, the serene Ballon Lake, or the Boenlesgrab Pass. These spots offer stunning vistas and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the Vosges.

Are there places to stop for refreshments or accommodation along the routes?

Yes, especially in the villages along the Alsatian Wine Route and near popular mountain passes. You can find places like the Kahlenwasen Farm Inn or the Grand Ballon Chalet Hotel, which cater to outdoor enthusiasts and provide opportunities for a break or an overnight stay.

How many road cycling routes are available in the Rufach area?

There are over 20 road cycling routes available around Rufach, catering to various skill levels. This includes 9 easy routes, 8 moderate routes, and 6 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

Is Rufach well-connected for cyclists using public transport?

While specific public transport connections for cyclists are not detailed, Rufach's location in the Haut-Rhin department, near larger towns like Colmar and Mulhouse, suggests regional transport options might be available. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for bicycle carriage policies if you plan to use public transport to access routes.

Most popular routes around Rufach

Running Trails around Rufach

Most popular attractions around Rufach

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now
Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.

LeimbachWildensteinThannRammersmattRéserve Naturelle du massif du Grand VentronIsenheimRaedersheimGeberschweierWattwillerSennheimUffholtzOderenGeishausenSankt AmarinMalmerspachMollauPfaffenheimHüsseren-WesserlingUrbisFelleringJungholtzRimbachzellStorckensohnMitzachLautenbachSewenRanspachRoderenBitschweilerMurbachBergholtzHattstattNiederhergheimGebweilerWeilerGoldbach-AltenbachRimbach Bei GebweilerBergholtzzellKrütLac de Kruth-WildensteinOberhergheimWesthaltenSulzmattRimbach Bei MasmünsterOberbruckLautenbachzellMunweilerOberentzenNiederentzenBiltzheimMooschHartmannswillerWuenheimAltthannLinthalRegisheimKirchbergOsenbachEnsisheimAspach-MichelbachDollerenSulz/OberelsassOberburbachWegscheidOrschwihrMasevaux-NiederbruckLe Haut-SoultzbachLac Du Michelbachplan d'eau de MichelbachBuhlGewenheimSickertMeienheimSteinbachLauwMerxheimGundolsheimOberburnhauptBlodelsheimNiederburbachRumersheimRustenhartFessenheimHirtzfeldenNiederburnhauptSchweighausenMünchhausenRoggenhouseNiedersulzbachNiederaspachSentheim

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Westhalten

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesRedeem a voucherHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy