Lake Lispach: A must-see lake in the Vosges
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Lake Lispach is one of the most remarkable natural sites in the Vosges Mountains, located between Gérardmer and La Bresse. Easily accessible and particularly well-preserved, it is known for its natural peat bog, wooden walkways, and its unique wild atmosphere in the region.
It's also an ideal starting point for a nature walk in the Vosges Mountains, with an easy loop around the lake and the option to extend the hike to the Rocher des Vieux Chevaux (Old Horses Rock) for a panoramic view of the Vosges. From a chalet stay in the Vosges , this outing fits perfectly into a day spent in nature, between the lake, the forest, and the mountains.
To discover other routes, consult our complete guide to hiking in the Vosges.
🌲 Why is Lake Lispach so famous?
Lake Lispach is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges , appreciated for its easy walk and its preserved natural environment.
Lake Lispach is known for:
• its rare natural peat bog
• its wooden walkways
• its wild atmosphere
• its easy accessibility
👉 This is one of the most visited sites in the Vosges.
👉 As you stroll around the lake, you'll cross a rare peat bog, home to a unique flora. Among them is the bladderwort , a small aquatic carnivorous plant, almost invisible to the naked eye. This surprising detail testifies to the richness and fragility of this unique environment in the Vosges Mountains.
📍 Access and parking at Lake Lispach
Lake Lispach is located between Gérardmer and La Bresse. The lake is easily accessible and there are two car parks nearby.
Tip: Parking number 2 (map below) is the most suitable if you want to go to the viewpoint of the old horses rock ☺️.
Key points to remember:
• 🚗 Main parking lot near the hostel
• 🧭 Very easy access
• 🪧 Well-marked trails
💡 Ideal for an outing without complicated logistics.
🥾 The walk around Lake Lispach (easy walk)
The loop around the lake is the most accessible part of the hike.
• ⏱️ Duration: ~1 hour
• 👨👩👧 Very easy
• 🌿 Flat terrain
👉 What makes this walk unique:
• wooden walkways
• the peat bog atmosphere
• absolute calm
💡 Perfect for a family outing, the tour around Lake Lispach is also very fun: all along the route, educational panels allow young and old alike to discover the fauna and flora of this preserved environment.
🌄 The Old Horses Rock: the unmissable viewpoint
For a slightly more sporty version, you can extend to the viewpoint of the Old Horses rock by way of the old copper mine, now transformed into a hibernation site for bats.
👉 Upon arrival, a "wow" effect is guaranteed with an unobstructed view of Lake Longemer.
👉 All you have to do now is go back down at a leisurely pace to finish with a peaceful end to your walk around the lake.
💡 A hike we love, ideal for varying the scenery in a single outing.
Key points to remember:
• ⏱️ +1 to 1.5 hours
• 📈 Gradual rise
• 🌄 Unobstructed view of the Vosges
👉 This variant transforms the walk into a full-fledged hike.
💡 Accessible with children used to walking.
👨👩👧 Our family experience
We did this walk with our 6-year-old daughter.
• The walk around the lake is very fun
• The footbridges make the walk fun
• The climb to the rock remains feasible with breaks
This is an ideal hike for:
• introduce children
• vary the landscapes
• Avoid overly technical routes
📊 Quick overview of the walk
📍 Location: Lake Lispach
⏱️ Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours (including the Old Horses rock)
📈 Difficulty level: easy to moderate
👨👩👧 Child-friendly: yes
🥾 Type: Loop
🧭 Tips for a successful hike
• Choose appropriate footwear
• provide water
• Avoid very wet periods (the ground is sometimes muddy)
• Ideal for spring, summer and autumn
📍 Where to stay to discover Lake Lispach?
👉 Lake Lispach is located a few minutes from Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer .
Staying in this area provides easy access to:
• other lakes
• the waterfalls
• the Vosges peaks
👉 The Forest Lodge, a luxury chalet for rent in Gérardmer in the heart of the Vosges provides an ideal starting point for exploring the whole region, with top-of-the-range comfort after hiking.
🔗 Things to discover nearby
👉 To complete your discovery of Lake Lispach, consult our complete guide to hiking in the Vosges , with the most beautiful routes around Gérardmer.
👉 If you want a very easy walk with waterfalls as a bonus, check out our article on the Saut des Cuves waterfall .
👉 Fancy a walk starting from the chalet with an incredible view of Xonrupt as a reward? Discover the Roche du Page hike (Article coming soon).
🎯 An unusual activity nearby: introduction to biathlon
As a bonus: Just a few minutes from Lake Lispach, we had the opportunity to try out an introduction to biathlon with Christian Poirot, former member of the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games.
A unique experience combining:
cross-country skiing
rifle shooting
concentration and precision
👉 A fun and accessible activity, even for beginners, which perfectly complements a day of hiking in the Vosges.
💡 An original experience to enjoy with family or friends.
Discover our article on this unusual but memorable experience (Article coming soon).
❓ FAQ – Lispach Lake hiking
How long does it take to walk around Lake Lispach?
The tour around the lake takes approximately 1 hour.
Is Lake Lispach easy to get around?
Yes, it's one of the easiest walks in the Vosges.
Is it possible to visit Lake Lispach with children?
Yes, the course is perfectly suitable for children.
Where to park for Lake Lispach?
Parking is available near the Lispach inn.
How to get around Lake Lispach?
The walk around Lake Lispach is easy thanks to an accessible path that follows the shoreline and wooden walkways around the peat bog. The route is short, well-marked, and suitable for a leisurely family outing.
Which is the most beautiful lake in the Vosges?
Lake Lispach is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges Mountains thanks to its wild atmosphere, natural peat bog, and wooden footbridges. Other lakes, such as Longemer or Lake Corbeaux, are also highly regarded, depending on the type of scenery sought.
Lake Lispach: Is it safe to swim?
No, swimming is prohibited in Lake Lispach in order to preserve the peat bog and this fragile ecosystem. The site is protected and intended for walking and nature observation.
What is the distance around Lake Lispach?
The loop around Lake Lispach is approximately 2 km. It's a short and easy walk, ideal for an accessible stroll in the Vosges mountains.