Lakes in the Vosges: the most beautiful lakes to discover
Are you looking for a lake in the Vosges for swimming, hiking or simply enjoying a mountain landscape? Around Gérardmer, Xonrupt-Longemer and La Bresse, the lakes offer very different atmospheres, from large bodies of water accessible to families to small wild lakes surrounded by forest.
From the Forest Lodge in Xonrupt-Longemer, we are well situated to explore the Valley of the Lakes and the High Vosges.
In this guide, discover the most beautiful lakes of the Vosges and choose the one that best suits your desires.
👉 And to prepare your stay more broadly, also check out our guide What to do in the Vosges around Gérardmer.
Which is the most beautiful lake in the Vosges?
In our opinion, Lake Lispach is the most beautiful lake in the Vosges . Bordered by a remarkable peat bog and surrounded by mountains, it offers a wilder and more unique landscape than the better-known large lakes of the massif.
We particularly love it for its unspoiled atmosphere. Here, you don't just come to enjoy a lake, but a truly natural environment, between water, forest and wetlands, which you discover as you walk.
💡 Our choice : if you only have time to discover one lake during your stay in the Vosges, we would choose Lake Lispach for its unique character and natural atmosphere.
But to help you choose according to your preferences, here are the main lakes in our selection:
Lake | Which to choose for... | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
Lake Gérardmer | swimming, water sports, walking | lively and family-friendly |
Lake Longemer | swimming, nature, family holiday | natural and mountainous |
Lake of Retournemer | landscapes and tranquility | savage |
Lake Lispach | hiking and peat bog | preserved nature |
Lac Blanc | hiking and high-altitude landscapes | mountain dweller |
Lake of the Ravens | walk in the forest | peaceful and forested |
Blanchemer Lake | calm and hiking | confidential |
Green Lake | discovery and hiking | original and mountainous |
Black Lake | landscapes and hiking | savage |
The must-see lakes to discover in the Vosges
From the lively shores of Gérardmer to small lakes surrounded by forest, the Vosges Mountains offer a wide variety of landscapes within just a few kilometers. Here are the main lakes to discover during a stay in the mountain range.
🌊 Lake Gérardmer, the most iconic in the Vosges
At the foot of the town, Lake Gérardmer is the largest natural lake in the Vosges and one of the emblematic landscapes of the mountain range.
It also offers the widest range of activities: swimming, water sports, walks around the lake, or simply relaxing by the water . Its more lively atmosphere sets it apart from wilder lakes like Lispach or Retournemer.
🌲 Lake Longemer, between forest and mountain
In Xonrupt-Longemer, Lake Longemer offers a noticeably different atmosphere. Bordered by forests and dominated by the Vosges mountains, it retains a more natural character, making it one of the most pleasant lakes for enjoying a day by the water.
In summer, its shores are popular with families and water sports enthusiasts. Out of season, the lake takes on a much more peaceful atmosphere and becomes a beautiful starting point for exploring the valley's landscapes.
🏔️ Lake Retournemer, the wildest in the Valley of the Lakes
Continuing along the road beyond Longemer towards the Schlucht Pass, the landscape gradually becomes more mountainous. Nestled at the bottom of a glacial valley, Lake Retournemer is smaller and much wilder than its neighbors.
Surrounded by forest and wetlands, it lends itself more to contemplation than to leisure activities. It is precisely this tranquility that gives it its charm.
Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer thus form three complementary stages in the heart of the Valley of Lakes .
🌿 Lake Lispach and its remarkable peat bog
Near La Bresse, Lake Lispach is one of the most unique natural landscapes in the High Vosges. The lake is bordered by a vast peat bog, a fragile environment characteristic of the Vosges mountains.
A trail allows visitors to discover the diverse landscapes and observe the unique vegetation that has grown around the lake. It's an excellent destination for those seeking a nature walk rather than a day of swimming.
⛰️ White Lake, a high mountain setting
Located on the Alsatian side of the mountain range, Lac Blanc offers a very different landscape from the lakes of the Gérardmer valley. Situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters and dominated by rocky walls, it has a true mountain atmosphere.
The area is particularly renowned for its hiking trails and views of the Vosges mountain ridges. Lac Blanc is therefore a particularly attractive destination for visitors who wish to combine exploring a lake with hiking at altitude.
🌲 Lake of the Ravens, a jewel in the heart of the forest
A few kilometers from La Bresse, the Lac des Corbeaux is entirely surrounded by forest. Smaller than Gérardmer or Longemer, it offers an intimate and peaceful atmosphere.
A stroll around the lake makes it easy to enjoy the site, while the trails that climb higher offer beautiful views of the water and the surrounding mountains.
🤍 Blanchemer Lake, far from the hustle and bustle
More secluded, Blanchemer is also located in the hills above La Bresse. Surrounded by fir trees and accessible via small roads and mountain paths, it is particularly suitable for those seeking peace and quiet.
Its forested surroundings and relative isolation make it a beautiful stop to include in a day of hiking in the High Vosges.
🏔️ Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer: in the heart of the Valley of the Lakes
Around Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer, the Valley of Lakes brings together three bodies of water very close together but with different atmospheres.
👉 Gérardmer is the largest and most lively.
👉 Longemer offers a more natural setting between forest and mountain.
👉 Retournemer , smaller and wilder, marks the entrance to the high-altitude landscapes.
This proximity makes it easy to discover all three during the same stay, without multiplying the journeys.
💡 Our advice : rather than trying to visit them all in the same way, take advantage of their complementarity: activities in Gérardmer, a day by the water in Longemer and a nature break in Retournemer.
🏊 Is it possible to swim in the lakes of the Vosges?
Yes, swimming is possible in some lakes in the Vosges, notably at Gérardmer and Longemer . These are the two main lakes in this selection to prioritize in summer for enjoying the water.
Conversely, several wilder or protected lakes are not designated for swimming . This is notably the case for Lake Lispach , where swimming and water sports are prohibited in order to preserve the peat bog, as well as Lakes Corbeaux and Blanchemer.
Please note: swimming regulations may change depending on the season, water quality, or local regulations. Before swimming, check the current conditions on the Gérardmer or Xonrupt-Longemer tourist office website.
🥾 The most beautiful hikes around the lakes of the Vosges
The lakes of the Vosges are not only to be discovered from their shores. Many are surrounded by paths that allow you to cross forests, peat bogs and mountain landscapes, sometimes with very beautiful viewpoints overlooking the bodies of water.
Depending on your level and the type of walk you are looking for, several areas are particularly worth a visit.
🌿 Lake Lispach and its peat bog
Lake Lispach is particularly well-suited for a nature walk. A trail allows you to discover the lake and its peat bog, in an environment typical of the High Vosges.
It is an accessible hike which above all allows you to observe a natural environment very different from the large lakes of Gérardmer or Longemer.
🌲 Take a walk around Lake Longemer
The walk around Lake Longemer is a lovely stroll to enjoy the scenery without necessarily going on a high-altitude hike.
Between forest, lake shores and views of the surrounding mountains, this route allows you to discover Longemer from different angles and is particularly well suited to a quiet outing.
To learn more, also check out our selection of The most beautiful hikes in the Vosges , from family walks to routes along the ridges.
📍 Where are the main lakes of the Vosges?
The main lakes in this selection are concentrated in the High Vosges, around Gérardmer, Xonrupt-Longemer, La Bresse and the ridges.
👉 Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer form the Valley of Lakes.
👉 Around La Bresse, you can find Lispach, the lake of the Ravens and Blanchemer.
👉 Higher up in the massif, Lac Blanc, Lac Noir and Lac Vert offer more mountainous landscapes.
This proximity allows you to discover several lakes during the same stay without having to make multiple long journeys.
The map below allows you to locate the main lakes and more easily plan your discoveries in the Vosges mountains .
🏡 Where to stay to discover the lakes of the Vosges?
To discover several lakes during the same stay, Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer are an excellent starting point.
Located in Xonrupt-Longemer, the Forest Lodge provides easy access to Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer, while remaining close to Lispach and the landscapes of the High Vosges.
After a day by the water or hiking, you can return to the calm of the chalet facing the forest.
And to help you plan your stay more broadly, check out our guide What to do in the Vosges?, which brings together our ideas for hikes, waterfalls, family activities and discoveries around Gérardmer.
❓ Frequently asked questions about the lakes of the Vosges
Which is the most beautiful lake in the Vosges?
In our opinion, Lake Lispach is the most beautiful for its wild atmosphere, its peat bog, and its unspoiled environment. But the choice also depends on what you're looking for: swimming at Longemer, activities in Gérardmer, or high-altitude landscapes at Lac Blanc.
What is the largest lake in the Vosges?
Lake Gérardmer is the largest natural lake in the Vosges Mountains. Located in the immediate vicinity of the town centre, it is also one of the most iconic tourist sites in the mountain range.
Which lake in the Vosges mountains is it safe to swim in?
Lakes Gérardmer and Longemer are among the main lakes where swimming is possible in the summer. However, conditions, designated areas, and lifeguard services may vary: it is recommended to check local information before swimming.
Other lakes, particularly those containing fragile natural environments like Lispach, are not intended for swimming.
What are the three lakes of the Valley of Lakes?
The Valley of the Lakes brings together the lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer. Very close to each other, they allow you to discover three different landscapes when going up the valley from Gérardmer towards Xonrupt-Longemer and the Schlucht pass.
Which lake in the Vosges should you visit with children?
For a family day out, Longemer and Gérardmer are generally the most suitable choices thanks to their accessibility and the possibilities for water-based activities.
For a nature walk, Lake Lispach is also a beautiful discovery with its path laid out around the peat bog.
Which lake should I choose for hiking in the Vosges?
Lake Lispach, Lac Blanc, Lac des Corbeaux, and Blanchemer are among the most interesting lakes to combine with a hike. The routes are very varied, from family walks around a lake to more challenging hikes leading to ridges and viewpoints.
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