Vosges hiking 2026: the best hikes in the Vosges around Gérardmer
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Want to discover the Vosges in a different way?
Around Gérardmer, the hikes offer exceptional diversity: glacial lakes, panoramic ridges, deep forests and wild waterfalls.
👉 The best hikes in the Vosges are around Gérardmer, particularly at Lake Lispach, on the Route des Crêtes (Crest Road), at Saut des Cuves waterfall, and at Roche du Page. These routes are suitable for all levels, including families.
Among the must-sees:
• the Route des Crêtes and the Hohneck
• the tour around Lake Lispach
• the Saut des Cuves waterfall
• the Page rock with a view of Lake Longemer
From the Forest Lodge , several of these routes are accessible directly or within a 15-minute drive.
To fully enjoy these landscapes, the Forest Lodge is an ideal base for a nature getaway around Gérardmer. This chalet rental in the Vosges mountains near Gérardmer offers easy access to lakes, waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails, while providing the comfort of a chalet with a private spa and jacuzzi after a day in the mountains.
👉 All the hikes featured in this guide have been tested as a family with our 6-year-old daughter. You'll find everything from easy walks around lakes to more challenging routes for exploring the most beautiful landscapes of the Vosges Mountains .
🥇 Top 10 most beautiful hikes in the Vosges
Here are the 10 best hikes in the Vosges mountains around Gérardmer, tested as a family:
🌄 Roche du Page (view of Xonrupt-Longemer)
A short hike offering exceptional views of Lake Longemer.
➜ See the complete guide: /roche-du-page-randonnee-vosges
🐎 Old Horses Rock + Lispach Lake
A complete hike through forest, lake and panoramic views, ideal for experiencing a variety of landscapes.
🐐 Route des Crêtes & Hohneck
An iconic route in the Vosges mountains with panoramic views and chamois sightings.
💧 Saut des Cuves Waterfall
An easy and fun walk with footbridges, perfect for children.
💦 Charlemagne Waterfall (Retournemer)
A hike in the forest in a remarkable natural setting.
🌿 Rudlin Waterfall
A short, accessible walk leading to a wild waterfall.
🌊 Tour of Lake Lispach
An easy walk around a wild lake with wooden walkways.
🌅 Tour of Lake Longemer
A peaceful stroll, ideal at the end of the day.
🌄 Mérelle Tower (view of Gérardmer)
One of the most beautiful hikes with views of Lake Gérardmer
➜ Detailed article coming soon
🥾 Where to go hiking in the Vosges?
The best areas for hiking in the Vosges are located around Gérardmer, Xonrupt-Longemer and La Bresse.
There is a wide variety of trails to be found there:
hikes around the lakes
routes along the ridges with panoramic views
family-friendly forest walks
👉 This area boasts the most beautiful landscapes of the Vosges and allows for easy variation of routes.
🥾 Easy hikes in the Vosges (ideal with children)
Here are the best easy hikes in the Vosges :
Tour of Lake Lispach
Saut des Cuves Waterfall
La Roche du Page (starting from our chalet)
Tour of Lake Longemer
👉 Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
👉 Level: easy
👉 Suitable for ages 5-6 and up
💡 All these walks have been tested in real-life conditions with families.
🌄 Roche du Page: a breathtaking view of Xonrupt-Longemer
A secluded hike offering exceptional views of Lake Longemer and the Xonrupt valley.
🌿 Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes
👨👩👧 Family-friendly
🌄 Spectacular view
👉 Detailed article coming soon
🌊 What are the best hikes with waterfalls in the Vosges?
Here are the most beautiful waterfalls accessible by hiking:
💦 Tendon Waterfall
One of the highest waterfalls in the Vosges , impressive and easily accessible. Ideal for a short hike with a strong "wow" factor.
Detailed article to come
💧 Saut des Cuves Waterfall
Very easy, fun course with walkways
Ideal for families with children
Detailed article to come
💦 Charlemagne Waterfall (Retournemer)
Forest hike starting from Retournemer Lake
A wonderful family walk, just a 5-minute drive from our chalet.
🌿 Rudlin Waterfall
A short walk in a wild setting starting from the Cascade Inn.
Watch out, it's a steep climb!! But not for long 😅
Detailed article to come
In addition to these waterfalls, the Vosges mountains are home to many other waterfalls accessible by hiking, some very easy, others more wild and secluded.
👉 To discover the most beautiful waterfalls and plan your itinerary, consult our complete guide to waterfalls in the Vosges (Currently being written 😊)
🏞️ What are the best hikes around the lakes in the Vosges?
🌊 Lake Lispach
A touch of Canada in the Vosges.
Unique peat bog, wooden walkways, ideal for families
👉Detailed article coming soon
🌅 Lake Longemer
Easy route, superb at sunset
👉Detailed article coming soon
🌲 Lake Tenine
A wild and secluded lake, accessible via a forest hike, ideal for lovers of unspoiled nature. We love it 🥰!
🐦 Lake of the Crows
A magnificent glacial lake surrounded by mountains, offering an immersive hike in the heart of the Vosges.
In addition to these lakes, the Vosges region has many other glacial and natural lakes, each offering a different atmosphere amidst forests, ridges and peat bogs.
👉 To discover the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges and their hiking trails, consult our complete guide dedicated to the lakes of the Vosges (Written in progress 😊)
🐐 Where to see chamois in the Vosges?
The best spot to observe chamois is the ridge road , especially around the Hohneck.
Frequent observation
Easily accessible
Exceptional view
👉 Best done early in the morning or at the end of the day.
📊 Which hike should you choose in the Vosges?
Type of Hike | Best place |
|---|---|
Easy for families | Lake Lispach |
Panorama | Page's Rock |
Cascade | Saut des Cuves |
Animals | Ridge Road |
Relaxation | Lake Longemer |
🥾 What hikes should I do in the Vosges?
For an easy walk → Lispach lake
For a panoramic view → Page Rock
For a nature hike → Vosges waterfalls
To observe animals → Route des Crêtes (Crest Road)
👉 These routes are the most recommended around Gérardmer.
📍 Where to stay for hiking in the Vosges?
For hiking around Gérardmer, Xonrupt-Longemer is one of the best starting points. The village provides quick access to Lake Longemer, Lake Lispach, the Saut des Cuves waterfall, the Roche du Page rock formation, and the Route des Crêtes hiking trail.
The Forest Lodge, a chalet for rent in the Vosges near Gérardmer , is ideally located to alternate between family walks, panoramic views of lakes and waterfalls, and relaxing moments at the chalet.
After the exertion, it's time for comfort: spa, private jacuzzi, forest view and large spaces to get together with family or friends.
❓ FAQ – Hiking in the Vosges
What is the most beautiful hike in the Vosges?
The ridge road and the Hohneck offer the most spectacular panoramas.
What easy hike is there in the Vosges?
The hike around Lake Lispach is the most accessible.
Where to hike around Gérardmer?
The best hikes are to Lispach lake, Saut des Cuves and Roche du Page.
Is it possible to hike in the Vosges mountains with children?
Yes, many trails are suitable for families with children as young as 5.
Which is the best town for hiking in the Vosges?
Gérardmer is often considered the best base for hiking in the Vosges. Located in the heart of the massif, it offers quick access to numerous trails, lakes and panoramic views, particularly around Xonrupt-Longemer and La Bresse.
What is the most beautiful place in the Vosges?
The most beautiful spots in the Vosges are located around the lakes and ridges, such as Lake Lispach, the Route des Crêtes (Crest Road), and the Hohneck. These sites offer varied landscapes ranging from forests and peaks to exceptional panoramas.
What is the most difficult hike in the Vosges?
Among the most challenging hikes in the Vosges Mountains are the trails around the Hohneck and Kastelberg peaks, featuring significant elevation gains and technical sections. These routes are recommended for experienced hikers.
What is the one hike in the Vosges mountains that you absolutely must do?
The hike around Lake Lispach is one of the must-do hikes in the Vosges Mountains thanks to its accessibility and unspoiled natural environment. Other trails, such as the Route des Crêtes (Crest Road) or the Saut des Cuves (Waterfall of the Pools), are also very popular.
When is the best time to hike in the Vosges?
Hiking in the Vosges Mountains is possible from April to October in good conditions. Spring, summer, and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, while winter requires more precautions.