Five lakes around Kastelberg

This hike will take us on a day-long journey to discover some of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges, four of which are nestled in remarkable glacial cirques.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 18.49 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 1,007 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 1,006 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,278 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 525 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Head to Mittlach, a charming and peaceful little village at the bottom of the Munster Valley, an Alsatian town west of Colmar (68), whose name is inextricably linked to the famous cheese.
You can park your car in the car park opposite the Valneige hotel (or, if there are no spaces, further up, between the church and the village hall).

(S/E) Opposite the Valneige hotel, cross the small bridge and take the street immediately on the right.

(1) After the last houses, less than 500 m from our starting point, take the path on the left (heading north, marked by a red rectangle) leading to the Wormsa valley.
After 500 m, you will reach the start of the climb to the Fischboedle lake, marked by a small wooden memorial. Take the path overlooking the Wormsa valley, following the Club Vosgien markings ( red rectangle).
Cross a series of rocky scree (glacial moraines) and two small wooden bridges over the stream flowing from the Fischboedle before reaching a forest road. Follow this road to the left for 200 m to reach the first lake on the circuit.

(2) Cross the dam and, to the right of the kiosk, take the red rectangle-marked trail, which winds its way up to the Schiessrothried in 20 minutes.

(3) Do not cross the dam. The Wormspel trail, marked with a blue triangle, starts to the right of the small building, to the left of the dam. Although the slope of the trail is gentle at first, it becomes much steeper as you move away from the lake and reach the bottom of the valley.
Then, as you emerge from the forest, the route takes on a much more alpine character, offering superb views of the slopes of the glacial cirque, the stumps of the Petit Hohneck and the Lac du Schiessrothried below.

(4) Once you reach the ridge (Wormspel small pass), head west for about 200 metres to join the Route des Crêtes (D430), which you will follow for the same distance in a southerly direction.
There, a forest road (Chemin du Schmargult) marked with a blue ring branches off to the right of the road. Heading west, it passes under several ski lifts, runs alongside the Auberge du Schmargult farm, and then reaches the shores of the lake about 1.5 km from the farm.

(5) From the lake shore, retrace your steps for about 100 metres to reach the start of the ski lift.

(6) Cross the Moselotte, then 250 m further south and 40 m higher, you will find the Artimont forest road overlooking the southern slope of the lake.
Stay on this road marked with a yellow ring, continuing south.
Be careful, after 500 m the road bends to the left, while a wide forest path joins the road. Stay on this road, which 200 m below crosses a second forest road. Keep heading south, staying on the right-hand lane marked with a yellow ring. 500 m from this crossroads, a path (yellow disc) branches off to the left of the road, leading in a few steps to the shores of Lake Blanchemer.

(7) Follow the eastern shore of the lake for about 300 m before taking a path marked with a blue triangle. Heading south, this path joins the wide Chemin du Grand Bougre 90 m higher up. Turn left towards the north and 500 m after this junction, the path (blue triangle) branches off to the right, leading in a few tight bends to the Route des Crêtes, a few steps from the Ferschmuss farmhouse inn.
Cross the road, continuing eastwards, and a few steps higher up you will reach the Collet du Rainkopf.

(8) Take the Altenweiher trail, the last lake on the route (yellow signpost).
At first, the trail climbs gently, but after about 1,000 metres, a series of sharp bends leads to the bottom of the glacial cirque and the Altenweiher reservoir. Please note: shortly before reaching the lake shore, you will come across a trail marked with a yellow disc, which you should keep on your right.

(9) Cross the lake dam and take the path marked with a yellow cross below the northern end of the dam. Follow this track for 1.5 km until you reach the Kolbenwasen crossroads, a few steps from the small chapel of the same name.
There, a road marked with a yellow cross will take you 2 km along a tarmac road back to your starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 530 m - Parking opposite the Valneige hotel.
  2. 1 : km 0.58 - alt. 532 m - Take the path on the left.
  3. 2 : km 3.05 - alt. 796 m - Lac de Fischboedle
  4. 3 : km 3.91 - alt. 928 m - lac de schiessrothried
  5. 4 : km 5.57 - alt. 1,277 m - Col du Wormspel (1275m)
  6. 5 : km 8.34 - alt. 1,052 m - Lac de la Lande
  7. 6 : km 8.72 - alt. 1,073 m - Cross the - Moselotte (rivière)
  8. 7 : km 10.37 - alt. 986 m - Lac de Blanchemer
  9. 8 : km 12.6 - alt. 1,187 m - Rainkopf
  10. 9 : km 14.42 - alt. 929 m - Altenweiher
  11. S/E : km 18.49 - alt. 531 m - Parking opposite the Valneige hotel.

Practical information

Fischboedle Lake: The setting is enchanting, with a torrent of rocks seeming to rush into the clear water of the small glacial lake, whose surface reflects the forest covering the steep slopes.
Schiessrothried Lake: Of glacial origin, the lake took on its current appearance at the end of the 19th century with the construction of a small dam to regulate the water supply to the textile factories and sawmills in the Munster Valley.
Ascent to the Wormspell small pass: This section is particularly good for observing chamois, which are numerous on the steep slopes of the combe and the Spitzkoepfe peaks. But you will need to scan the rock faces carefully and keep quiet, as chamois are shy and not inclined to show off in front of cameras.
Lac de la Lande: Built on the site of a former peat bog, the lake is used to generate electricity and supply the snow cannons on the ski slopes of Kastelberg.
Lac de Blanchemer: Less enclosed than the Alsatian lakes, this is a quiet and peaceful spot, which, when bathed in sunshine, is ideal for swimming (although this is prohibited as it is a protected area). Accessible by car, it attracts more visitors than the previous lakes and may not be as charming, especially at weekends.
Altenweiheir Lake: This lake, located on a former natural peat bog that is now flooded, was created at the end of the 19th century, when Alsace was under German administration, to regulate the waters of the Fecht, like the first two lakes on this route.

Good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended.
You should also take a compass with you, as this is a more efficient way of finding your bearings than studying the position of the sun or the moss on the trees.
The hike is not suitable for winter or when there is snow on the peaks (markings hidden by snow, avalanche corridors, slopes too steep).

There are a few shelters and several farm inns along the route: a small kiosk at Fischboedle, the Schmargult farm inn shortly after crossing the Route des Crêtes, a forest shelter at Blanchemer Lake, the Ferschmuss farm inn at the Rainkopf small pass and the Valneige hotel at the starting point.

In the nearby area

On the Alsace side, you will find Fischboedle, probably the most romantic of the Vosges lakes, Schiessrothried at the foot of Hohneck and, at the end of the hike, Altenweiher at the foot of Kastelberg and Rainkopf.
On the Lorraine side, the artificial lake of La Lande and the glacial lake of Blanchemer, whose waters are ideal for swimming (unfortunately prohibited).
The first part of the route follows the steep slopes of the Wormspel cirque, where you may be lucky enough to spot some chamois, before crossing the high stubble fields of the Hohneck.
This hike requires a little stamina but is not technically difficult in good weather. It is particularly suitable in summer, as it is mostly in the forest, with the water from the lakes and streams adding a touch of freshness to this condensed version of the splendours of the Vosges. And in autumn, the surface of the lakes is animated by a thousand colours, reflecting the flaming forest. An unforgettable sight.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 81 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 17962422

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant hike thanks to the varied terrain and landscapes (paths, trails, rocks, forests, fields, etc.). The view of the various lakes is magnificent.
With the explanations provided, it's impossible to go wrong.
It's still a fairly difficult route, and the climb to the ridges is quite strenuous, but despite that, it's pure joy!
Thank you for your work 👍🙂

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User 25910033

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A very pretty walk with very clear explanations. The use of visorendo is a real plus for those who want to hike with complete peace of mind. Finally, the possibility of downloading GPXs free of charge is great.

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bourdoiseau
bourdoiseau

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice hike, especially the climb to the ridge.
Second third less interesting (ridge at Rainkopf) and nice return.

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Eric5267
Eric5267

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A superb hike, completed in almost 7 hours, with stops at various points of interest.
The lakes are both wild and magnificent.
Lots of people at the summit of the Honeck (on a sunny Sunday) and at the Lac de Blanchemer.
The rest of the itinerary was very quiet.
The whole route is suitable for hikers in good physical condition.

A real treat.

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Arnaud73000
Arnaud73000

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A superb hike with splendid views.
I'd recommend making the short diversions to the Hohneck next to the route, as it would be a shame not to pass so close to this magnificent viewpoint.

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Pascaline68
Pascaline68

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

This is the 2nd hike of the season and it's a lovely, challenging route. The terrain is uneven on some sections (lots of loose stones, scree and roots, so watch where you step!) Most of the walk takes place in the shade of trees and along the water, which is very pleasant during the tough climbs.

I had 2 moments of hesitation:
- one on arrival at the Col du Wormspel, as I didn't have a compass or a network to check if I was going in the right direction. Don't take the path on the left, but go straight on towards the Route des Crêtes (you'll see the Auberge du Hohneck on your left (which is closed from Tuesday 9am to Thursday 8am).
- The second (point 6 in the description of the hike) refers to a road marked with a yellow ring. In fact, you shouldn't go down the path on the right, but take the path on the left and shortly afterwards you'll find the yellow ring to follow.

Picnic break at the Lac de la Lande (very few people) in the company of the ducks, which are not at all shy and on the lookout for crumbs, and dessert break at the Auberge du Firstmiss not far from Rainkopf (delicious blueberry tart).
Apart from the Hohneck, which is popular, and the Blanchemer lake (well, it's July after all!), I often walked alone and met very few people. I really enjoyed the peat bogs, the possibility of walking half or all the way round the lake, and the murmur of the waterfalls, all of which added a wonderful tone to the walk.
Before heading back down to Mittlach, I made a detour to see Rock 48.7 (the 48th parallel north crossing the 7th meridian east), a bit of geography for fun!

In the end, my watch showed 26 km 600 in 6 hours and 25 minutes (not including the break). I started walking at 11am and arrived at the starting point at 7pm.
Thank you for this route, which allowed me to discover the lakes of La Lande and Blanchemer, which I didn't know. The windbreaker came in handy on the Wormspel pass when the temperature on the plain was 28°C.

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Carla du 68
Carla du 68
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hello,

Wonderful walk! One of the most beautiful of all the hikes I've done with my dog.
In places, there were a few technical sections over rocks, but nothing insurmountable for a dog if she's used to walking.
Wonderful scenery all along the way.
Allow more 20.5 km instead of the advertised 18.6 if you don't do the laps around the lakes.
I did 2 of them, so I finished at 24 km.

This route is quite difficult because of the effort required, the paths you have to take and the difference in altitude. Three quarters of the route is over rocks and stones. But the effort is rewarded at every turn.

I came across my first chamois, a pure pleasure.

The route of the hike is almost perfect, with little chance of straying from it except after the last lake. Be sure to take the small path that follows the stream and not the main path, as this will avoid you having to backtrack.

Do it and do it again!

Thank you for this wonderful route!

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mn54710
mn54710

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 16, 2021
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Thank you for this beautiful tour; it was a wonderful discovery. As someone from Lorraine, I took the route des crêtes (WP4) with the disadvantage of the long climb at the end, but spotting a few chamois was a great reward for finishing the loop.
I chose an alternative route between the Sapin de Kolben and Mittlach, passing along the other side of the Kolbenfecht to avoid following the road for too long. Slightly longer but much more enjoyable.

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xprudhomme
xprudhomme

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 04, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very good route, GPS track ok, and scenery to see, top notch

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Louve Noire
Louve Noire

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

An absolutely magnificent hike that we did over 2 days, bivouacking at Lac de La Lande, as we knew that it was now forbidden to bivouac at Lac de Blanchemer.
The climb was as magnificent as it was difficult, with some superb waterfalls and a variety of terrain that made things even more interesting. We were lucky enough to spot a group of dozens of chamois a few metres from us, just before we reached the ridge.
Unfortunately, we didn't get much out of the descent to Milttlach on the 2nd day, as it was raining, but the scenery was also breathtaking.

It's a hike I'd happily do again a little later in the season to enjoy the lakes and waterfalls and see the change in scenery. It will remain one of my favourite hikes.

Be careful, though, there were still patches of snow on the way up to the ridge, which made the last few metres of the climb very perilous. Thinking about taking small crampons to climb these few metres could make things safer.

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vos88
vos88

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice hike with sunshine, coming from the Vosges I started from the Hohneck which meant that I had the big climb from Mittlach at the end the only difficulty with tiredness at the end of the route was the snow under the Hohneck which masked the path plus the passage of a névé. This hike is as good as some of the stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc that I did two years ago, so it's still for regular walkers. It deserves its difficulty, my wife and I took 7 hours and 40 minutes, the GPS track gives me 19, 27 km and 1178 m of ascent, otherwise beautiful varied scenery, waterfalls, moraine, etc, and chamois For the number of visitors, it was the first weekend after the deconfinement, plus the good weather, which perhaps explains that.

Thanks to the Visorandonneur who created this hike.

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Lebeuze
Lebeuze

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

I've just finished this hike, which will probably be the best I've done this year.
Physically interesting, with a first third that stings a bit and a good length of trail, technically interesting thanks to the diversity of ground covered (wide paths, trails, rolling stones, large fixed stones, slopes, and even a bit of road, it's all there!), visually interesting thanks to the scenery on offer, in short everything you need for a great hike.
Completed in 5h30, with a few problems finding my way (my fault, I didn't have a compass...).
Not much more frequented than this, except at the top of the Honeck, but that's no problem.
I'm keeping this route aside to do it again with a few "seasoned" friends, because it's a bit physically demanding after all,

Thanks to the author!

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Xavier G.
Xavier G.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 20, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A superb hike that fully deserves its 'Difficult' difficulty level.
From a technical point of view, there's nothing insurmountable if you're used to walking in the mountains, but the first few kilometres will really warm up your calves.
When the weather is hot and sunny, don't forget your cap or other headgear, because while some long stretches are shaded, others are not, and protection from the sun will be particularly appreciated.

Weekday hike in July: the section up to the Wormspel pass was quite busy, but the rest of the hike was very quiet.
A little bonus: on the way up to the Wormspel pass, we saw a few chamois.

The GPS track is very precise, so no worries there. Just remember to download the maps before the hike, as many of the sections don't have mobile phone coverage (and so much the better ).

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Adrien-08
Adrien-08

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 08, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : N/A
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Walked on 09/08/20 in the middle of a heatwave!

The "Difficult" difficulty rating is well-deserved: the first 2-3 km of the climb are on a very rocky site with lots of scree and sometimes on the side, so you need to be careful on your feet, this is the 1st technical part of the route. After that, the route climbs moderately to the Wormspel pass, a climb of almost 5km. We'll take advantage of the inns to get some rest, but the hardest part is over! The second and final technical section is the 1st kilometre of descent after point 8: a narrow winding descent with some rocky sections, but once again nothing insurmountable, just be careful.
So this is indeed a "difficult" route, not recommended for beginners. For an experienced hiker, with good shoes (no trainers!!!), walking poles, a minimum of stamina and the necessary caution in a few places, you can do it without any problem.

Be careful to follow the description at point 5. I followed the signs down to the lake, which led me in the wrong direction, and when I had to "retrace my steps", I was obviously lost as I was going up the wrong slope, and after the ski lift I took the wrong path, even though the description warns you to do so... In short, follow the description, which is excellent.

Time announced as 8:25, I think an experienced hiker will do it quicker than that: it took me just under 9:30, bearing in mind that I took a break of at least 30 mins at midday, that I went round ALL the lakes to take photos and that I easily spent 40 mins going back and forth uselessly to point 5 before finding my way back...

In short, an excellent itinerary that I would recommend to any experienced hiker!

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DenisL77
DenisL77
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 06, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

I did this walk during the week to avoid the crowds.
Great discovery of some lakes that I hadn't seen before.
A must-do.

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