Lac Noir walks

Looking for a varied hike with different terrain? Then look no further than the Three Lakes Hike. Rooted footpaths, forest tracks, uneven terrain, crossing the Gazon du Faing, Lac Noir, Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites (also known as Lac du Forlet) and, on a clear day, a diversion to the Belmont Rocher observatory or Rocher de Hans. A lovely hike to do in fine weather. It's better for the scenery.

A walk in the Alsatian Vosges from Lac Blanc to Lac Vert and back via Lac des Truites and Lac Noir. These are three circular routes that follow on from one another, so much so that there are two points where you can shorten the route. - Note added following a comment on 19 August 2026.>Please note : the route passes through an area where access is prohibited; the path between Gazon du Faing (14) and Lac Noir (15) is closed.- Updated by the author on 21 August 2026

This is an easy hike with beautiful views of the Keysersberg valley to the east and the ridges to the west. You will always find a sunny spot for a picnic around Lac des Truites. The Auberge du Lac Noir welcomes you for a break and the Ferme Auberge du Forlet is open at the end of April. You can also eat at the Mussmiss farmhouse inn, which is clearly signposted on arrival at the Col du Wettstein.

A magnificent hike with trails that are sometimes alpine in character.

A very pretty, varied walk with scenic views and fairly easy going, I've rated it as moderate as a precaution.

A varied hike starting from Lac Noir, winding through the beautiful Vosges forest and taking you to the Hans rock, which overlooks Lac Blanc. The return route, which is less busy, allows you to discover the lake’s source and the stubble fields near Gazon du Faing. PLEASE NOTE: The notice dated August 2026 indicates a diversion at the end of the route, adding an extra 2 km.

An exceptional hike offering panoramic views of successive lakes. There are a few challenging climbs, but it's well worth the effort. Best done in good weather to fully enjoy the views available to hikers.

A beautiful circular starting from Orbey and taking in two magnificent lakes. First, you will discover Lac Blanc, nestled in a granite basin. On the left, you will see the Rochers du Château Hans topped with a statue. The Chemin Cornélius will take you to Lac Noir, which is lined with fir trees and therefore much darker.

An uphill section towards Lake Noir on the slope of Orbey.

10 km with stunning views of two glacial lakes. The largest and highest, Lac Blanc (depth 72 m) covers 29 ha at an altitude of 1,055 m; Lac Noir (depth 45 m) covers 14 ha at 955 m. Breathtaking views from the Belmont Observatory. Don’t forget your camera.

A lovely, relatively easy hike that takes you to Lacs Blancs and Lacs Noirs via the lower route. The route is suitable for winter, when the ridges are too snow-covered to hike easily without snowshoes.

Starting from Orbey, this is an interesting hike thanks to its diversity and magnificent views. During the day, you’ll come across two sites named after rocks, and admire forests with their undergrowth—sometimes open, sometimes dense and serving as shelter for game, or even covered in moss—all along a very pleasant path. A moment to reflect on history as you pass through the battlefields near the Linge; the 1914–1918 war. Then superb views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

This is a lovely walk with no particular difficulties, offering beautiful views of the Val d’Orbey, the Munster Valley and the Vosges ridges. Winding through woods and stubble fields, the route takes you from lake to lake to the Schupferen farmhouse inn, where you can enjoy a delicious break with the world’s best Fleischnacka! The welcome is lovely. Booking is essential, as the inn is small. The return journey is mainly downhill, which is very pleasant after a meal at the farmhouse inn.

A beautiful hike starting from the Col du Wettstein, with steep climbs up to the ridge above Lac Noir and Lac Forlet, a descent towards Forlet, where caution is advised, then a gentle stretch to the Musmiss Farm Inn (a gourmet stop) and then, in ten minutes, back to the Col du Wettstein.

A long, challenging hike with a series of ups and downs: it goes up and down. Starting from Lac Blanc, the hike climbs quite steeply towards the Rocher du Hans, offering views over Lac Blanc. This is followed by a descent to Lac Noir, which adds to the beauty of the landscape. Next comes an ascent, then a flat section leading to Lac du Forlet. The hike climbs again and descends to the final lake: Lac Vert. Heading towards the Col de la Schlucht, the route takes you past the Hirschsteine steps and their viewpoint over the Munster valley, followed by a dizzying and somewhat technical section along the cliff face. The return journey then follows the ridge, offering numerous views, along a slightly flatter path that passes through the Tanet and the Gazon du Faing.

Starting from the car park at the Auberge du Gazon du Faing, this circular route links three glacial lakes, each with its own distinct character: Lac Blanc, the largest, dominated by the Rocher du Hans and the Belmont Observatory; Lac Noir, wilder and more enclosed; and Lac du Forlet (or Lac des Truites), nestled in a spectacular glacial cirque at an altitude of over 1,060 metres, the highest lake in the Vosges. Between the three lakes, the trail crosses the Gazon du Faing, a nature reserve of tall grasslands and peat bogs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Vosges ridges. Around ten kilometres of varied trails, through woodland, along ridges and over rocky outcrops, making for one of the most beautiful hikes in the region.

Starting from the Route des Crêtes between the Col du Calvaire and the Col de la Schlucht, this walk begins with a panoramic view of Lac du Forlet from the Crête du Gazon du Faing. The route continues, alternating between woodland and open terrain, taking you to discover Lac Noir, Lac du Forlet (also known as Lac des Truites) and Lac Vert.

A walk along the ridges of the Hautes-Vosges, taking in both well-known and lesser-known paths. The route passes near three lakes and offers magnificent views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and the Alps on clear days. Plenty of blueberries in season.