The Lac Blanc Circuit

Although the climb up to Rocher Hans and the statue of the Virgin Mary at its summit may not look easy, it isn’t as difficult as it seems, even for little ones.
After the effort (all the same), the reward!
Of course, Rocher Hans itself is inaccessible, but the various viewpoints overlooking the lake are truly magnificent.
Be careful, though – the descent is a bit trickier: less steep, but more slippery in places.
The final few hundred metres, along the road, are safe: the path is separated and protected by a metal and wooden guardrail.

Details

100919492
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.71 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 791 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 784 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,213 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,468 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

This walk around the lake is fully signposted with a Red Ring.

(S/E) Head south from the car park and climb through the forest, following the markings. The path zigzags between the trees and rocks to reach the point closest to Rocher Hans and its statue of the Virgin Mary, which is inaccessible to walkers.

(1) Continue along the path, taking in the various views.

(2) Continue along the signposted path, ignoring the path that branches off to the left towards the Belmont Observatory. Reach the Source du Lac Blanc, the highest point of the walk, where there is a picnic table.

(3) Turn right and follow the ridge path, which offers a lovely panoramic view to the east. It begins to descend gently, then more steeply from the top of the ski runs. Take care: the stones and gravel pose a hazard at every step. You’ll reach a cross-country path.

(4) This is the end of the path. Take the track to the left for about a hundred metres.

(5) At the end of the track, follow the path branching off to the right. This section is a bit more of a struggle than the previous descent, as there are a few streams that don’t make things any easier. The walk to the foot of the lake isn’t long, but progress is very slow. Then continue along the (easier) path that climbs back up towards the road.

(6) Stay on the marked path alongside the road and you’ll soon reach the Lac Blanc car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,478 ft - Lac Blanc car park - Lac Blanc (massif des Vosges)
  2. 1 : mi 0.34 - alt. 3,825 ft - Near the Rocher Hans - Rocher Hans
  3. 2 : mi 0.46 - alt. 4,052 ft - Viewpoint
  4. 3 : mi 0.84 - alt. 4,206 ft - Source du Lac Blanc - Source du Lac Blanc (Orbey)
  5. 4 : mi 1.94 - alt. 3,694 ft - End of the trail
  6. 5 : mi 2 - alt. 3,675 ft - Return to the path
  7. 6 : mi 2.58 - alt. 3,517 ft - Road (separate, secured path)
  8. S/E : mi 2.71 - alt. 3,478 ft - Lac Blanc car park

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
User 4835978

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

To be honest, the climb up to Hans Rock is more of a scramble than a proper hike, but it’s good fun...
We found the rocky section after Hans, leading up to the highest point of the walk, less enjoyable...
The final stretch along the road is very short...

We’d definitely recommend doing it in the direction given in the description...

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User 3850328

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Please follow the route as indicated by Visorando, as the first climb is quite steep, with rocks and stones, and would be very difficult to descend if the circular route were done in the opposite direction. The scenery is superb.

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