Lakes Les Perches and Grand Neuweiher via the Gresson Farm Inn

Start at the Gresson Farm Inn (access is only on foot from Oberbruck, Rimbach-près-Masevaux, or Lake Alfeld).

(S/E) On leaving the Ferme-auberge du Gresson, follow the Blue Rectangle path to the right, which climbs up through the meadows to where it joins the Blue Cross path at the top of the pasture.

(1) Take the Blue Cross path on the right, which enters the forest.

(2) Continue straight on until you reach the junction on the ridge with the GR®5 (Red Rectangle) below the Roche de l'Enfer.

(3) At the junction, follow the Red Rectangle to the right towards the Chaume de la Haute Bers and the Rouge Gazon.

(4) Enjoy the view over the Neuweiher lakes. Once you reach Haute Bers, cross the meadows at their upper edge, passing above the log cabin, and continue on the other side of this vast clearing following the Red Rectangle.

(5) At the junction, head down to the right towards the Haute Bers hut.

(6) After the hut, turn left then right. After winding and meandering through the forest, the path crosses a steep area of rocks and scree. It is equipped with a handrail and a footbridge, at the end of which it reaches the Col des Perches. On this section, follow the Red Rectangle.

(7) At the pass, descend to the right along the zigzagging path to Lac des Perches (or Sternsee, Lac de l’Étoile).

(8) Cross the small dam.

(9) Continue straight ahead on the Blue Rectangle towards the Rocher du Corbeau and the Haute Bers, which you must cross this time at its lower section.

(10) At the junction, after the Haute Bers, continue straight ahead on the Blue Rectangle and descend via a splendid, winding path to Lac du Grand Neuweiher, keeping to the left.

(11) Descend, then cross the lake’s embankment towards the Neuweiher Inn and Refuge.

(12) Leave the inn on your right and take the path on the left (Blue Rectangle). Cross the forest road once more.

(13) At the junction, continue along the second path on the right, which climbs steeply through the forest before levelling out and reaching the Gresson Farm Inn (S/E).

Access to the Gresson farm-inn is only possible on foot from Oberbruck, Rimbach-près-Masevaux, or Lac d’Alfeld (allow 1 hour’s walk each way).

Gresson Farm Inn: 03 89 82 00 21 – accommodation available on site.

NeuweiherInn and Refuge: 03 89 82 02 09 – accommodation available on site by the lake.

Spring at La Haute Bers below the hut.

Log cabin shelter at Haute Bers: self-service hut.

The forest between the Col des Charbonniers and La Haute Bers is a natural forest that has reclaimed former pastureland.

Don’t miss, before entering the Haute Bers heathland, the strange Hêtre spring, which gushes forth from the roots of a large tree.

The Haute Bers clearing, a haven of tranquillity, resembles a small steppe.

The lakes of Neuweiher and Les Perches in their glacial setting.