The Lakes of Neuweiher and Gresson

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In the Doller valley, this walk will let you discover the lakes of Neuweiher and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Vosges. It's an easy walk and accessible to anyone.

Technical sheet

n°1993
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.05 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 410 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 411 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 946 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 535 m
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Photos

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The Blue Cross Trail
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Le Gresson

Description of the walk

Park in the large car park to your left, just after the entrance to the Rimbach. You'll no doubt be surprised by the number of cars when the weather is good.

Follow the small road that continues for a short kilometre. (1) It then turns into a stony path marked with yellow crosses, alongside a river and through forest. If you're worried about your ankles, take the path on your right just before the end of the road. It is marked by blue circles.

Continue on either of the paths until the Lac du Petit Neuweiher (2) which adjoins the Grand Neuweiher (3). This was emptied completed a few years ago (2007) in order to rebuild the embankment that retains the water. Geologists were worried that a fault passing underneath would break, causing a serious flood in the Doller valley. Following these works, the lac has lost a few metres in height.

Then reach the Auberge de Neuweiher (hostel) (4) and turn left on the GR531 marked by blue rectangles. You then climb a little and join the Chaume du Gresson and the Ferme-Auberge du Gresson Moyen at an altitude of 937m (5)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 536 m - Car park after entering Rimbach
  2. 1 : km 0.91 - alt. 565 m - Carrefour de la boucle
  3. 2 : km 2.86 - alt. 806 m - Lac du Petit Neuweiher
  4. 3 : km 3.08 - alt. 818 m - Lac du Grand Neuweiher
  5. 4 : km 3.25 - alt. 830 m - Auberge du Neuweiher - Refuge du Neuweiher
  6. 5 : km 4.41 - alt. 938 m - Ferme-Auberge du Gresson
  7. S/E : km 8.05 - alt. 535 m - Car park after entering Rimbach

Practical information

Take walking shoes (trainers should be avoided).
Consider taking plenty of water.
You can stop for refreshments or to spend the night in the Auberge de Neuweiher hostel and the Ferme-Auberge du Gresson Moyen. However, consider booking it as it is often very busy.

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 96 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 16668062
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Lovely walk, great welcome at the Neuweiher refuge and excellent meal.

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ottrott
ottrott

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Hike made with small children 10. 8 years who enjoyed. Would recommend.

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bonpied bonoeil
bonpied bonoeil

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The climb up the stone path was not so easy, as the path had turned into a muddy stream.
But what a pleasure it was to arrive at the Neuweiler for a picnic in the sunshine.
A leisurely return punctuated by numerous stops to listen out for birdsong.

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Patweb
Patweb
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The climb up to Neuweier is a bit tricky, with paths and tracks that are very stony and extremely muddy (it was 8 November 2024) due to run-off water. Good hiking boots are recommended. Otherwise, the route is quite pleasant.

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carole lazarus
carole lazarus

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Magnificent tour with a wide variety of landscapes. To be repeated

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Thierry Fouquet
Thierry Fouquet

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A short, easy and enjoyable hike that can be done in a group or with children. Lac du Neuweiher is a superb spot for a picnic. The Auberge du Neuweiher has lost some of its splendour with the new management, as the concept has changed, but for a quick snack it's fine, and the welcome has remained friendly and pleasant.
When you arrive at Le Gresson, a fine table awaits you! They take great care of their guests, so it's best to book in advance!
We go back every year at least once! The way back via the Lac des Perches is nice too!
The route wasn't very busy, given the uncertain weather and the rain on Sunday. The route is fairly easy to follow.

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MCVR13
MCVR13

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Nice route with a picnic break on the banks of the great Neuweiher .
We followed the blue disc signposting, which was very pleasant.
Thanks for sharing

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les bubus
les bubus

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Nice hike with the highlight being the meal at the Auberge du Gresson, of course you MUST RESERVE as many hikers want to eat there (great meal and magnificent view from the terrace (the weather was superb).
START from Rimbach, climb up the stony path, always in the shade, and arrive at the NEUWEIHER lake ,,,,, (great place for a picnic). From there, it's just a short climb up to the inn. The way back is pleasant.

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Phi!ippe
Phi!ippe
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant half-day hike (with breaks and a moderate pace).
Most of the ascent (1 to 5) is in the shade, which is nice.
Between 1 and 2, we took the 'stone path' option, which requires constant vigilance to avoid damaging an ankle.
As we didn't try the other option (yellow trestle), it's impossible to give an opinion on the best choice.

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Levo
Levo

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Nice hike starting from Rimbach
1h30 2 h, we reach the FA du Gresson where we eat very well (reservation necessary)
Gentle descent to Rimbach
Beautiful views

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Michel F068
Michel F068

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Nice walk and a bit of fresh air is always good. A nice little waterfall on the way up to the lakes.
Very warm welcome at the inns.

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Elisa68700
Elisa68700

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

On weekdays there are fewer people than on Sundays.
Magnificent hike
Did it again today, continuing over the Col des Perches and Hautes Bers.

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Maryline C.
Maryline C.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice route, with a picnic stop at the lake.
Changing landscapes

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b.piat
b.piat

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 28, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Superb circuit starting from the Rouge Gazon. Descent to the Lac des Perches. Lunch stop on the banks of Lake Neuweiher... Loop via the Gresson farm inn and return via the chalet.
14km, a gain of 694m and a 4 hour 40 minute walk.
Just one regret: the Gresson farmhouse inn was closed that day and the Rouge Gazon inn has not reopened following the fire.... so no "brimbelle" tart for comfort.
Bon chemin......

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resark68310
resark68310

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author. Do not copy them without permission.