Top 20 Lakes in Haut-Rhin
Best lakes in Haut-Rhin are primarily located within the Vosges Mountains, offering a range of natural beauty and outdoor activities. This department in the Grand Est region of France features numerous glacial and reservoir lakes. The landscape is characterized by steep slopes, forests, and high-altitude settings. These lakes serve as destinations for hiking, fishing, and other water-based recreation.
Best lakes in Haut-Rhin
- The most popular lakes is Lake Fischboedle, a lake that is romantically situated between steep mountain slopes. It is one of the smallest lakes in the Vosges and is well suited for a rest.
- Another must-see spot is Lac Blanc, a lake. This large mountain lake is a prime spot for hiking, with numerous marked trails, and offers views over the Alsace valley.
- Visitors also love Lac du Forlet, a lake with rest benches, surrounded by steep mountains. It is a haven for fishermen, particularly for its Fario and rainbow trout, and offers pleasant routes for hikers.
- Haut-Rhin is known for glacial lakes, artificial lakes, and reservoir lakes. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from high-altitude glacial cirques to larger bodies of water created by dams.
- The lakes in Haut-Rhin are appreciated by the komoot community. There are 51 highlights, with more than 1400 upvotes and over 500 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lac Blanc
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Lac du Forlet
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Black Lake
Highlight • Lake
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View of Lake Schiessrothried
Highlight • Viewpoint
Conclusion.
A very beautiful and varied circular route. However, not easy, rather classified as difficult. With children you can walk it to Hohneck, but from the Hohneck in the direction of Frankenthal it becomes very dangerous for children and people with restricted mobility. Chasms, rock paths etc. . You should be sure-footed and wear good shoes. Beautiful nature with many and interesting facets.
Pure nature 😉
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Green Lake
Highlight • Lake
Sometimes, on Sunday mornings, you can hear the sound of alphorns adding to the magic of the place. The lake is easy to access, you can park your car nearby (access via the road from Munster to the Col de la Schlucht and forest road from kilometer 12).
Suggested route: Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet via the ridges (two hours).
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Lake Schiessrothried
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The lake can also be seen from above (ascent to) the Hohneck.
See: elsass-netz.de/165/Seen-Fluesse-WasserStrassen-Kanaele/Lac-du-Schiessrothried.html
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Lake Fischboedle
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View of Lac Blanc
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Ballon Lake
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Embedded in a glacial cirque, it offers a setting of all splendor, the reflections of the sun making its surface shimmer in an alternation of shadow and light created by the rich surrounding vegetation.
Although natural, it is forbidden to bathe there because it is used to supply water to the valley.
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White Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
The climb is worth it! Great panorama!
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Lac Blanc can be reached via a pretty rocky path from the plateau
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The view from here is very obscured by trees... a few meters further you are directly at Lac Blanc... much more worthwhile
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Difficult hike, experience required, good shoes, great hike
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Here you can take a break right by the lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin features a diverse range of lakes, primarily nestled within the Vosges Mountains. You'll find glacial lakes like Lac Blanc and Lac du Forlet, artificial lakes such as Lake Kruth-Wildenstein, and reservoir lakes like Lac d'Alfeld. These vary from high-altitude cirques to larger bodies of water created by dams.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes in Haut-Rhin?
Yes, many lakes in Haut-Rhin offer family-friendly activities. Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is a hub for diverse activities including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating. Its surroundings also offer hiking. Lac d'Alfeld provides picnic areas and pebbled beaches, and swimming is possible at one's own risk.
Which lakes are best for hiking in Haut-Rhin?
The region is excellent for hiking. Lac Blanc is a prime spot with numerous marked trails, including the GR 5, offering views over the Alsace valley. Lac du Forlet also has pleasant routes for hikers. Lac Vert is a great starting point for hikes, including a two-hour route connecting it with Lac du Forlet via the ridges. For more challenging routes, consider the trails around Black Lake or the circular route around Lac du Ballon which includes the Kletterbach waterfall. You can find many mountain hikes in the area, including routes like the Taubenklangfelsen Viewpoint – Lac du Forlet loop, by checking the Mountain Hikes in Haut-Rhin guide.
Can I swim in the lakes of Haut-Rhin?
Swimming regulations vary by lake. While swimming is generally prohibited at Lac Blanc and Black Lake, Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is popular for swimming. At Lac d'Alfeld, swimming is possible but at your own risk. Lac du Ballon prohibits swimming due to its use as a water supply.
What unique natural features can I observe at the lakes?
Haut-Rhin's lakes offer distinct natural features. Lac Blanc gets its name from the crystalline sand covering its bed and is overlooked by the imposing Rocher Hans. Green Lake is known for its distinctive green hue, which comes from the reflection of surrounding fir trees and an algae that proliferates between late June and late July. Black Lake is notable for its dark color, intensified by surrounding fir trees and rocks.
Are there any lakes suitable for fishing?
Yes, several lakes are popular for fishing. Lac du Forlet (also known as Lac des Truites) is a haven for fishermen, particularly for its Fario and rainbow trout. Fishing is also permitted at Lac Blanc, Black Lake, Lac du Ballon, and Lac d'Alfeld.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Haut-Rhin?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for water sports, hiking, and enjoying the lush greenery. In winter, high-altitude lakes like Lac Blanc transform into winter sports resorts, offering alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Autumn provides stunning foliage, especially around Lac du Forlet, when the rock faces are speckled with colorful leaves.
Are there any facilities or restaurants near the lakes?
Some lakes offer facilities. Lac Blanc has an adjoining restaurant. Near Lac du Forlet, the Ferme Auberge du Lac du Forlet is a recommended stop. Lake Kruth-Wildenstein has a campsite popular with cyclists. Lac d'Alfeld features picnic areas.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near the lakes?
Beyond hiking, the lakes region offers various outdoor activities. At Lake Kruth-Wildenstein, you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, and even diving. Lac Blanc offers paintball, mountain biking at its bike park, and accrobranche (tree-top adventure) in summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Canyoning is also possible in the Seebach river downstream from the Lac d'Alfeld dam. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes available, such as those found in the Cycling in Haut-Rhin guide or the Gravel biking in Haut-Rhin guide.
Which lake is the highest in the Vosges mountains?
Lac du Forlet, also known as Lac des Truites, is the highest of the Vosges lakes, situated at an altitude of 1060 m (or 1066m). It lies within a large glacial cirque surrounded by steep slopes.
Is it possible to visit multiple lakes easily in one trip?
Yes, some lakes are located close enough to be visited together. Black Lake is only about 100 meters from Lac Blanc, making it easy to see both. Additionally, a recommended two-hour hiking route connects Green Lake with Lac du Forlet via the ridges.
What makes Lake Fischboedle a unique spot?
Lake Fischboedle is one of the smallest lakes in the Vosges, romantically situated between steep mountain slopes. It's well-suited for a rest, with a roofed pavilion right by the lake. It's a wonderful, idyllic place to take some time and enjoy the scenery.
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