Lac Noir
The quiet sister lake of Lac Blanc
While Lac Blanc draws the visitors, Lac Noir lies just a few minutes’ walk away — and mostly keeps to itself. Its dark, deep water comes from the peat covering the lake bed and the shade of the rocks that enclose it on three sides. No terrace, no inn. Just the lake.
Lac Noir lies at 954 metres and is one of the most unspoilt places in the High Vosges. The quiet here is real quiet — no engines, no noise, just the wind over the water and the occasional bird call from the firs.
From Lac Blanc, Lac Noir is about 20 minutes on foot — a short detour that is always worth it. To combine both lakes in one day, plan a circular walk from the Blanc Neige car park: Lac Blanc → Kastelberg → Lac Noir → back, a good three hours.
From the Blanc Neige car park: first to Lac Blanc (30 min), then on to Lac Noir (20 min). Hardly anyone after 4 pm — then you have the lake all to yourself.