The Route de la Lande is an easy 3.4 km walking trail from the top of La Bresse-Hohneck, running along the Lac de la Lande before descending through the forest to the foot of the resort. This practical guide covers the distance, elevation, exact starting point and chairlift prices needed to plan the outing, alongside the routes already covered for the Hohneck and Grand Ventron.
Distance, Duration and Elevation
According to the official fact sheet from La Bresse Tourist Office, also published on the Tourisme Vosges portal, the route officially named “en passant par la lande” (commonly called Route de la Lande, after the lake it follows) has the following characteristics:
- distance: 3.4 km
- estimated duration: 1h05
- elevation: +73 m / -335 m
- level: easy
The descent is much steeper than the climb because of the direction of the route: the walk starts at altitude, after riding up the chairlift, then heads back down toward the village. This is not a classic loop starting from the bottom of the resort but a one-way walk preceded by a ride up the mountain.
How to Reach the Starting Point
The hike starts at the top of the Vologne Express chairlift, at around 1,180 m altitude. The chairlift’s base station is located at 92 route de Vologne in La Bresse.
For the 2026 season, the pedestrian chairlift runs from 1 May to 20 September: weekends and public holidays, the Ascension weekend from Thursday to Sunday, then every day during the summer holidays, from 9:45 am to 5:30 pm. Pedestrian prices announced for summer 2026 are 9.30 euros for a one-way adult ticket (7.40 euros for under 13s) and 12.40 euros return, with a 10% discount from 3 people under certain conditions (Tribu offer, minimum 2 children under 17 and 1 adult). Babies under 80 cm in a front carrier ride free.
Check the opening hours and dates before you go, as the resort may adjust its schedule depending on weather or visitor numbers.
The Lac de la Lande and the Forest Crossing
The route begins with a “calm and pleasant descent” alongside the Lac de la Lande, as described by the Tourist Office. A landscaped area sits at the far end of the lake, where you can stop for a break before continuing the walk.
The trail then continues through the Vosges forest to the foot of the resort, through a typical fir forest setting of the Hautes Vosges. Dogs and other animals are not allowed on this route. For families, a free activity booklet called “Rose et Louis” is available at the chairlift ticket office or the tourist office, designed to break up the walk with puzzles suited to children.
Other Routes from the Top of the Chairlift
The top of the Vologne Express chairlift serves several walking routes of different levels, making it easy to adjust the choice to the group’s fitness:
| Route | Distance | Duration | Elevation | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via the Lande | 3.4 km | 1h05 | +73/-335 m | Easy |
| Via Thiaville | 6.8 km | 2h00 | +134/-396 m | Easy |
| Via Artimont | 6.8 km | 2h30 | +450/-636 m | Moderate |
| Via the Hohneck | 8.6 km | 2h50 | +253/-473 m | Moderate |
| Kastelberg Loop | 9.9 km | 3h30 | +319/-319 m | Moderate |
For a more demanding route along the ridges, our guide to Col de la Schlucht covers the official hikes of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park toward the Hohneck and the Sentier des Roches. If you would rather plan your day without a car from the village center, our article on car-free hikes from La Bresse covers the summer shuttles and their starting points.
Practical Information Before You Go
- check the pedestrian chairlift schedule on the day, as it can vary by season;
- bring hiking shoes suited to a forest path that can be damp near the lake;
- leave animals at your accommodation, as they are not allowed on this route;
- ask for the “Rose et Louis” booklet at the ticket office if you are hiking with children;
- bring water, as the descent takes about an hour with no refreshment point marked along the route;
- on a rainy day, check our selection of rainy day activities in La Bresse instead and postpone the outing.
This information comes from the fact sheets published by La Bresse Tourist Office and by the La Bresse-Hohneck resort. Check the current schedule and prices on the official pages before you go, especially outside the summer holiday period.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Route de la Lande in La Bresse?
The trail is 3.4 km long, with an estimated duration of about 1h05, and an elevation of +73 m and -335 m according to the official fact sheet published by La Bresse Tourist Office and reproduced on the Tourisme Vosges portal.
Where is the starting point of this hike?
The hike starts at the top of the Vologne Express chairlift, at around 1,180 m altitude, at 92 route de Vologne in La Bresse. You need to take the pedestrian chairlift before starting the walk.
Is this walk suitable for children?
Yes, the Tourist Office rates it as easy and accessible to all. A free activity booklet called "Rose et Louis" is available at the chairlift ticket office or the tourist office to entertain younger walkers along the way.