Le Lac de la Lande: A Vosges Mountain Gem

Le Lac de la Lande, nestled in the Vosges Mountains, is an artificial lake near the commune of La Bresse. At an altitude of 1,060 meters, the lake was created in 1983 to generate electricity and supply water to the La Bresse-Hohneck winter sports resort. The lake occupies a former glacial site known as "Feignes de la Lande". The dam itself is an impressive structure, made of rockfill with a bituminous upstream facing. It has a crest length of 80 meters and a height of 18.5 meters. The lake holds 700,000 cubic meters of water over a surface area of 10.5 hectares, with a maximum depth of 13 meters. The hydroelectric plant uses a Pelton turbine, generating an average of 3,300,000 kWh of electricity per year. Le Lac de la Lande is a starting point for many hikes. An easy 3km trail loops around the lake, offering views of the surrounding mountains. More challenging routes lead to the summit of Hohneck, one of the highest peaks in the Vosges. Nearby attractions include the Lac des Corbeaux, the Musée des Mille et Une Racines, and the Route des Crêtes.