Top 20 Lakes around Metzeral

The lakes in the Metzeral region, nestled in the Vosges mountains, offer diverse natural features. You'll find glacial lakes like Lac du Fischboedle, Lac de Sewen, Lac du Ballon, Lac Vert, and Lac des Truites. Some are surrounded by ancient peat bogs with protected flora and fauna, such as European beavers and carnivorous plants at Lac de Sewen. Others are known for their unique colors, like Lac Vert, which gets its greenish hue from algae and fir tree reflections.

Yes, the region is excellent for hiking. Many lakes, such as Lac du Forlet (also known as Lac des Truites), Lac du Ballon, and Lac du Fischboedle, are popular starting points or destinations for trails. You can find numerous routes leading through forests, high-altitude pastures, and glacial cirques. For more detailed hiking options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Metzeral guide.

Several lakes are family-friendly. Lake Lispach is a stunning moorland lake surrounded by hills, offering a serene environment for nature walks. Lake Longemer is also known for its natural beauty and provides an ideal setting for family activities. Lac Vert is relatively easy to access with nearby parking and offers various trails suitable for families.

Fishing is permitted in some lakes. Lac du Fischboedle, historically a trout reservation, still attracts anglers for its brook and river trout. Fishing is also allowed at Lac de Sewen from mid-March to early October. Lac du Forlet (Lac des Truites) is also known for its trout population, making it a paradise for fishermen.

Swimming regulations vary by lake. While Lake Longemer is known for its clear waters and offers swimming spots, swimming is strictly prohibited in Lac du Ballon due to its status as a water reserve. Similarly, swimming is not allowed in Lac de Sewen to protect its exceptional ecological richness.

The highest lake in the Vosges massif is Lac des Truites, also known as Lac du Forlet. It is located at an elevation of 1061 meters (or 1066 meters) and is nestled in a large glacial cirque with steep slopes.

Yes, Lac du Ballon has historical significance, as it was developed with a dam by Vauban in 1699. Its name, meaning "fish bog," hints at its historical use as a trout reservation. Lac des Truites was historically used as a trout reservoir by the Abbey of Murbach.

The smallest lake in the Vosges mountains is Lac du Fischboedle, located directly within the commune of Metzeral. It is a shallow glacial lake with a surface area of approximately 0.0005 km².

The area around Metzeral offers various cycling routes that pass by or near the lakes. You can find options for road cycling and general cycling. For example, there's a 'Longemer Lake – Lispach Lake loop' for road cycling. Explore the Road Cycling Routes around Metzeral and Cycling around Metzeral guides for detailed routes and difficulty levels.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery for hiking, with autumn providing particularly vibrant colors around lakes like Lac du Forlet. Summer is ideal for enjoying the clear waters of lakes like Lake Longemer and witnessing the unique green hue of Lac Vert, which is most prominent from late June to late July.

Lac de Sewen is exceptional for nature observation. It is a rare glacial lake surrounded by protected peat bogs, home to unique flora and fauna, including European beavers and carnivorous plant species like sundew. It's an ideal spot for exploring protected wildlife in a tranquil setting.

Visitors frequently praise the serene and picturesque settings, the numerous opportunities for walks and hikes, and the stunning natural beauty of the Vosges mountains. The diverse character of each lake, from the tranquil Lac du Fischboedle to the wild beauty of Lac du Forlet, is highly appreciated. The komoot community has shown significant engagement, with over 1100 upvotes and 500 photos shared for these lakes.