Top 20 Lakes in Alsace

The Vosges mountains, where many Alsatian lakes are located, offer numerous hiking opportunities. Popular choices include Lac Blanc, known for trails with panoramic views of the massif and Rhine valley, and Lac du Forlet (Lac des Truites), which provides an alpine-like setting for hikers. Black Lake also offers peaceful natural immersion with various hiking trails, including a grand tour.

Yes, several lakes offer activities suitable for families. Lac Blanc transforms into an adventure park in summer with activities like accrobranche, a barefoot trail, paintball, and a four-season toboggan run. During winter, it operates as a family-friendly ski resort. Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is another great option, offering swimming, canoeing, and climbing.

The best time largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, water sports, and adventure parks. Autumn offers stunning scenery with colorful foliage, especially around lakes like Lac du Forlet. Winter is suitable for skiing and snowshoeing, particularly at Lac Blanc.

Swimming is permitted in some lakes, while others have restrictions. Lac de Gérardmer offers supervised swimming at Union Nautique beach from June to September. Lac de Longemer is popular for unsupervised swimming. However, swimming is prohibited in wilder lakes like Lac de Retournemer and Ballon Lake, which supplies water to the valley. Always check local regulations before entering the water.

Absolutely. Lac Blanc is known for its crystalline sand bottom and the Hans Rock, offering panoramic views. Lac du Forlet is nestled in a glacial cirque with steep walls, creating an alpine-like setting. The Taubenklangfelsen Viewpoint provides stunning vistas over the lake landscape. Green Lake is notable for its color, a reflection of fir trees and algae.

Beyond hiking, the region around the lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as those around Le Grand Ballon or Col du Wettstein, which can be explored via the Road Cycling Routes in Alsace guide. For runners, there are challenging trails like the Three Lakes Circuit, detailed in the Running Trails in Alsace guide.

Yes, you can find amenities near some of the more popular lakes. A small inn by Black Lake offers traditional meals. Near Lac du Forlet, a farm inn serves traditional "marcaire" meals. Lac Blanc has an adjoining restaurant and parking. For more options, consider towns and villages surrounding the larger lakes like Gérardmer.

Many lakes in Alsace are popular with fishermen. Lac du Forlet is a paradise for fishermen, populated by Fario and rainbow trout. Lac de Longemer is also known for its diverse fish species, including trout, perch, pike, and tench. Fishing is permitted in Lac Blanc and Lac de Retournemer with a fishing license.

For a more tranquil experience, consider Lac de Retournemer, known for its preserved, authentic, and wild character, ideal for contemplation. Lake Fischboedle is a small reservoir romantically situated between steep mountain slopes, offering an idyllic rest spot. Lac de Sewen is one of the rarest and most intact overdeepened glacial lakes, known for its protected fauna and flora.

Parking is generally available at popular lake destinations like Lac Blanc, which has a dedicated parking lot. For other lakes, parking might be available in nearby villages or designated areas. Public transport access to some of the more remote lakes can be limited, so planning ahead or using a car is often recommended for greater flexibility.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and the peaceful natural immersion offered by the lakes. Many appreciate the diverse landscapes, from fir forests to steep mountain walls, and the variety of activities available, whether it's an alpine-like hike around Lac du Forlet or a family day out at Lac Blanc. The opportunity to enjoy traditional meals at farm inns by the lakes is also a highlight.

Yes, Lac de Gérardmer is a hub for water activities, offering canoeing, windsurfing, rowing, and even diving. Lac de Longemer is also popular for pedal boat rentals. For a wider range of activities including canoeing, Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is an artificial lake that provides opportunities for various water sports.