Top 17 Lakes around Colmar-Ribeauvillé

The region offers excellent hiking opportunities around its mountain lakes. Lac Blanc is a popular starting point for various hikes, including trails along its shores. Lac du Forlet, the highest lake in the Vosges, is embedded in steep walls and offers beautiful circular walks. You can also find demanding hikes around Lac Noir amidst preserved natural beauty. For more detailed routes, explore the MTB Trails around Colmar-Ribeauvillé, which include routes like the 'Lake Forlet – Green Lake loop'.

Yes, several lakes cater to families. The Colmar Water Sports Center / Base Nautique de Colmar-Houssen offers a sandy beach, supervised swimming, beach volleyball, soccer fields, and a children's playground. Lac Vert is easily accessible with nearby parking and is a great starting point for family walks. Lac Blanc also features an adventure park and a 4-season toboggan run, making it a fun destination for all ages.

While swimming is prohibited in many high-altitude lakes like Lac Blanc and Lac Noir, you can swim at the Colmar Water Sports Center / Base Nautique de Colmar-Houssen, which has a supervised sandy beach. Swimming is also tolerated at Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein, though it is not supervised. Lac de Reiningue also features a large sandy beach ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

The lakes in the Colmar-Ribeauvillé region showcase diverse natural beauty. You'll find high-altitude glacial lakes like Lac Blanc, named for its crystalline sand, and Lac Noir, surrounded by fir trees and rocks. Lac Vert gets its name from the reflection of surrounding fir trees and algae. Many lakes, such as Lake Schiessrothried and Lake Fischboedle, are nestled amidst stunning mountain backdrops and forests.

Yes, fishing is permitted in several lakes, typically with a license. Lac Blanc and Lac Noir allow fishing. Lac du Forlet is also a favored spot for fishing, with families often seen picnicking and casting their rods.

The best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for recreational activities, swimming, and hiking, with Lac Blanc offering mountain biking and adventure parks. Autumn (September to October) is beautiful for hiking, especially around Lac du Forlet, when the rock faces are speckled with colorful leaves. In winter, Lac Blanc transforms into a winter sports station for skiing and snowshoeing.

Absolutely. The Hans Rock, dominating Lac Blanc, provides panoramic views. The Taubenklangfelsen Viewpoint offers a great perspective of Lac du Forlet, the Rhine plain, the Vosges, and even the Black Forest beyond. Many hiking trails around the mountain lakes also lead to scenic overlooks.

Yes, some lakes have amenities. Lac Blanc has a restaurant by the lake. Near Lac du Forlet, a 'Ferme Auberge' (farm inn) is recommended. The Colmar Water Sports Center also includes a snack bar. For broader accommodation and dining options, you would typically look in nearby towns like Colmar or Ribeauvillé.

The region offers various cycling routes. You can find Road Cycling Routes and Gravel Biking options, with routes like 'Canal de Colmar – Colmar Canal loop'. For mountain biking, Lac Blanc is a popular destination, and the MTB Trails around Colmar-Ribeauvillé guide includes routes such as the 'Bikepark Lac Blanc – Bagenelles Pass loop'.

While specific public transport routes to every lake can vary, many of the mountain lakes are more easily accessed by car, often with parking available. For example, Lac Vert has nearby parking. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving for direct access to the more remote mountain lakes.

Lake Fischboedle is one of the smallest lakes in the Vosges, romantically situated in a narrow valley between steep mountain slopes. It's an idyllic spot well-suited for a peaceful rest, featuring a roofed pavilion right by the lake. It's a wonderful place to simply enjoy the tranquility.

Lac du Ballon is a small, glacial-origin lake located at the foot of the Grand Ballon, which is the highest peak in the Vosges. It covers an area of 7 hectares and was historically developed with a dam under Vauban, adding a touch of historical engineering to its natural beauty.