Top 20 Lakes in Haut-Rhin

Haut-Rhin features a diverse range of lakes, primarily nestled within the Vosges Mountains. You'll find glacial lakes like Lac Blanc and Lac du Forlet, artificial lakes such as Lake Kruth-Wildenstein, and reservoir lakes like Lac d'Alfeld. These vary from high-altitude cirques to larger bodies of water created by dams.

Yes, many lakes in Haut-Rhin offer family-friendly activities. Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is a hub for diverse activities including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating. Its surroundings also offer hiking. Lac d'Alfeld provides picnic areas and pebbled beaches, and swimming is possible at one's own risk.

The region is excellent for hiking. Lac Blanc is a prime spot with numerous marked trails, including the GR 5, offering views over the Alsace valley. Lac du Forlet also has pleasant routes for hikers. Lac Vert is a great starting point for hikes, including a two-hour route connecting it with Lac du Forlet via the ridges. For more challenging routes, consider the trails around Black Lake or the circular route around Lac du Ballon which includes the Kletterbach waterfall. You can find many mountain hikes in the area, including routes like the Taubenklangfelsen Viewpoint – Lac du Forlet loop, by checking the Mountain Hikes in Haut-Rhin guide.

Swimming regulations vary by lake. While swimming is generally prohibited at Lac Blanc and Black Lake, Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is popular for swimming. At Lac d'Alfeld, swimming is possible but at your own risk. Lac du Ballon prohibits swimming due to its use as a water supply.

Haut-Rhin's lakes offer distinct natural features. Lac Blanc gets its name from the crystalline sand covering its bed and is overlooked by the imposing Rocher Hans. Green Lake is known for its distinctive green hue, which comes from the reflection of surrounding fir trees and an algae that proliferates between late June and late July. Black Lake is notable for its dark color, intensified by surrounding fir trees and rocks.

Yes, several lakes are popular for fishing. Lac du Forlet (also known as Lac des Truites) is a haven for fishermen, particularly for its Fario and rainbow trout. Fishing is also permitted at Lac Blanc, Black Lake, Lac du Ballon, and Lac d'Alfeld.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for water sports, hiking, and enjoying the lush greenery. In winter, high-altitude lakes like Lac Blanc transform into winter sports resorts, offering alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Autumn provides stunning foliage, especially around Lac du Forlet, when the rock faces are speckled with colorful leaves.

Some lakes offer facilities. Lac Blanc has an adjoining restaurant. Near Lac du Forlet, the Ferme Auberge du Lac du Forlet is a recommended stop. Lake Kruth-Wildenstein has a campsite popular with cyclists. Lac d'Alfeld features picnic areas.

Beyond hiking, the lakes region offers various outdoor activities. At Lake Kruth-Wildenstein, you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, and even diving. Lac Blanc offers paintball, mountain biking at its bike park, and accrobranche (tree-top adventure) in summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Canyoning is also possible in the Seebach river downstream from the Lac d'Alfeld dam. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes available, such as those found in the Cycling in Haut-Rhin guide or the Gravel biking in Haut-Rhin guide.

Lac du Forlet, also known as Lac des Truites, is the highest of the Vosges lakes, situated at an altitude of 1060 m (or 1066m). It lies within a large glacial cirque surrounded by steep slopes.

Yes, some lakes are located close enough to be visited together. Black Lake is only about 100 meters from Lac Blanc, making it easy to see both. Additionally, a recommended two-hour hiking route connects Green Lake with Lac du Forlet via the ridges.

Lake Fischboedle is one of the smallest lakes in the Vosges, romantically situated between steep mountain slopes. It's well-suited for a rest, with a roofed pavilion right by the lake. It's a wonderful, idyllic place to take some time and enjoy the scenery.