Ideas for walks around the lakes of the Haut-Rhin region

Lake Sewen

As its name suggests, this lake lies close to the village of Sewen, a little corner of paradise at the bottom of the Masevaux valley. Situated at an altitude of 500 metres, it's easy to get to: just park in the car park on the Place de l'Eglise in Sewen, then take the 15-minute walk along the Lac de Sewen circuit. Once you're there, the 4km circuit can be completed in an hour's walk, making it ideal for a healthy stroll or a Sunday workout.

Once there, the lake offers a wide variety of flora and fauna, including beavers and carnivorous plants, much to the delight of botanists and zoologists. In order to preserve nature, all the species found around Lac de Sewen are protected. Dating back to the Ice Age, it is the result of the overburdening of the Vosges mountains. Overgrown with peat, it now covers 6 hectares, compared with 30 in the 14th century. If you want to cool off, you'll have to find another spot, as swimming is prohibited. Legend has it that the lake is haunted and has no bottom.

Lake Sewen, at the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace / © Danièle Boone

Lake Alfeld

Let's continue our expedition not far from Lac de Sewen, but this time a little higher up, at Lac d'Alfeld. You can choose to get there on foot from the Place de l'Eglise in Sewen (about an hour and a half's walk), or simply by car, parking right next to the dam. For the record, Lake Alfeld was originally a small body of water created by glacial erosion. In 1883, the Germans decided to build a dam to raise the level of the lake. It was inaugurated in 1888. It takes its name from the pastureland before the lake, of the same name. The 10 hectares of Lac d'Alfeld are ideal for walking and fishing, but swimming is at your own risk. The Speck Sports team recommends climbing up to Chalet Wasserfall Schahling Hütte (40-minute hike) to enjoy the panoramic views over the Doller valley.

Lake Alfeld, view from the dam / © francisphoto

Lac du Lachtelweiher

Lac du Lachtelweiher is the southernmost lake in the Vosges mountains, near the small village of Kirchberg. You can get there by car: once in Kirchberg, head towards the Lac du Lachtelweiher for 3.5km, passing the reservoir and the village of Steye. Once you're on the edge of the lake, you'll find a car park by continuing along the same road and then down the path. Not far from the lake is the Lochberg farmhouse inn, also accessible by car via a track. Situated at an altitude of 740 metres, the natural dam formed by what is thought to be a landslide offers a peaceful, secluded stretch of water where you can enjoy a stroll and fish. However, even if swimming is not prohibited, it is at your own risk.

Lachtelweiher lake / © Visit Alsace

Neuweiher lakes

The Neuweiher lakes consist of a large and a small basin at an altitude of 850m. Their charm lies in the fact that they are not accessible by car - you have to walk an hour from Rimbach-près-Masevaux or 2 hours from the village of Oberbruck, both located at the bottom of the Masevaux valley. They are ideally placed for those who want to exercise before relaxing around a lake where fishing is permitted. For the more adventurous, however, swimming is at your own risk. The nearby Auberge du Neuweiher and Ferme Auberge du Gresson offer rooms and dormitories for overnight stays.

Lacs du Neuweiher / © Hautes Vosges d'Alsace

Lac des Perches

For the last lake in the Doller valley, the Speck Sports team takes you to Lac des Perches, also known as Sternsee. Located in an ancient glacial cirque at an altitude of 984m, it is the result of a succession of volcanic events. Like the previous two lakes, Lac des Perches is not accessible by car, so you'll have to take a short hike. It's an hour's walk from the Lacs du Neuweiher and 40 minutes from the Riesenwald farmhouse inn. If the Speck Sports team could give you one piece of advice, it would be to venture out on the Three Lakes Hike, which links the Sternsee with the two Neuweiher Lakes.

Lac des Perches / © Alsace famille