Top 10 Lakes around Sankt Amarin

The Sankt Amarin region, particularly the Doller Valley, features a diverse range of lakes. You'll find glacial lakes like Ballon Lake and Lac de Sewen, dam lakes such as Lac d'Alfeld and Lake Lauch, and natural lakes, including the unique double lake formation of Neuweiher Lake. Each offers distinct characteristics and environments.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is particularly family-friendly, offering numerous activities like swimming, canoeing, and a tree adventure park. Lake Lauch is also easily accessible by car and ideal for a family picnic, though swimming is prohibited there.

Many lakes in the area are surrounded by excellent hiking trails. Lac de Sewen offers trails leading to the Ballon d'Alsace with spectacular views of the Doller valley. Lac d'Alfeld also has numerous trails around the lake, leading to scenic viewpoints, including the impressive dam and the Chalet and Wasserfall cascade. For a more challenging hike, Lac des Perches (Star Lake) is situated at about 1,000 meters altitude and is only accessible by foot, offering a less crowded experience.

Swimming regulations vary by lake. Swimming is prohibited in Lac de Sewen and Ballon Lake as they are used as drinking water reservoirs or to protect delicate ecosystems. Swimming is generally prohibited in Lac d'Alfeld and Lake Lauch, as they are dam lakes. However, Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is a popular spot for swimming and other water activities. Lac des Perches and Neuweiher Lake are also known for refreshing swims, especially after a hike.

Lac de Sewen is a national heritage site, recognized for its unique peat bog, which is a protected area with a marshy bottom. It's home to European beavers and carnivorous plants like sundew, offering a complete evolutionary record of vegetation since the last ice age. Neuweiher Lake is a double lake consisting of two separate water areas, both dating from the Ice Age.

Beyond hiking and swimming, the lakes around Sankt Amarin offer a variety of outdoor activities. Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is a hub for canoeing, climbing, and even diving. Fishing is popular at Lac de Sewen and Lac d'Alfeld. The wider region also provides extensive opportunities for road cycling and mountain hikes. You can explore routes like the 'Lake Kruth-Wildenstein – Bockloch Waterfall loop' for road cycling or 'Markstein – Lake Lauch loop' for mountain hiking. Find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Sankt Amarin and Mountain Hikes around Sankt Amarin guides.

Lake Lauch and Neuweiher Lake are directly accessible by car, making them convenient for visitors. In contrast, Lac des Perches (Star Lake) is not accessible by car and requires a hike to reach, offering a more secluded experience.

Lac d'Alfeld features an impressive 30-meter high dam constructed between 1884 and 1887 by the Germans to regulate flooding and irrigate the valley, which is a significant historical engineering feat. Ballon Lake also has a history of being enlarged and having its dam rebuilt over centuries, with Vauban having a dam built in 1699.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at Lake Kruth-Wildenstein and for refreshing dips after hikes. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the changing foliage, especially around Lac de Sewen and Lac d'Alfeld. Winter can be picturesque for snowshoeing or quiet walks, though some access might be limited.

While specific regulations can vary, many trails in the Vosges region, including those around the lakes, are dog-friendly. For example, the Seebach stream flowing from Lac des Perches is noted as an ideal dog drinking point. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in protected areas or where wildlife is present, to ensure their safety and respect for the environment.

Lac de Sewen is unique as the only valley glacial lake in Alsace and has been classified as a national heritage site since 1982. Its significance lies in its well-preserved peat bog, which provides a complete evolutionary record of vegetation since the last ice age. The lake is also home to protected fauna, including European beavers, and rare flora like carnivorous sundew plants, making it a key site for naturalists.

Lake Kruth-Wildenstein is well-equipped with amenities, including a cafe and other facilities, making it a convenient stop. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local information or plan to bring your own provisions, especially for more remote locations like Lac des Perches.