Top 10 Lakes around Sewen

The Lac de Sewen is a rare glacial valley lake, and notably the only one of its kind in Alsace. It features a protected surface peat bog, making it a vital study site for its diverse and protected flora and fauna, including carnivorous plants and European beavers. It's considered one of the most intact lakes showcasing complete vegetation evolution since the last glaciation.

Swimming is prohibited in Lac de Sewen to protect its delicate ecosystem. At Lake Alfeld, swimming is generally prohibited due to its role as a water reserve and potential toxicity, though some visitors do bathe at their own risk. For Lac des Perches (Star Lake) and Neuweiher Lake, visitor tips suggest refreshing swims are possible, especially for strong swimmers, so bringing swimwear is recommended.

Yes, Neuweiher Lake is considered family-friendly and is directly accessible by car, making it a convenient stopover. The area around Lac d'Alfeld also offers scenic walks, including a 40-minute hike from the dam to the Chalet and Wasserfall waterfall, which provides unique panoramic views suitable for families.

The lakes offer various outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing at Lac de Sewen and Lake Alfeld (permits available). Hiking is very popular, with trails originating from Lac de Sewen towards the Ballon d'Alsace, and circuits around Lake Alfeld. For more extensive routes, you can explore running trails, MTB trails, or gravel biking routes in the wider Sewen area.

Near Neuweiher Lake, you'll find the Neuweiher Refuge Inn, which offers an ideal setting with a terrace overlooking the lake for drinks or meals, and has 38 beds in dormitories and single rooms. Lake Alfeld also has an inn located at its outlet. The village of Sewen, conveniently located near both Lac de Sewen and Lac d'Alfeld, offers additional options.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. Autumn is particularly scenic at Lake Alfeld when the deciduous trees reflect vibrant colors in its waters. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the lush surroundings. Winter offers a different, serene experience, though some trails might be more challenging.

Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. From the dam at Lake Alfeld, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Doller Valley. A specific highlight, View of Lac des Perches, offers a fabulous perspective of Lac des Perches (Star Lake), complete with benches for resting and enjoying the scenery.

The Lac de Sewen is easily accessible by car from the village of Sewen, with parking facilities nearby. Neuweiher Lake is also directly accessible by car and has a large car park. For Lac des Perches (Star Lake), it is not accessible by car, requiring a hike to reach it, which contributes to its less crowded atmosphere.

The Lac d'Alfeld originated from glacial erosion, like many lakes in the region. It was later reinforced with a 30-meter high dam built by the Germans in 1883. This dam was constructed to regulate water levels and serve as a crucial water reserve for the Doller Valley, making it one of the largest water reservoirs in southern Alsace.

While specific dog-friendly trail designations are not always explicit, many hiking trails in the Vosges region, including those around the lakes, are generally suitable for dogs on a leash. For Lac des Perches (Star Lake), the Seebach river flowing from it is noted as an ideal dog drinking point after a descent or before a climb.

Yes, the region offers challenging hikes. Several trails from Lac de Sewen ascend towards the Ballon d'Alsace. For mountain biking, routes like the 'Roche Marchal (1022m) – Singletrack loop from Sewen' or 'Lac des Perches (Star Lake) – View of Lac des Perches loop from Sewen' are rated as difficult. You can find more challenging options in the MTB Trails around Sewen guide.

The Lac de Sewen, being a national heritage site with a protected peat bog, is home to diverse and protected flora and fauna. This includes carnivorous plants like sundew and a population of European beavers, making it a significant ecological area for botanists and zoologists.