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Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Lac du Schiessrothried: A Serene Mountain Lake
Discover Lac du Schiessrothried: A peaceful alpine lake in the Vosges Mountains, perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
Lac du Schiessrothried is a small, man-made lake nestled in the Vosges Mountains, near Metzeral, France. Created in the late 19th century to supply water to textile factories, it retains the charm of a natural alpine lake. Surrounded by wooded mountains, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and hikers.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Lac Du Schiessrothried
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Unnamed Road, Metzeral, 68380, FR
Discover more about Lac Du Schiessrothried
Lac du Schiessrothried, situated at an altitude of 930 meters on the Alsatian side of the Vosges, is a picturesque destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The lake was created in the late 1800s to provide water for the textile mills and sawmills in the Munster valley. Despite its artificial origin, the lake blends seamlessly into its surroundings, offering the allure of a pristine mountain lake.
The lake's surface spans approximately 5.6 hectares, with a length of 400 meters and a width of 250 meters. Its maximum depth reaches 11 meters, ensuring cool waters throughout the year. Fed by mountain runoff and small streams, the lake's primary outflow is the Wormsabachrunz, which eventually flows into the Fecht river.
Accessible via numerous hiking trails, Lac du Schiessrothried is a haven for hikers. The trails, maintained by the Club Vosgien, cater to various skill levels, from leisurely strolls around the lake to more challenging ascents towards the Hohneck, one of the highest peaks in the Vosges. The lake is located approximately 5 km southwest of the Gaschney ski resort.
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Getting There
Walking
The lake is primarily accessed by foot via hiking trails. From the Gaschney ski resort, a well-marked trail leads to the lake in approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic views. Follow the signs for Lac du Schiessrothried.
Public Transport
Take a bus to Metzeral or Muhlbach-sur-Munster. From either location, the remainder of the journey is on foot via hiking trails. The 'Navette des Crêtes' (Ridge Shuttle) operates on weekends in June and September, and daily in July and August, connecting the Alsatian valleys to the Vosges peaks, with connections to TER trains from Strasbourg, Colmar, or Mulhouse. A single ticket costs €4.
Driving
Drive towards the Gaschney ski resort. Parking is available near the ski station. From the parking area, access to the lake is only on foot, following well-marked hiking trails. Parking costs are typically around €5-€8 per day.
A brief summary to Lac Du Schiessrothried
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