From Camping Les Amis de la Nature in Luttenbach-près-Munster, discover the lakes of the Munster valley, true natural gems nestled in the heart of the Vosges. Surrounded by forests, ridges, scree slopes and high pastures, these glacial lakes offer peaceful landscapes and total immersion in Vosges nature.
Clear water, shady shores, reflections at sunrise, alpine atmospheres and unspoilt views: each lake has its own character. They are perfect for a family walk, a contemplative break or a more challenging hike from the villages of the valley.
The lakes of the Munster valley, between calm and unspoilt landscapes
Hidden in forests and ancient glacial cirques, the lakes of the Munster valley invite you to slow down. Here, nature is discovered on foot, along waymarked trails, in a fragile environment that must be respected.
These natural sites are especially popular with holidaymakers staying near Munster. They offer plenty of variety: hiking, photography, picnics, discovering wildlife and flora, or simply relaxing by the water.
From Camping Les Amis de la Nature, you have an ideal starting point to explore these iconic landscapes of the Alsatian Vosges.
Lake Fischboedlé in Metzeral
Lake Fischboedlé is the smallest of the Vosges lakes, covering about 0.5 hectares. At 794 metres, above the Wormsa valley, it has an intimate, wild atmosphere.
A scree slope runs down into the lake, giving it an almost alpine character. Dammed in the early 19th century to support the flow of the Fecht and encourage fishing, it remains a popular stop for hikers today.
A small gazebo, set up by the Club Vosgien of the Munster valley, lets you take a break facing the landscape. Access is on foot only, in about 30 to 40 minutes from the Wormsa chalets in Metzeral. Vehicles are not allowed to drive up to the lake, which helps preserve its peaceful atmosphere.
Lac Vert at the Tanet
On the Tanet massif, at 1,053 metres, Lac Vert is one of the best-known natural sites of the Munster valley. It covers about 7.2 hectares.
Its name (Green Lake) comes from the reflection of the surrounding fir trees, but also from an alga that can turn its waters green between late June and late July. Nestled at the foot of the Tanet, the lake is a very pleasant setting for a nature outing, between forest, mountains and viewpoints.
Lac Vert is relatively easy to reach, with parking nearby depending on access conditions. It is a great walk for holidaymakers who want to discover a Vosges lake without a long hike.
For keener walkers, a route links Lac Vert to Lake Forlet via the ridges, a hike of about 2 hours.
Lake Forlet, or Trout Lake, in Soultzeren
Lake Forlet, also known as Lac des Truites (Trout Lake), is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges. At 1,061 metres, near the Gazon du Faing nature reserve, it is the highest of the Vosges lakes.
Set in an ancient glacial cirque, it is overlooked by the heights of the Tanet and the Gazon de Faîte. Its steep walls, scree, fir trees and changing colours give it a spectacular, almost alpine atmosphere.
Lake Forlet is also a great place for a tasty break. A nearby farm inn lets you enjoy the view while discovering local specialities: the marcaire meal, Munster cheese, fruit tarts and local produce.
It is an ideal outing to combine hiking, panoramic views and Vosges food during your stay at the campsite.
Lake Schiessrothried in Metzeral
Lake Schiessrothried lies at 930 metres, between the Spitzkoepfe, a renowned climbing site, and the foot of the Hohneck. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is one of the must-see lakes of the Munster valley.
Close to the GR5, it offers superb views of the surrounding terrain, including the Wormspel gully, an area rich in wildlife and flora. Observant hikers may spot mountain plants such as the martagon lily, and perhaps chamois on the nearby slopes.
Several routes lead to Lake Schiessrothried:
- from the Wormsa, combining Lake Fischboedlé and Lake Schiessrothried, allow about 4 hours;
- from the Gaschney, allow about 1 hour 30;
- from the Hohneck, allow about 2 hours.
It is a great destination for lovers of hiking and mountain scenery.
Lake Altenweiher in Mittlach
Lake Altenweiher lies at the far end of the Mittlach valley, at 926 metres. Surrounded by the peaks of the Kastelberg and the Rainkopf, it offers a remarkable natural setting, both peaceful and impressive.
Covering about 7.5 hectares with a depth of 14 metres, the lake also has a rich history. Its dam, built between 1886 and 1889, is 112 metres long and 15 metres high, making it an important mountain reservoir.
Lake Altenweiher can be reached on foot from the village of Mittlach in about 1 hour, or from the ridges with about 45 minutes’ descent. A local legend says a golden carriage lies sunk in its waters, adding a touch of mystery to the visit.
This lake is a great outing for holidaymakers looking for calm, authentic, typically Vosges scenery.
Lakes to discover with respect for nature
The lakes of the Munster valley are fragile natural areas. Their beauty depends on preserving the surrounding environments: forests, shores, peat bogs, wetlands, high meadows and mountain paths.
To enjoy these places while protecting them, a few simple habits are essential:
- stay on the waymarked trails;
- respect protected areas;
- do not leave litter;
- avoid disturbing wildlife;
- keep your dog on a lead where required;
- do not pick protected plants;
- preserve the peace and quiet.
These good practices let everyone discover the lakes in the best conditions while preserving their wild, authentic character.
Stay at the campsite to explore the lakes of the Munster valley
Camping Les Amis de la Nature in Luttenbach-près-Munster is an ideal base to discover the Vosges lakes. Its location in the heart of the valley gives easy access to Munster, Metzeral, Mittlach, Soultzeren, the Tanet, the Hohneck and the surrounding ridges.
After a day of hiking or a walk by the water, you return to the calm of the campsite to relax in a natural, friendly setting.
Whether you love walking, landscapes or simply a restful stay close to nature, the lakes of the Munster valley are must-see stops on your holiday in Alsace.
Make the most of your stay to explore the Munster valley
From Camping Les Amis de la Nature in Luttenbach-près-Munster, setting out to discover the finest sites in the region is easy. Hikes, panoramic views, typical villages, Alsatian heritage or nature trips: our campsite is the ideal starting point for an authentic stay in the heart of the Alsatian Vosges.
Plan your stay at Camping Les Amis de la Nature and discover all the things to do around Munster.
