Swimming at the lake of Kruth – Wildenstein, in the Vosges
Summers are often hot in Alsace, so we often want to have a good swim. You can go to a swimming pool, but it is not very original. Swimming in a lake in Alsace is much more fun!
The lake of Kruth-Wildenstein is an artificial lake located in the Vosges Mountains, more precisely in the Valley of Thann, in the south of Alsace. Swimming is allowed at the risk of the bathers since there is no supervision. So you have to be careful but the place is really nice.
It is possible to put your towel down on the banks of the Kruth lake, which has many sandy and grassy beaches. There are some gravels and rocks when entering the lake but nothing too bad if you are careful. Then, the depth increases rapidly so no more problems!
Of course, the lake of Kruth attracts people when the weather is good! A tip: walk a little along the lake to get away from the water sports base and sit on a grassy area if you want a little more peace and quiet.
If you also feel like walking a little, it is possible to walk around the lake (about 6 km or 1h30 walk). And if you like biking, you can also make a very nice loop by bike in the Thur Valley. Finally, if you feel like sleeping in the area, the gites and unusual accommodations of the Traits’Anes Farm are nice!
I liked
- Swimming in a lake in the Vosges: a beautiful setting!
- Ideal water temperature when it’s hot outside
I liked less
- There can be quite a few people, including some who are a bit noisy
My photos of the Kruth-Wildenstein lake
Practical information
Rates
Free of charge!
Activities
The Parc Arbres Aventure, located on the lake, offers canoe and pedal boat rentals. It is also possible to do tree climbing, mountain biking, fishing, geocaching… For more information, visit the Trees Adventure Park website.
Access
By car
The address is as follows: Lake Kruth-Wildenstein 68820 Kruth. The lake is located at:
- 45 km from Mulhouse (about 1 hour)
- 70 km from Colmar (about 1h10)
- 140 km from Strasbourg (about 2 hours)
There are several parking lots near the lake and a large parking lot below, located before the lake when you come from Kruth. In 5 minutes of walking, we are at the lake! Parking is free.
By public transport
It is possible to come by public transport, which can be more or less easy depending on the time of day. A train exists from Mulhouse to Kurth. Then, a bus serves the lake in 15 minutes. If you have a bicycle, you can also pedal to the lake from the station (about 20 minutes). I advise you to consult the Vialsace site to calculate the route.
Hungry?
If you’re hungry, you’ll have no problem finding something to eat. For example, at the Auberge du Lac or at the snack bar of the Parc aventures. I haven’t tested them.