Lac de Michelbach, lake
Lac de Michelbach is a reservoir built between 1979 and 1982 near Mulhouse, surrounded by forest. A trail of roughly 4 kilometers winds around the water with several observation spots and benches where visitors can rest and watch wildlife.
The reservoir was built between 1979 and 1982 to regulate water levels and supply drinking water to Mulhouse and surrounding towns. Following its creation, the area was designated as a nature reserve and has been managed by the local water department and water association.
The name comes from the nearby village of Michelbach in the area. Today, visitors use this space to watch birds and take quiet walks, with observation platforms and benches placed along the trail encouraging people to pause and observe the local wildlife.
Access is from a parking area at Schoeffeneck near Michelbach, where a clearly marked trail begins around the water. The walk takes about one to one and a half hours and suits all ages and fitness levels, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
The area is known for hosting many bird species including cormorants, ospreys, crows, and others that visitors can watch with binoculars. The water is kept free from swimming to protect the nesting birds and maintain the site as a quiet refuge.
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