Lac de Michelbach, reservoir in Haut-Rhin, France

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 villages of Aspach-Michelbach and Aspach-Le-Bas, on whose land the dam lies. Since 1997 the reservoir has held nature reserve status, and no recreational activities take place on the water, which keeps the birds undisturbed. A waymarked trail with educational panels circles the lake, and nesting rafts have been installed alongside an island used by birds during high water.

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.

Since its creation the reservoir has recorded more than 180 bird species, making it one of Alsace's main nesting sites after the Rhine. In winter, great crested grebes, tufted ducks and Eurasian coots gather on the water, while great cormorants perch on the tall trees near the dam. Nesting rafts were installed on the water alongside an island where birds nest during high water.