Kruth on Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein

Explore Kruth via Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein and the paths around it. The lake is an 81-hectare reservoir on the Alsatian side of the Vosges, reaching a depth of up to 35 metres. Kruth is one of the municipalities affected by the Natura 2000 ZSC Vosges du Sud protected area. Above the lake, on the right bank, lies the Cascade du Bockloch.

Paths and scenery around Kruth

The discovery trail on Schlossberg leads to the ruins of Château du Wildenstein. It is 1.2 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 130 metres. Take care on its rocky mountain sections: in winter, the trail may be impassable, and mountain conditions can vary by season. Check conditions before setting out.

Another hiking option starts at the Cascade du Bockloch. From there, an approximately 1.5-hour circular route with an elevation gain of 360 metres passes through the steep-sided Hinterbockloch valley and by small waterfalls. The two routes are described using different details: the Schlossberg trail is specified by its length and elevation gain, while the Bockloch circular route also has an approximate duration. Use these details to plan your time; here, too, check trail conditions and safety before setting out.

Castle ruins and chapel

The ruins bear witness to a violent turning point in the history of Château du Wildenstein: it was bombarded on 6 April 1646 and destroyed the following month. The discovery trail connects this historic site with a walk on Schlossberg. This lets you take in the landscape and history on the same outing, without treating information about the route’s distance as an assessment of its difficulty.

Another part of the local heritage is Chapelle Saint-Nicolas. The present-day chapel was built in 1954 to replace an older building that had been destroyed during road construction. Kruth therefore has two distinct historic points of interest: the ruins of Château du Wildenstein and a chapel whose present form dates back to the mid-20th century.

Activities at Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein

The lake offers various ways to enjoy activities in and on the water. It is classified as a first-category fishing water. Fishing is permitted from a non-motorised boat and with a float tube, subject to the site’s rules. Swimming is tolerated at your own risk and is not supervised. Do not plan it as a supervised swimming activity.

There are also activities on land around the lake. Parc Arbre Aventure offers ten progressive courses and a 300-metre zip line over the lake. At the app-based Nat’Mouv sports trail, trees and rocks serve as exercise stations. Use of this trail depends on the availability of the associated app.

A map dated 2025 shows five signposted mountain biking and e-bike circuits starting at Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein and intended for all ability levels. Check trail conditions and cycling infrastructure locally. The Véloroute de la vallée de la Thur connects Staffelfelden with Kruth; the distance from Staffelfelden to Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein is about 37 kilometres.

Getting there and planning your stay

Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein is accessible via the TER Mulhouse–Kruth rail line. Check the timetables for your travel date. You can plan around several different options: the rail connection, the roughly 37-kilometre cycling route from Staffelfelden, and the excursions described locally. Which details matter most to you depends on whether you are planning time at the lake, a hike, a bike ride or a visit to historic sites. If you are looking for a hotel in Kruth, these specific destinations can help you choose where to stay and plan your visit.

Discover more destinations: Buhl, Ammerschwihr, Gunsbach, Morschwiller-Le-Bas, Lucelle, Mooslargue, Wahlbach, Balschwiller

Back to the regional travel guide: Haut-Rhin.