LAGO DE LA HAUTE-SÛRE

With a surface area of 380 hectares and a length of 27 km, this lake supplies two-thirds of the country with drinking water, thanks to a total volume of 59 million^m3. It was created in 1961 with the construction of a 47-metre-high, 168-metre-long dam, which is crossed at the eastern end of the lake. Six secondary dams were also built, four of them downstream of the main dam, to regulate the level of the lake and the Sûre river.

The lake's economic and tourist importance for the region has led eight villages (Bavigne, Harlange, Kaundorf, Liefrange, Mecher, Nothum, Tarchamps and Watrange) to join forces to form a single commune, the Lac de la Haute-Sûre commune, with administrative headquarters in Bavigne. Nevertheless, Esch-sur-Sûre, ideally situated on the main access road to the lake, is a must-see.

The bottom of the main reservoir, upstream of the Misère bridge, is home to wildlife such as otters, wildcats and hazel grouse, some of which are in danger of extinction.

Outside the protected area (from Esch-sur-Sûre to Lultzhausen), you can enjoy all kinds of water sports, including canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Motorboats, however, are prohibited. There are several beaches around the lake, inviting visitors to take a dip, and numerous hiking and cycling trails in the vicinity. A guided tour of the lake is available on board a solar-powered boat (approx. two hours).