Best attractions and places to see around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim include a large artificial lake, which is the largest body of water in Alsace, France. Created in 1970 to regulate the Rhine and Ill rivers, it spans over 680 hectares. This region is a significant ecological site, known for its rich natural environment, diverse fish species, and role as a crucial wintering ground for thousands of water birds. Visitors can explore natural features and engage in various outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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Popular around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim
Hiking around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim
Cycling around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim
MTB Trails around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim
Road Cycling Routes around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim
Running Trails around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim
Gravel biking around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim
"Sept écluses" is the name of the snack bar here. Enjoyed a delicious snack yesterday. It's lovely here.
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At 8 kilometers long, Lake Plobsheim, located between Strasbourg and Erstein, is the largest artificial lake in the department. This clear and shallow reservoir (3 meters on average) covers the area of the former alluvial forest along the Rhine and is home to lush flora. Various fish species thrive here (such as roach, tench, perch, catfish, and pike), and many migratory waterfowl settle here in winter. Its biodiversity and, in particular, its role as a wintering ground for waterfowl make it unique in Europe. An average of 13,000 individuals are recorded during censuses; this area is therefore home to the largest bird population observed in winter on the Rhine. More than fifteen rare species also live here. Today, birds share this area with sailboats, as the water also houses a water sports facility, popular with sailing enthusiasts.
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The polder d'Erstein has great paths on a polder dam through a wild, relatively untouched floodplain forest. I've been there twice so far and didn't see anyone either time. Once I drove off the polder path and promptly almost ran into a herd of wild boar ;-)
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It's beautiful here. I'll come back here in the warmer season.
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very nice quiet place 3 km from the border of the PFLIMLIN bridge; for a little break and refresh yourself
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There is a marked cycle path on the bridge for safe passage.
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The cycle path runs along the northern side of the bridge. There is one lane for both directions.
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The Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim is primarily a vast artificial lake, the largest body of water in Alsace, spanning over 680 hectares. It boasts a rich natural environment with abundant aquatic flora and diverse fish species. The southern part of the lake, with its natural banks, borders the Erstein Forest Nature Reserve, offering a wilder setting. Nearby, a gravel pit also provides a rich ecosystem for observing local fauna.
Yes, the Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim is a critically important site for ornithology. It hosts between 8,000 and 15,000 overwintering water birds, including ducks, cormorants, swans, and grebes. It's also a crucial stopover for migratory birds, with over 234 bird species noted. The Plobsheimer See nature reserve is particularly known for its role as a wintering ground for many migratory waterfowl, making it unique in Europe for its bird population.
The lake is a popular spot for non-motorized water sports. A dedicated nautical base on the western shore offers opportunities for sailing and windsurfing. Fishing, both professional and recreational, is also a popular activity, with competitions regularly held.
Yes, numerous paths cater to walkers and hikers. You can explore the Parcours Sportif du Langensand, a 2-kilometer sports course with exercise stations, or the Parcours de Santé de Plobsheim for a leisurely walk. The Polder Trail Through the Erstein Forest Nature Reserve offers great paths on a polder dam through a wild floodplain forest. For more options, you can find easy hiking routes in the area, such as the "Passerelle Fuchs loop from Erstein Forest National Nature Reserve" or the "Plobsheim Lake loop from Meißenheim (Baden)" on the Easy hikes around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim guide.
While not directly within the basin, the broader area offers cycling opportunities. You can find sections of the Rhine–Rhône Canal Cycle Route between Marckolsheim and Strasbourg. The Pierre Pflimlin Bridge features a well-developed cycle path, making it easy to cross the Rhine. For more cycling routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim guide, which includes routes like the "Rhône–Rhine Canal – Rhine Canal Cycle Path loop".
The area offers several family-friendly options. The Pierre Pflimlin Bridge has a pedestrian and bicycle path, suitable for family outings. The Parcours Sportif du Langensand features 17 exercise stations and a picnic area, perfect for active families. Additionally, the serene environment of the lake and its surrounding trails provide ample space for walks and nature observation with children.
The Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim is particularly significant during winter, as it hosts between 8,000 and 15,000 overwintering water birds, making it an excellent time for birdwatching. Spring and autumn are also crucial stopover points for migratory birds. For general outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, the warmer seasons (spring to early autumn) would be most pleasant.
You can find the Snack-Bar Sept Écluses, located near the Pierre Pflimlin Bridge. It's described as a very nice, quiet place for a little break and refreshments.
The Pierre Pflimlin Bridge spans the Rhine, connecting the Neurieder district Altenheim with Eschau in Alsace. It features two lanes for traffic, as well as a pedestrian and bicycle path. It's a popular spot for cyclists to cross the Rhine and enables a southern round trip from Strasbourg and Kehl.
The Plobsheimer See nature reserve is an 8-kilometer long artificial lake, the largest in the department. It's known for its clear, shallow waters, lush flora, and diverse fish species. Its unique biodiversity and role as a wintering ground for an average of 13,000 migratory waterfowl make it particularly special in Europe. It's also shared with sailing enthusiasts.
Yes, the Wilderness in Réserve Naturelle de la Forêt d'Erstein offers a true wilderness experience. As soon as you leave the main path, which leads straight through the forest on a raised dam, you enter a dense, untouched floodplain forest. It's a place where you might encounter local wildlife, such as wild boar.
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find routes like the "Canal de Décharge de l'Ill loop from Base du Rhinland" or the "Plan d'eau de Plobsheim loop from Plobsheim." For a comprehensive list of options, refer to the Running Trails around Bassin De Compensation De Plobsheim guide.


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