Ok, I recognize it. Luxembourg is not at all close to the sea. However, Luxembourg has a good lake to get some fresh air and enjoy water activities in summer. This lake is the Upper Sûre lake.
THE LAKE IN A NUTSHELL
The Upper Sûre lake dates back 1961 and is located 1 km west of Esch-sur-Sûre, in the center of the Upper Sûre Natural Park. Its surface is quite impressive because it has an area of 380 ha with a volume of water of 60 million m³! What a lot of water! Thus, this lake is a wonderful location a big range of nautic sports such as swimming, boating, diving, windsurfing, sailing...
The Upper Sûre lake
Of course, the lake is also very useful for people as it's also used to generate electricity and provide drinking water. So, about half of Luxembourg's drinking water is produced from surface water from the Upper Sûre reservoir located near Esch-sur-Sûre. A dam 47 meters high holds back the water of the Sûre, thus giving rise to a dam lake in the narrow valley of the river.
But, be careful because the lake is divided into 2 areas: one is opened to public and nautic activities while the second is dedicated to nature and so protected.
THE BATHING SEASON
In Luxembourg, the bathing season lasts from May 1st to September 30th. And the bathing places of the Haute-Sûre lake are only accessible from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. And before the beginning of the bathing season, analysis are realized to check the quality of the water of the lake. Afterwards, these analysis are repeated each month during the season. The bathing water can be qualified as: "excellent", "good", "sufficient" or "insufficient". For the Upper Sûre lake, the bathing water of the lake is qualified as "excellent". Another good reason to go swimming in this lake!
Photo taken from the shores of the lake
A piece of advice: I have to inform you about the summer season and the crowd who comes. As you can imagine, this lake is very attractive during this time to cool off and relax. So, there are car parks (free and also paid) by the lake, but not many! Thus, if you decide to go to the lake in the summer, I advise you to take the bus that goes around the lake for free because many people can go to the lake like you too.
A LITTLE CORNER OF PARADISE
The Upper Sûre lake has incredible sceneries, offers lot of leisure activities and a fresh air but, above all, this place is very peaceful. Indeed, motor boats are forbidden on the lake! Sometimes, you can see people fishing with a boat but you will notice they only have oars to row. Thus, you will never hear something else than the song of the birds or the wind in the leaves... In short, a dream for those looking for a pleasant place to take a break away from the city, its noise and its pollution.
One of the "beaches" around the lake
When people told me about this lake, I decided to check with my own eyes if what they were saying was true... And, I didn't be disappointed! What's surprised me is the presence of the nature around the lake. Indeed, the forest is everywhere around the lake and I would say some trees are almost in the water of the lake sometimes!
In addition, as it's a lake, there are never currents so you can swim without fear to be surprised by them! For this reason, the lake is a privileged destination for paddle and canoe enthusiasts!
To conclude, the lake is a very good place when you want to see some blue in the green countryside of Luxembourg. But don't expect sandy beaches like at the sea! Here, you will have only several lawns (or, instead lawns, small gravel), which serve as swimming spots around the lake. For instance, the Belvédère of Burfelt is one of this famous swimming spot.
More information and photos about the Upper Sûre lake: https://www.visit-eislek.lu/fr/stausei
GO AND VISIT THE NEARBY ESCH-SUR-SURE VILLAGE AND CASTLE
After a long (and deserved) relaxation on the shores of the lake, you are plenty of energy! So, let's go to the village of Esch-sur-Sûre to enjoy the fresh air of the evening and, of course, to visit the oldest castle of Luxembourg!
The first thing to mention is the age of this castle: almost a thousand years that the castle of Esch-sur-Sûre stands on this rock and dominates a loop of the river Sûre! Furthermore, it still has many secrets like its founding date which is not exactly known!
The castle and village of Esch-sur-Sûre
Formerly, the castle belonged to the lords of Esch who were one of the most important noble families in the region, a thousand years ago. Subsequently, the castle was divided between several heirs and, in the 18th and 19th centuries, it fell into disrepair. Nowadays, the castle is the property of the state of Luxembourg which bought it in 2006 and ever since, maintain it.
Thanks to its strategic location (the castle stands on a rocky outcrop), it is very easy to defend it from potential enemies. This is why it was the residence of the lord of Esch and his family. The dominant position of the castle is also symbolic: it proclaimed the power of the Lord of Esch over the surroundings and the property extended over a radius of around 15 km!
Nowadays, you can still admire some remains of the castle such as the chapel, the main tower, the watchtower, the cellar, the hall and some remnants of buildings.
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