ÉTANG DE L'ERBSENTHAL - RÉSERVE NATURELLE

The old site of Erbsenthal is half way between Sturzelbronn and Eguelshardt, more precisely in the wooded hills of Biesenberg (376m), Abstberg (375m), Erbsenberg (402m) and Rothenberg (358m).
In the stream flow of the Rothenbach, and flowing through the Moosbach and Atlzinsel, the site covers over 3km and 33 hectares. The left bank (24,5ha) of the river is owned by the Commune of Sturzelbronn and the right bank (9ha) is the property of Eguelshardt. The lake is admired by all who have the opportunity to see it.
The GR532 and the Tres Tabernae pass by the banks as well as several circular trails way-marked by the Club Vosgien staring from the Hanau Lake. The Chapel “Notre Dame des Bois” is 2 minutes away on foot.
The Cistercians monks from Sturzelbronn took ice from this lake in winter and stocked it in a “glacier”, a type of igloo insulated with straw – an ancient method that was often used in this area. The ice could be used up until summer, either for direct consumption or for preserving their food, especially fish, as the lakes were full.