Upper Sure Lake
Luxembourg's largest body of water, a reservoir in the Ardennes supplying most of the country's drinking water.
Updated 20 October 2026
The Upper Sûre lake was created in the 1950s by damming the river above Esch-sur-Sûre, and it supplies the majority of Luxembourg's drinking water, which governs what may be done on it: swimming and motorised craft are restricted to particular zones and prohibited elsewhere. Where they are allowed, the lake is used for sailing, kayaking and swimming, with wooded arms running back into the Ardennes and paths around the shore.
History
The lake was created by the Esch-sur-Sûre dam, built in the 1950s for Luxembourg's drinking water and electricity, and the reservoir reaches some 10 kilometres up the valley (Wikipedia, Upper Sûre Lake).
The landscape
- The reservoir - the country's largest water body, in a wooded Ardennes valley.
- The permitted zones - the areas where swimming and boating are allowed.
- The shore paths - the walking routes around the arms of the lake.
- The dam - the structure at Esch-sur-Sure that created the lake.
When to go
May to September is the season for the water. Restrictions apply year round because of the drinking supply. Autumn colour around the shore is good.
Things to know
Swimming and boating are prohibited over most of the lake because it is a drinking water source, and the rules are enforced. Permitted beaches are crowded in summer. Water levels vary.
Nearby
Esch-sur-Sure is downstream, and Wiltz is northeast.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q2621998, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Upper Sure Lake
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- Secure water shoes or reef boots - Grip on slippery launches and protection on rocky shores. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Upper Sure Lake is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
