Top 20 Lakes around Baiersbronn
Best lakes around Baiersbronn, nestled in the northern Black Forest, are primarily ancient tarns formed by glaciers. These serene bodies of water offer diverse experiences, from family-friendly outings to tranquil natural escapes. The region is characterized by its dense forests and varied terrain, providing a natural setting for these glacial lakes. Many of these lakes are designated nature reserves, preserving unique biotopes and sensitive ecosystems.
Best lakes around Baiersbronn
- The most popular lakes is Wild lake, a lake that offers a tranquil atmosphere with undisturbed natural sounds. Situated at an elevation of 910 meters and reaching almost twelve meters in depth, it provides a place to unwind with fewer crowds.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Sankenbach, a lake and designated nature reserve. It is the only tarn in the area where swimming is permitted, offering a refreshing option in the summer.
- Visitors also love Ellbach Lake, a cirque lake surrounded by a unique bulte moor. This lake is part of a nature reserve, providing a habitat for rare animal and plant species.
- Baiersbronn is known for its glacial tarns and cirque lakes. These bodies of water often feature unique ecological characteristics like floating peat islands and surrounding moorlands.
- The lakes around Baiersbronn are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 3300 upvotes and more than 2000 photos shared across 24 highlights.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Lake Sankenbach
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Mummelsee
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Even today, the nixies visit village evenings. Of course, only in the company of their strict father, the Mummelsee King.
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Ellbachseeblick Viewing Platform
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Ellbach Lake
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View of Lake Mummelsee from the Hornisgrinde
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Tips from the Community
The silted-up, originally almost circular lake now resembles a three-fingered hand. The south-southwest-facing "fingers" are between 80 and 110 meters long, and the northern "palm" has a diameter of approximately 40 meters. The body of water, mostly covered by floating vegetation, has a maximum diameter of just under 150 meters. Like all cirque lakes, the Ellbachsee was formed by glaciers. The last deepening of the lake basin occurred during the Würm glaciation, which ended in the Black Forest about 10,000 years ago. The Ellbachsee and its surroundings are designated as a natural monument (7.1 hectares), a geotope, and a protected forest. Source: Wikipedia
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The Ellbachsee in the municipality of Baiersbronn was designated as an extensive natural monument in 1937. The protected area covers a total area of approximately 7.1 hectares. The water area is surrounded by a Bultenmoor; it forms an independent biotope for many endangered animal and plant species. Because of its high sensitivity to being stepped on, you should avoid walking on it so that this habitat is not destroyed. Compared to the other karst lakes in the Black Forest, the Ellbachsee is not particularly deep at 1 to 2 meters. Its length is approximately 190 meters and its width is approximately 40 meters. At just 0.34 hectares, the open water area is the smallest of the karst lakes in the northern Black Forest. It has now become increasingly silted up, which is reflected in a silted area of 1.16 hectares. Some downy birch trees have already settled on the peat island floating on it. The lake has a narrow outlet and breaks through the moraine. It flows into the Guten Ellbach, which flows into the Murg in Baiersbronn Mitteltal.
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The Ellbachsee is home to a floating peat island, elves and water spirits 🧚♀️🧚♂️. This is probably one of the reasons why it is designated as a natural monument worthy of protection.
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Unfortunately, the tower has been closed since March 17th, 2020
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Beautiful vantage point over the Mummelsee, several seating areas. Not as crowded as the Mummelsee itself
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Wonderful view of and over the Mummelsee with bench and sun lounger to relax.
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The lake was created around 10,000 years ago when a glacier melted, but disappeared again 3,000 years ago. In 1980/81 a natural dam was created here again. This has created a beautiful leisure and nature reserve where you can enjoy taking a longer break. Nice seating on the drainage side and a large barbecue area by the waterfall.
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The Sankenbachsee is a former karst lake southwest of Baiersbronn. It silted up around 3,000 years ago and could be artificially dammed up again because it lies below the Sankenbach waterfalls and is flowed through by the Sankenbach. In the 1980s, a low barrage was built at the outflow of the Sankenbach to protect the lake from silting up. Source: Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Baiersbronn are suitable for families?
For a family-friendly outing, Lake Sankenbach is an excellent choice. It features Sankenbach waterfalls, a barbecue area, a game reserve, and a playground. It's also the only tarn in the area where swimming is permitted, offering a refreshing option in the summer. Another option is Mummelsee, which has an art trail and is known for its legends of mermaids and dwarfs.
Where can I find the best viewpoints of the lakes in Baiersbronn?
The Ellbachseeblick Viewing Platform offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ellbach Lake, the surrounding Black Forest landscape, and Baiersbronn-Mitteltal. It's located at 921 meters above sea level and is even wheelchair accessible.
Are there opportunities for swimming in the lakes near Baiersbronn?
Yes, Lake Sankenbach is the only tarn in the Baiersbronn area where swimming is permitted, making it a popular spot for a refreshing dip during warmer months.
What kind of hiking trails are available near the lakes?
The region offers a variety of hiking trails. For example, you can explore the Sankenbachsteig near Lake Sankenbach, or take a circular walk around the secluded Schurmsee. Many trails are part of the larger Seensteig, a 90 km route connecting several lakes. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Baiersbronn guide.
Which lakes offer a tranquil and secluded natural experience?
For a truly tranquil experience, visit Wild lake, known for its romantic atmosphere, undisturbed natural sounds, and fewer crowds. The Schurmsee is also highly secluded, offering significant tranquility due to its remote location within a nature reserve.
Can I find unique natural features around the lakes?
Absolutely. Ellbach Lake is surrounded by a unique bulte moor and features a floating peat island. The Buhlbachsee also boasts a floating bog island covered with birch trees, set against a 120-meter high cirque wall, creating an almost enchanted atmosphere.
Are there any historical or legendary aspects associated with the lakes?
Yes, Mummelsee is steeped in legend, with tales of mermaids, dwarfs, and a lake king. Historically, lakes like Buhlbachsee and Schurmsee were also used as reservoirs by rafters in the 19th century, showcasing their past significance to the region.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes of Baiersbronn?
The area around Baiersbronn offers various cycling routes that pass by or near the lakes. For example, you can find routes like the 'Murgtal Cycle Path – View of Mummelsee Hotel loop from Baiersbronn'. More options are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Baiersbronn guide.
Are there any cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, Mummelsee is a notable highlight that includes facilities such as a restaurant, making it a convenient stop for refreshments.
What makes the lakes around Baiersbronn ecologically significant?
Many of the lakes, such as Ellbach Lake, Buhlbachsee, and Schurmsee, are designated nature reserves or protected areas. They are ancient tarns formed by glaciers, supporting unique biotopes, bulte moors, and providing habitats for rare and endangered animal and plant species. Visitors are often advised to stay on marked paths to protect these sensitive ecosystems.
How can I access the lakes using public transport?
While specific public transport routes to each lake vary, many lakes like Sankenbachsee, Buhlbachsee, and Ellbachsee are accessible on foot or by mountain bike via trails from nearby towns such as Baiersbronn, Kniebis, or the Schwarzwaldhochstraße. For detailed public transport information, it's best to check local transport schedules for connections to Baiersbronn and surrounding areas.
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