The Jägersteig is one of the finest premium hiking trails at the Schluchsee. Over roughly 13 kilometres, it leads across high-level paths with great views, through mountain forest and along the shores of the lake. Tips on the tour, travel and places to stop for food and drink from the Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde.
With a length of around 7.3 kilometres, the Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest — and at the same time one of Germany's highest-altitude reservoirs. Those who want to see the lake from more than just the shore can walk the Jägersteig. This premium hiking trail has been certified by the German Hiking Institute and leads around the northern half of the lake with a well-balanced mix of forest, views and lake vistas.
From the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde wellness hotel, you can reach the Schluchsee in around 20 minutes by car. This makes the Jägersteig one of the shortest hiking trail journeys from the hotel.
How large and deep is the Schluchsee?
With an area of around 5.1 square kilometres, the Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest. It is about 7.3 kilometres long and, at its widest point, a good 1.3 kilometres wide. The maximum depth is 61 metres, making it also the deepest lake in the Black Forest. The Schluchsee lies at an altitude of 930 metres and is part of a pumped-storage power station — accordingly, the water level can fluctuate by up to 30 metres depending on the time of year. In late summer and autumn, the water is typically drained, and in spring the lake is filled up again.
What makes the Jägersteig special
The Jägersteig is part of the region's network of hiking trails and was explicitly designed for a quality experience. In contrast to purely forestry tracks, around 80 percent of the route runs over natural paths, root-covered tracks and trails through mixed mountain forest. Several viewpoints with benches offer breaks with lake views. There are four designated rest areas and two places to stop for refreshments along the route.
Route
The tour starts at Schluchsee station and initially leads via the promenade towards Seebrugg. After around a kilometre, the path turns off into the forest and climbs onto the high-level trail. Passing the Riesenbühl viewpoint, it continues to the Eisweiher and finally to Aha on the western shore.
From Aha, either the Dreiseenbahn takes over the return journey to Schluchsee (around a ten-minute ride) or the Schluchsee fleet boat. Those with energy can walk back along the western shore, covering a total distance of around 18 kilometres.
Difficulty: medium. Ascent: around 350 metres. Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours walking time.
Viewpoints along the way
Several points along the Jägersteig are worth a stop. The Riesenbühl viewpoint lies about 200 metres above the lake and reveals the entire basin in its full length. On a clear day you can see as far as the Hornisgrinde in the Northern Black Forest.
The Eisweiher rest area is hidden in the forest — a small bog pond with a boardwalk. Best spot for the lunch break.
The Schluchsee-Ostbucht offers views of the dam and the Häusern power station over the final kilometres — a piece of Black Forest industrial history.
Stop along the way
Directly on the Jägersteig are two inns: the Café am Eisweiher (seasonal April to October, coffee and cake) and the Gasthaus Hirschen in Aha (hot meals, Black Forest specialities). Anyone who takes along a packed hiking lunch from the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde will also find a bench for a rest at every viewpoint.
Schluchsee as a day trip destination
If you aren't planning a full-day excursion, you can experience the Schluchsee differently. We did this in a Contribution to the excursion destinations in the Black Forest described — with tips on swimming spots, boat trips, stand-up paddleboarding and the Dreiseenbahn railway. In summer, swimming is permitted in several places around the lake — unlike the Feldsee higher up.
History of the Schluchsee
Today's Schluchsee only came into being in the 1930s, when Schwarzwaldwerk AG dammed the valley of the Seebach to generate energy. Before that, a smaller natural lake already existed at about half the height of today's water level. Today, the Schluchsee is part of a complex pumped-storage system connected to the higher-lying Schwarzasee and the Riesenbühl. Anyone who comes across large pipelines or small pump houses while hiking is seeing the traces of this technology.
Practical tips
Parking. There is plenty of parking right at Schluchsee station. Pay and display (around two euros per day). With the KONUS guest card, buses and trains in the region can be used free of charge — highly recommended, as the return journey from Aha on the Three Lakes Railway is therefore free.
Footwear. Ankle-high hiking boots are the minimum. The nature trails have rooty sections.
Check the timetable. The Dreiseenbahn and the Schluchsee boats operate seasonally. Take a look at the current timetable before the tour.
Dog. Dogs are allowed, on a short lead on the promenade, off-lead in the forest if conservation regulations permit. When in doubt, put them on a lead.
Best time of year
May to October are the ideal time for the Jägersteig. In spring the high moor meadows bloom, in summer it is pleasantly cool in the shady mountain forest, in autumn the beech forests glow. The Dreiseenbahn runs from the end of March to the beginning of November. In winter the path is not cleared and is only recommended for experienced winter hikers with snowshoes or microspikes.
Travel and accommodation
From the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde wellness hotel, it takes around 20 minutes to drive to Schluchsee. Recommendation: breakfast at eight o'clock, departure at half past eight, start walking at nine. Return to the hotel usually between 3 and 5 pm, followed by sauna and dinner.
Our wellness area of around 450 square metres with an indoor pool, Finnish sauna and textile sauna ensures relaxation after the tour. Massages can be booked in advance.
Frequently asked questions about the Jägersteig and Schluchsee
How long does the Jägersteig take?
The simple route from Schluchsee to Aha takes around four hours of pure walking time. With the return journey by train or boat, you should plan for half a day.
How large is the Schluchsee?
The lake is 7.3 km long, up to 1.3 km wide and has an area of around 5.1 square kilometres. This makes it the largest lake in the Black Forest.
How deep is the Schluchsee?
The maximum depth is 61 metres — making the Schluchsee also the deepest lake in the Black Forest.
How long does it take to walk around the Schluchsee?
A complete circuit takes around five to six hours and is 18 kilometres long. The Jägersteig covers only the northern half with the return journey by train — hence shorter (4 hours walking time).
Which is nicer — Titisee or Schluchsee?
A matter of taste. The Titisee is smaller, more touristic and features a promenade, boat rentals and swimming opportunities. The Schluchsee is significantly larger, quieter, with better hiking opportunities and fewer day-trippers. Anyone looking for hiking quality chooses the Schluchsee.
Why is there sometimes little water in the Schluchsee?
Lake Schluchsee is a pumped-storage reservoir. Water is moved between the various storage basins depending on electricity demand. In late summer and autumn, the water level sometimes drops by up to 30 metres, and by spring it is filled again.
What can you do at Lake Schluchsee?
Hiking (Jägersteig, Schluchsee circuit trail), swimming at designated bathing areas, stand-up paddling, pedalboating, sailing, boat trips with the Schluchsee fleet, fishing with a day ticket and cycling around the lake. In winter, snowshoeing.
Is the Jägersteig suitable for families?
From about ten years of age, yes. Younger children usually can't manage the distance. For families with small children, the lakeside promenade is more suitable.
Does the Jägersteig cost admission?
No. The path is freely accessible. Only the car park and, if applicable, the return journey by train (without the KONUS guest card) are subject to a fee.
Are there places to stop for refreshments along the way?
Yes. Café am Eisweiher (seasonal) and Gasthaus Hirschen in Aha. In Schluchsee itself there are numerous other restaurants and cafés.
Flora and fauna at Schluchsee
At Lake Schluchsee and along the Jägersteig trail live several animals typical of the Black Forest. In the lake itself, trout, pike, zander and several species of carp can be found — the lake is a popular fishing area, and day permits are available from the tourist office. On the shore, grey herons, mallards and great crested grebes are frequently seen. In the surrounding mountain forest live red deer, chamois (rarely) and occasionally the lynx, which has been recorded back in the Upper Black Forest for a few years now. The old beech forests also home the protected black woodpecker and the shy Eurasian pygmy owl.
Pumped-storage power station and energy history
Lake Schluchsee is the heart of a complex pumped-storage system operated by Schluchseewerk AG. Together with the higher-lying reservoirs of Lake Schwarzach and the Wehratal Dam, they form the storage chain that has been used for electricity generation since the 1930s. When electricity demand is high, water flows down through turbines — when there is a surplus of electricity, it is pumped back up. The Häusern power station at the dam wall is even one of the oldest pumped-storage power plants in Europe and still produces electricity today. Anyone interested can visit the plant on certain dates — registrations via Schluchseewerk AG.
Insider tips for the Jägersteig
A few tips often missing from hiking guidebooks: First — do not start at the main Schluchsee station car park, but at the smaller car park on Faulenfürster Straße. From here, the ascent to the high trail is shorter and you save yourself the first mile and a half on the promenade. Second — the Riesenbühl viewpoint is best in the morning, because the sun then illuminates the lake basin from the side. At midday, the water often becomes reflective, but lacks contrast.
Thirdly — the Dreiseenbahn doesn't run hourly, but every two hours. Anyone planning the return journey by train should check the timetable beforehand, otherwise there will be unpleasant waiting times in Aha. Fourthly — if the water level is low in late summer, old tree stumps and stones appear on the lakeshore, which are appealing for photographers, but change the usual postcard motif of the „full“ lake.
Further sources on the Schluchsee and the Jägersteig
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus — Jägersteig Schluchsee: official tour description with map and GPX
- Tourist Information Schluchsee — Events, swimming spots, boat hire
- Schluchseewerk AG — Pumped Storage Power Station: How it Works and Guided Tours
- Schluchsee boat trips — timetable and routes of the Schluchsee fleet
- Wikipedia — Schluchsee: History of the damming, geography, flora and fauna
- Dreiseenbahn — timetable for the Titisee–Seebrugg route including Aha station
Reservation
Bookings made directly with the hotel save up to 35 per cent compared to booking portals.
Telephone: +49 (0)7743 9201-0
E-mail: info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de
Web: www.sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de
Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde, Schwarzwaldstraße 9, 79777 Ühlingen-Birkendorf, TOP WELLNESSHOTEL 2025.
Image credits: Pixabay, Pixabay — Pixabay Content Licence. Video: YouTube.
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