Hiking at Schluchsee means above all exploring the largest lake in the Black Forest on foot. Depending on the route, the lakeside circular trail is 17 to 19 kilometres long, largely flat and can be shortened by boat. There are also shorter, easy walks, the more demanding Schluchseer Jägersteig and a cycle path around the lake. This article shows what suits which level of fitness.
Hiking at Schluchsee: the lakeside circular trail at a glance
If you want to walk all the way round the lake, you will find several descriptions at Schwarzwald Tourismus. They differ in routing and therefore in length and duration:
| Variant | Length | Duration | Metres of ascent | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seerundweg Schluchsee | 17.7 km | 4:45 h | 41 m up and 41 m down | 50% fine gravel, 30% natural, 20% asphalt |
| Around Lake Schluchsee | 19.35 km | 5:00 a.m. | 180 m up and 180 m down | 82% fine gravel, 11% asphalt, 5% natural |
| Accessible lakeside circular trail | 18.73 km | 5:45 h | 67 m up, 56 m down | 52% asphalt, 39% fine gravel, 9% natural |
All variants are circular routes starting from Schluchsee station. The Schwarzwald Tourismus description identifies no sections relevant to safety; sturdy footwear is recommended. The route is marked, among other things, with the yellow diamond of the Seeuferweg and the Schluchtensteig.
Route of the Schluchsee circular trail
From Schluchsee station you go along the lake towards Aha and over the railway bridge to the Amalienruhe viewpoint. Next come Unterkrummenhof and the large bay with the Krummenbach. You reach Seebrugg across the dam; the way back to Schluchsee village leads past the Seehotel Hubertus, over the B 500 and along the Kohlgrubenweg. The asphalted section across the dam is a shared cycle and footpath.
Shortening the route by boat
The MS Schluchsee runs a scheduled service between the lido, Aha, Unterkrummenhof and the dam and, according to the operator also as a “hikers' taxi”. The operator gives roughly one hour of walking time for each of the four sections:
| Section | Length | Walking time (according to the operator) |
|---|---|---|
| Schluchsee lido to Aha | approx. 4 km | approx. 1 hour |
| Aha to Unterkrummenhof | approx. 5 km | approx. 1 hour |
| Unterkrummenhof to the dam | approx. 4.5 km | approx. 1 hour |
| Dam to Schluchsee | approx. 4 km | approx. 1 hour |
As of October 2026: the 2026 boat season ended, according to the operator's website on 18 October. As an alternative, the route description mentions train connections from Seebrugg or Aha station back to Schluchsee station; please check the current timetable.
Stop along the way
For refreshments, the route descriptions mention the Vesperstube Unterkrummenhof halfway along with a view over the lake, the beer garden at the dam and the lake terrace of the Seehotel Hubertus. Opening times change with the season; ask in advance if necessary.
Easy walks at Lake Schluchsee: shorter routes
If 17 kilometres is too much, these routes are a good option. All information comes from the route descriptions of Schwarzwald Tourismus and Hochschwarzwald Tourismus:
| Tour | Length | Duration | Grading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Höhenklimaweg Wurzelpfad | 5.64 km | 1:35 h | easy, shaded forest path, start at the Kurhaus |
| Circular hike to the Riesenbühlturm | 4.7 km | 1:22 h | moderate, 136 m of ascent, start in the town centre |
| Short circular tour Kaisertanne | 4.26 km | 1:30 h | easy, described as a winter walk, start at the station |
| Seerundweg Windgfällweiher | not specified | approx. 45 minutes | laid-out circular path around the small neighbouring lake |
The Wurzelpfad is not suitable for pushchairs; dogs are allowed on a lead. According to the description, an all-terrain pushchair or sports buggy is possible on the lakeside circular trail.
More demanding routes at Lake Schluchsee
The Schluchseer Jägersteig is a Genießerpfad of just under 12 kilometres (11.95 km, 4 hours, 238 metres of ascent, moderate difficulty). Its highlight is the Bildstein, from where, in clear conditions, the view extends as far as the Tödi in the Swiss Alps (Tour description). The trail is not suitable for pushchairs.
Other options, according to High Black Forest Tourism: the Riesenbühlsteig (difficult, 13 kilometres, 3:30 hours, 216 metres of ascent, mostly shaded) and the Hotzenwegrunde (moderate, 8.3 kilometres, 2:15 hours). The “Zwei Seen sehn!” tour leads from Aha over 16.6 kilometres to the Zweiseenblick viewpoint at 1,292 metres with a view of Titisee and Schluchsee (High Black Forest Tourism).
Cycle path around Lake Schluchsee
According to Schwarzwald Tourismus, the lakeside circular trail can be done on foot or by bike. For cyclists there is the cycle tour Schluchsee tour for families: 17.87 kilometres, easy, around 1:30 hours, 188 metres of ascent, start at the tourist information office. About 63% of the route is asphalted; highlights include Unterkrummenhof, the dam and several bathing spots. A cycle helmet is recommended, and consideration should be shown to walkers.
If you want to cycle further: Wikipedia mentions the Dreiseenradweg from Freiburg to Schluchsee, and Hochschwarzwald Tourismus promotes the Seenradweg Hochschwarzwald as a 67-kilometre e-bike route. For people in a wheelchair or on a handbike, according to High Black Forest Tourism there is an accessible handbike tour around the lake.
Practical tips
- How to get there from the hotel: It is around 15 km to Schluchsee village (station), about 20 minutes by car; to Aha it is around 19 km, about 25 minutes by car.
- By train: Schluchsee station is on the Dreiseenbahn and is the start and finish of the circular routes. Other stops at the lake are Aha and Seebrugg.
- Equipment: Sturdy footwear, drinks and, in summer, swimwear: there are bathing spots along the way.
- Dogs: On the lakeside circular trail dogs must be kept on a lead; dog swimming in the lake is prohibited from 1 June to 15 September.
- Toilets: According to the route description, public toilets are available at the Kurhaus Schluchsee and at the stations by the lake.
- Emergency: The emergency number is 112.
Best time: From early summer to autumn you can combine hiking and swimming. The way back along the lake is often busy; early in the morning or in autumn it is quieter. In winter, Hochschwarzwald Tourismus offers signposted winter walks at Lake Schluchsee. You can read more about attractions and bathing spots in our article Schluchsee: sights, swimming, boat trips and tips.
Hiking holiday from Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde
Ühlingen-Birkendorf lies in the southern High Black Forest at 800 metres above sea level, around 15 kilometres from Lake Schluchsee. How you can combine tours at the lake with other destinations in the region is shown on our page on Hiking holiday in the Black Forest; you will find a suggestion for several days in the article 3-day hiking holiday in the Black Forest.
After the tour, our panoramic sauna with forest views, the Kneipp water-treading pool and the wellness tea stations await you; the spa area is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00. For tired legs we offer, among other things, reflexology foot massage (€45, 25 minutes) and full-body massage (€76, 50 minutes; as of 26.10.2026). You can find all treatments under Massages in the Black Forest, our packages in the Overview of offers. You can book directly here: Book now.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the circular trail around Lake Schluchsee?
Depending on the description, 17.7 to 19.35 kilometres. Hochschwarzwald Tourismus speaks of a circular trail along the shore of around 18 kilometres.
How long does it take to walk around Lake Schluchsee?
The route descriptions give 4:45 to 5:45 hours of walking time alone, depending on the variant. Allow extra time for breaks and refreshment stops.
Is there an easy walk at Lake Schluchsee?
Yes, for example the Höhenklimaweg Wurzelpfad (5.64 kilometres, easy) or sections of the lakeside circular trail that can be combined with the boat.
Can I cycle around Lake Schluchsee?
Yes. The lakeside circular trail is described for walkers and cyclists; for cyclists there is the 17.87-kilometre Schluchsee tour. On shared sections, mutual consideration applies.
Are dogs allowed on the lakeside circular trail?
Yes, but only on a lead. Dog swimming in the lake is prohibited from 1 June to 15 September.
How far is Lake Schluchsee from the hotel?
It is around 15 km to Schluchsee village, about 20 minutes by car.
Sources
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Seerundweg Schluchsee (17.7 km)
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Around Lake Schluchsee (19.35 km)
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Accessible circular trail around Lake Schluchsee
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Boat trips on Lake Schluchsee
- Seerundfahrten Toth: operator's website (2026 season)
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Höhenklimaweg Wurzelpfad
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Circular hike to the Riesenbühlturm
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: Short circular tour Kaisertanne
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Schluchseer Jägersteig
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: Hikes and tours around Lake Schluchsee
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: The 3 best tours at Lake Schluchsee
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Schluchsee tour for families (cycle tour)
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: 10 special experiences at Lake Schluchsee
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Windgfällweiher
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