The Schluchsee in the High Black Forest is regarded as the largest lake in the Black Forest. Around the reservoir you will find a dam that you can cross on foot, lakeside beach baths, an excursion boat and a historic railway line. This article presents the most important Schluchsee sights and says what you should know about swimming, boat trips and getting there.
Schluchsee sights at a glance
The lake lies at 930 metres above sea level. According to Schwarzwald Tourismus, it is about 7.5 kilometres long, up to 1.5 kilometres wide and covers a water surface of 5.14 square kilometres. Its greatest depth is around 60 metres; depending on the measurement, the sources give 61 or 62 metres.
The Schluchsee is a reservoir: between 1929 and 1932 the dam was built at Seebrugg, which made the original glacial lake considerably larger. The lake also serves as the upper reservoir of the Häusern pumped-storage power station (source: Wikipedia). This background explains why the water level can fluctuate.
Dam at Seebrugg
The dam is regarded as the largest massive structure in the Black Forest: it is 63.5 metres high (measured from the foundation base) and has a crest width of 3.70 metres. According to Schwarzwald Tourismus, the crest can be crossed comfortably and with step-free access, including by wheelchair. From there you have a wide view over the lake and the wooded ridges.
Dreiseenbahn
The Dreiseenbahn opened on 1 December 1926 and stops at the Schluchsee at Aha, Schluchsee and Seebrugg (source: Black Forest Tourism). On selected weekends a historic museum train also runs between Titisee and Schluchsee. If you arrive by rail, you can explore the lake without a car and start your walk at one station and finish it at another.
Views from the Riesenbühlturm and the Bildstein
It is about a 45-minute walk from the town centre to the Riesenbühlturm. You reach the viewing platform via 140 steps; the tower is not step-free. In clear weather the view extends, according to Black Forest Tourism as far as the Alps.
A second viewpoint is the Bildstein on the Schluchseer Jägersteig. In clear conditions the view from there extends to the Tödi in the Swiss Alps (Tour description).
Swimming in the Schluchsee: lakeside beach baths and bathing spots
According to Schwarzwald Tourismus, Lake Schluchsee has been one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Germany for years. There are several ways to get into the water.
Schluchsee lido and aqua fun adventure outdoor pool
On the edge of Schluchsee, on Freiburger Straße, you will find the lido with the landing stage for the sightseeing boats and the adventure outdoor pool aqua fun. The outdoor pool has direct access to the lake, a large sunbathing lawn with lake views, a 105-metre-long slide and a heated swimming pool. It is a few minutes' walk from the town centre and the railway station and, according to the description, is only partly accessible. Dogs are not allowed. Please ask the operator directly about admission prices and opening times.
Seebrugg natural lido
In Seebrugg, near the dam, there is a natural lido with a separate bathing area, kiosk, Vesperstube (rustic snack room), showers, toilets, a large sunbathing lawn and a playground. Opposite, at the dam, you can hire rowing boats and pedal boats. Dogs are not allowed on the sunbathing lawn.
Kaiserbucht and open shore spots
The Kaiserbucht is also listed on outdoor portals such as Komoot as a bathing beach on Lake Schluchsee. We have not found an official description with details of access and facilities; please ask on site or at the Schluchsee tourist information office. There are also other places along the shore around the lake that walkers use to cool off.
Swimming information
- Water quality at two bathing spots is monitored by the Landesanstalt für Umwelt (state environment agency). In 2020 and 2021, cyanobacteria appeared towards the end of the bathing season (source: Wikipedia). For current information, see the bathing water map of the state of Baden-Württemberg.
- Walking on the ice cover in winter is generally prohibited (source: Wikipedia).
- Dogs must be kept on a lead on the lakeside circular trail; dog swimming in the lake is prohibited from 1 June to 15 September.
Other bathing lakes in the region, from the Windgfällweiher to the Schlüchtsee, are presented in our article Lakes in the Black Forest . We describe the neighbouring lake under Titisee: Attractions, hiking trails and tips.
Boat trip on Lake Schluchsee
The MS Schluchsee runs a scheduled service, even in the rain. It is accessible and, according to the operator, offers 92 seats in the saloon and around 205 places on the sun deck. All trips start at the lido; you can board at the landing stages at Aha, Unterkrummenhof and the dam (Seerundfahrten Toth).
As of October 2026: the 2026 season ended, according to the operator's website on 18 October. The most recently stated start of the season was 1 May; Wikipedia gives the period as May to October. You will find the timetable and prices on the operator's website. Because of fluctuating water levels, the start and end of the season may vary.
If you want to be active on the water, Lake Schluchsee also offers, according to Hochschwarzwald Tourismus, a sailing school, diving courses and SUP and canoe hire at the boathouse.
Hiking and cycling at Lake Schluchsee
Depending on the route, the lakeside circular trail is 17 to 19 kilometres long and crosses the dam. You can read more, including easy sections, the cycle path and stages by boat, in our article Hiking at Schluchsee: circular trail, easy walks and cycle path. If you want something more demanding, the Jägersteig is a Genießerpfad (scenic hiking trail) above the lake.
Practical information
- How to get there from the hotel: It is around 15 km to the centre of Schluchsee, about 20 minutes by car; to Seebrugg at the dam it is around 13 km, about 15 minutes by car.
- Parking: There is parking in the village. Please ask the Schluchsee tourist information office about fees and current regulations.
- Best time: Summer is the best time for swimming. On the lakeside circular trail it is quieter early in the morning and in autumn, according to the route description. In winter, Hochschwarzwald Tourismus offers several signposted winter walks at Lake Schluchsee.
- Accessibility: The dam and the boat are accessible. For the lakeside circular trail there is a variant described as “accessible” of 18.73 kilometres; the description gives no specific details on gradients and widths.
Your excursion to Lake Schluchsee from the Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde
From our house in Ühlingen-Birkendorf it is around 15 kilometres to Schluchsee, about 20 minutes by car. If you travel by train, our directions page says to get off in Seebrugg or Waldshut-Tiengen and continue by bus to the Birkendorf Außendorf stop.
After a day by the water, our spa area is a good complement: on three levels (450 m²) you will find an indoor pool of 84 m², the panoramic sauna with forest views, a garden sauna (swimwear allowed) and a herbal steam sauna (bio sauna). The spa area is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00; the sauna is open to guests aged 16 and over. You can find out more on our page Wellness in the Black Forest.
Our packages include the KONUS guest card for buses and trains in the Black Forest. You can see all offers in the package overview, and direct booking is via our Book page. We collect more excursion ideas under Excursion destinations in the Black Forest.
Frequently asked questions
How big and how deep is Lake Schluchsee?
Lake Schluchsee is about 7.5 kilometres long, up to 1.5 kilometres wide and has a surface area of 5.14 square kilometres. The greatest depth is around 60 metres.
Can you swim in Lake Schluchsee?
Yes. There is the lido with the aqua fun outdoor pool, the natural lido in Seebrugg and other places along the shore. Please note the information on dogs and water quality above.
Is there a boat trip on Lake Schluchsee?
Yes, the MS Schluchsee runs a scheduled service between the lido, Aha, Unterkrummenhof and the dam. The 2026 season ended on 18 October; the operator lists current dates.
How long does it take to walk around Lake Schluchsee?
Depending on the variant, the route descriptions give around 4:45 to 5:45 hours for 17.7 to 19.35 kilometres. The boat can be used to shorten the route.
Is Lake Schluchsee a natural lake?
Originally it was a smaller glacial lake. The dam at Seebrugg (1929 to 1932) enlarged it into today's reservoir.
How far is Lake Schluchsee from the hotel?
It is around 15 km to the centre of Schluchsee, about 20 minutes by car.
Sources
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Schluchsee, the largest lake in the Black Forest
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Schluchsee dam
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Schluchsee in the Black Forest, excursion destinations and tips
- Black Forest Tourism: Dreisenbahn
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Boat trips on Lake Schluchsee
- Seerundfahrten Toth: operator's website (2026 season)
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Schluchsee natural lido
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: aqua fun adventure outdoor pool
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Riesenbühlturm
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Schluchseer Jägersteig
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Accessible circular trail around Lake Schluchsee
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: 10 special experiences at Lake Schluchsee
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: Hikes and tours around Lake Schluchsee
- Wikipedia: Schluchsee (supplementary)
You might also like
Todtnau Waterfall: trail, parking and suspension bridge
Todtnau Waterfall: 97 m drop, getting there from Birkendorf, parking in Aftersteg, walking trails, admission and suspension bridge – as of October 2026.
The most beautiful waterfalls in the Black Forest
Waterfalls in the Black Forest: Todtnau, Menzenschwand, Falkau, Ravennaschlucht, Triberg – with distance from Birkendorf, admission and tips (as of Oct. 2026).
Triberg Waterfalls Black Forest: Day tour with cuckoo clock + traditional pom-pom hat
A day with the Triberg Waterfalls in the Black Forest, a visit to one of the oldest cuckoo clock workshops and a detour to the Bollenhut village of Gutach — this day trip is one of the …
Deutsch 
English (UK) 
Français 