Schlüchtsee: Discover a tranquil mountain lake in the southern Black Forest

The Schlüchtsee Near Grafenhausen lies one of the quietest mountain lakes in the southern Black Forest. Unlike the well-known Lake Schluchsee or Lake Titisee, it remains manageable even in the height of summer. A nature reserve, clear mountain water, and a circular trail through raised bogs — if you are looking for an undisturbed day of swimming and walking in the region, this is the right place. From the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde wellness hotel, you can reach the car park in a 15-minute drive.

This post summarises what hotel guests should know about the Schlüchtsee: how to get there, hiking opportunities, the best time of year, swimming spots and insider tips off the beaten tourist track.

• Altitude: 870 m
• Size: approx. 5 hectares
• Depth: up to 7 m
• Directions from the hotel: 15 Mins
• Admission: free

What makes the Schlüchtsee special

The Schlüchtsee is a reservoir that was created in 1934, but is today fully integrated into the nature reserve. The water quality is excellent — drinking water quality in most areas. Around the lake extend raised bogs, mixed forest and meadows, which present a different picture in every season.

What sets the Schlüchtsee apart from many other Black Forest lakes: there are no boat hire services, no beach bar, no hustle and bustle. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will find an atmosphere here that has become rare in the region.

Directions to the Schlüchtsee

From the Wellness Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde Drive along the B500 towards Grafenhausen. After about 12 kilometres, turn towards Schlüchtsee. The car park is on the western shore of the lake and is free of charge. A total driving time of approximately 15 minutes.

The Schlüchtsee can be reached by bus via line 7321 from Grafenhausen. Hotel guests travel free of charge with the KONUS guest card. More detailed information can be found on the High Black Forest tourism website.

Schlüchtsee circular walk

The most scenic tour at Lake Schlüchtsee is the circular trail around the lake. Around 4 kilometres long, flat, well surfaced — also suitable for pushchairs. Depending on your pace, the tour takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Along the way, there are several benches and picnic areas.

Highlights of the circular path are the raised bog boardwalk in the southern area, a wooden walkway over the protected bog with information boards on the local flora. In spring the cotton-grasses bloom here, in summer the marsh iris. A second highlight is the viewing platform on the northern shore with a view of the lake and the Black Forest heights.

Swimming in the Schlüchtsee

Lake Schlüchtsee is approved for swimming. There is no official beach, but rather several flat grassy areas for lying down on the eastern and northern shores. In the height of summer, the water reaches a maximum of 22 degrees — a fresh mountain lake, so not for those who feel the cold easily, but refreshing on hot days.

Important to know: There is no lifeguard supervision. Parents with small children should be particularly careful, as the lake quickly drops to a depth of 2 metres at the jetty area. Families with younger children are better off staying in the shallow area on the eastern shore.

Nature and wildlife at the Schlüchtsee

The Schlüchtsee lake and its surroundings are a nature reserve. Over 80 bird species live here, including the kingfisher, white-throated dipper and several species of woodpecker. Trout, pike and crayfish can be found in the water — fishing is permitted with a day ticket from the fishing club.

Black alder, sycamore and spruce grow on the banks. In spring the bogs are covered with cottongrass, in summer with purple moor grass. Botanically minded hikers will find rare plants here such as sundew and cottongrass.

Practical tips for the Schlüchtsee

Vesper: There is nowhere to stop for food or drink at the lake. Anyone who gets hungry can pack their own snack or visit the Gasthaus Schlüchtsee by the car park (open from May to September).

Footwear: Trainers are fine for the circular walk. Anyone going onto the raised bog boardwalk should have clean shoes (no dirt into the protected area).

Dog Allowed, but on a lead. In the protected area, dogs must be kept on a lead all year round.

Pushchair The main path is pushchair accessible, the raised bog boardwalk is not.

Bicycle Allowed on the circular route, but with consideration for hikers.

Combined tours including the Schlüchtsee

The Schlüchtsee can easily be combined with other highlights in the surrounding area:

• Rothaus Brewery 5 mins away, brewery tour and beer garden
• Tannenmühle 10 mins, historical mill museum
• Schluhuwanapark Grafenhausen 5 mins, family adventure park
• Schluchsee 25 mins, largest lake in the Black Forest
• Wutach Gorge 30 Mins, Germany's largest gorge

A lovely day trip: in the morning, the Schlüchtsee circular walk with a picnic, at lunchtime, a brewery tour at Rothaus with lunch in the beer garden, heading back to the hotel in the afternoon for the sauna.

Best season for the Schlüchtsee

The Schlüchtsee is accessible all year round, with every season having its own appeal. In spring (April–May) the raised bogs are particularly impressive — cotton grass blooming, bird song, clear water. In summer (June–August) is the swimming season, but the lake remains relaxed even on peak days. In autumn (September–October) the forests change colour, and the circular trail is a real photo tip. In winter (November–March) the lake is often frozen over — ice skating is not officially permitted, however.

From the hotel to the Schlüchtsee

What makes the Schlüchtsee so valuable from a hotel's perspective: its proximity and peace and quiet. A 15-minute drive from the hotel takes you to a place that is not overcrowded and has something to offer all year round. Ideal as a half-day trip after breakfast or as a day trip with a picnic.

We particularly recommend the Schlüchtsee to hotel guests who Wutach Gorge or already know Schluchsee and are looking for something a bit quieter. It also works as a bad-weather alternative — the mixed forest offers shelter, and the raised bog boardwalk is accessible even in light rain.

Frequently asked questions about the Schlüchtsee

Can you swim in Lake Schlüchtsee?

Yes, the Schlüchtsee is approved for swimming. There are several flat sunbathing lawns, though no official beach and no lifeguard supervision. In midsummer the water reaches up to 22 degrees.

How long does the Schlüchtsee circular walk take?

The circular route is about 4 kilometres long and can be completed in 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your pace. With breaks at the raised bog boardwalk and a picnic, gladly 2 to 3 hours.

Is there an admission fee for the Schlüchtsee?

No, admission is free. The car park by the lake is also free of charge.

Are dogs allowed at Schlüchtsee?

Yes, on a lead. As the lake is in a nature reserve, dogs must be kept on a lead all year round.

What is the difference between the Schlüchtsee and the Schluchsee?

Lake Schluchsee (15 km away) is the largest lake in the Black Forest, with an area of over 5 square kilometres. Lake Schlüchtsee is considerably smaller (5 hectares) and quieter, with no boat hire or beach bar. Both lakes are very lovely, but differ in character.

Accommodation near the Schlüchtsee

The Wellness Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde In Ühlingen-Birkendorf is one of the closest hotels with a wellness area. Direct booking through us saves up to 35 percent compared to booking portals.

Telephone: +49 (0)7743 9201-0
E-Mail: info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de

Schlüchtsee: insider tips from hotel guests

Regulars recommend two hidden gems at the Schlüchtsee: the bench at the northern viewpoint with a view across the Schlüchtsee towards the Black Forest heights, and the sunbathing lawn on the south-eastern shore (hardly visited, fully sunny in the morning). The Schlüchtsee is perfect for a picnic — peace and quiet + natural spectacle included.

Schlüchtsee: cycle tour connection

A lovely day trip: by bicycle from the hotel to Grafenhausen, the Schlüchtsee circular trail, onwards to the Tannenmühle, returning via the Birkendorfer Wald. In total about 25 km, gentle elevation gain. Bicycle hire at the hotel or via the Schwarzwaldverein.