Top 20 Lakes around Gernsbach
Lakes around Gernsbach are situated in the scenic Northern Black Forest, offering access to various water bodies. The region is characterized by its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. While natural swimming lakes are less common due to geology, reservoirs and moor lakes provide distinct experiences. Gernsbach's location in the Murg valley provides access to both man-made and natural water features.
Best lakes around Gernsbach
- The most popular lakes is Wildsee raised bog, a lake that is Germany's largest raised…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Wildsee raised bog
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Boardwalk Through Wildseemoor
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Boardwalk through the Hohlohsee Moor
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Schwarzenbach Dam
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Schwarzenbach Dam and Reservoir
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Tips from the Community
The plank path over the moor and the Wildsee are an absolute top highlight. I always fall in love with the panorama. Even better off-peak.
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The lake is mystically beautiful high up in the high moor.
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Idyllically located Wildsee in the high moor, which can be visited quietly and during the week without the hustle and bustle. It is essential to ensure that you stay on the laid out path that leads through the middle of the moor. A couple of benches provide an opportunity to enjoy the view of the lake. Along the wooden plank path you can find information about the moor and nature on some boards.
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Be sure to walk the path on the dry side of the dam. Only here do the huge dimensions really come into their own.
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The unspoilt moor landscape around the Wildsee is the largest natural high moor area in Germany. The plateaus between the Sommerberg and Kaltenbronn have been designated as a nature reserve. In the middle of a huge forest area lies an unspoilt landscape with high and forest moors, cirques and block heaps. The high moors around the Kaltenbronn are something special, as all visitors know. But few also know that the plants and animals of the moors react sensitively to even the slightest change. Damage to this unique habitat is irreversible. As early as 1928, the Wildseemoor was declared a "protected forest". In the years 1939 and 1940 the nature reserves Wildseemoor and Hohlohsee were designated. Source: https://www.bad-wildbad.de/urlaubsziel-schwarzwald/sehenswertes/wildseemoor-urlaubsziel-nreservation-id_220/
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Like most raised bogs, the bogs on the Kaltenbronn were formed at the end of the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago. The melting of massive ice sheets created depressions where water could not drain away. The high rainfall that prevails on the Kaltenbronn caused the landscape to become swampy. This allowed lush vegetation to develop on the nutrient-poor sandstone subsoil. Dying plants, whose plant remains did not completely decompose in the oversaturated soil, were overgrown by new plants. This process caused a thick layer of peat to develop over the course of thousands of years. The plants gradually lost contact with the groundwater-bearing soil layers due to the peat layer and could no longer be supplied with sufficient nutrient-rich water. The nutrient-poor rainwater led to a change in the existing vegetation, in which only undemanding plants such as cotton grass, cranberry, rosemary heath, round-leaved sundew and the few-flowered sedge could survive. In drier places, heather, cloudberry, crowberry and leaf mosses also occur. Source: https://www.schwarzwald-informationen.de/wildsee-hornsee-kaltenbronn.html
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The Kaltenbronn high moor with the two lakes is worth seeing. You should definitely take your time.
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A nice and relaxed tour around the dam, which is very busy when the weather is good. It gets quieter on the section through the forest that does not run directly on the lake. Very idyllic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I expect to find around Gernsbach?
Around Gernsbach, you'll primarily find two distinct types of water bodies: large reservoirs and unique moorland lakes. Natural swimming lakes are less common due to the region's geology. The Schwarzenbach Dam is a significant reservoir, while the Wildsee raised bog and Hohlohsee are examples of the rare and ecologically valuable moor lakes within the Kaltenbronn Nature Reserve.
What are the most unique natural features of the lakes near Gernsbach?
The most unique features are the high moorland landscapes surrounding the Wildsee and Hohlohsee. The Wildsee raised bog is Germany's largest raised bog lake, set within a protected bog area with specialized flora like the round-leaved sundew. The Hohlohsee is part of the largest natural highland moor region in Germany, with its origins dating back over 10,000 years to the last Ice Age. Both offer a silent, timeless natural immersion.
Are there any lakes suitable for swimming near Gernsbach?
Yes, the Schwarzenbach Dam is partially used as a bathing lake, and swimming is tolerated by the operator. It's a popular spot for recreation, though natural swimming lakes are generally rare in the Northern Black Forest.
What outdoor activities can I do at the Schwarzenbach Dam?
The Schwarzenbach Dam is an excellent base for various activities. You can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and windsurfing. There's a scenic 6.5 km circular path around the reservoir, and boat rentals are available. The Westweg long-distance hiking trail also passes by the dam.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Gernsbach?
Absolutely! All the major lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. You can walk around the Schwarzenbach Dam on a 6.5 km loop. The Wildseemoor features an 8.32 km hiking loop, with a boardwalk allowing visitors to traverse the moor directly over the Wildsee raised bog. The Hohlohsee Moor also has well-marked circular walks, some with wooden planks, leading to the lakes and the Hohlohturm viewing tower. For more hiking options, check out the MTB Trails around Gernsbach guide, which includes routes near these areas.
Can I go cycling near the lakes around Gernsbach?
Yes, the area around Gernsbach and its lakes is popular for cycling. You can find various routes for different types of cycling. For road cycling, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Gernsbach. If you prefer off-road adventures, there are options in the Gravel biking around Gernsbach guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Gernsbach?
The lakes offer beautiful views in every season. Spring and autumn provide vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities at the Schwarzenbach Dam. In winter, the high moorland around Hohlohsee transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing, complete with ski lifts, offering a unique experience.
Are the lakes around Gernsbach family-friendly?
Yes, many of the lake areas are family-friendly. The Schwarzenbach Dam is a popular recreation destination. The Boardwalk Through Wildseemoor and the Boardwalk through the Hohlohsee Moor are particularly suitable for families, offering easy walks on designated paths and boardwalks, making them accessible for children.
Are there easy walks suitable for all ages or prams around the lakes?
Yes, the boardwalks through the moorlands are excellent for easy walks. The Boardwalk Through Wildseemoor and the Boardwalk through the Hohlohsee Moor provide accessible paths, though some sections might be uneven. The 6.5 km circular path around the Schwarzenbach Dam is also generally considered an easy walk.
What are the parking options for visiting the lakes?
For the Schwarzenbach Dam and Reservoir, there are several parking spaces available on the south side of the lake, along the L83. For the Wildsee and Hohlohsee, parking is typically available near the Kaltenbronn information center, which serves as a starting point for exploring the moorlands.
Is public transport available to reach the lakes?
Yes, the area around the Schwarzenbach Dam is accessible via public transport. For the moorland lakes like Wildsee and Hohlohsee, public transport options might be more limited, but bus services often connect to the Kaltenbronn area, from where you can access the trails.
What winter activities are available around the lakes?
During winter, the high moorland around the Hohlohsee, part of the Kaltenbronn area, transforms into a popular destination for cross-country skiing. There are marked trails and ski lifts available, offering a beautiful snowy landscape to explore.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Wildsee raised bog?
Visitors consistently praise the Wildsee raised bog for its beautiful views in every season and the peaceful, silent, and timeless natural immersion it offers, often compared to Scandinavian landscapes. The boardwalk through the moor is a particular highlight, allowing close-up views of the unique ecosystem. It's considered an absolute top highlight, especially off-peak.
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