Attractions and Places To See around Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach include natural landmarks and historical sites within the Black Forest region. The area features diverse landscapes, from serene lakes and cascading waterfalls to elevated viewpoints offering expansive vistas. Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach provides opportunities to explore both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach
- The most popular attractions is Lake Sankenbach, a lake that features a barbecue area with seating, a drinking water fountain, and shelters. This lake was artificially dammed in the 1980s to prevent silting.
- Another must-see spot is Sankenbach Waterfall, a waterfall that plunges more than 40 meters in several stages. Visitors can manually open a wooden sluice to increase the water flow, creating an impressive natural spectacle.
- Visitors also love Ellbachseeblick Viewing Platform, a viewpoint offering expansive views over the mountain ranges of the Northern Black Forest. This platform is wheelchair accessible and provides fresh spring water.
- Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach is known for its lakes, waterfalls, viewpoints, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The attractions around Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3300 upvotes and over 2000 photos shared.
Last updated: November 6, 2026
Lake Sankenbach
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Sankenbach Waterfall
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All Saints' Abbey ruins
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Ellbach Lake
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Renchtal Hut and Goat Enclosure
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The economy can be reached on foot, by bike and by car.
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The silted-up, originally almost circular lake now resembles a three-fingered hand. The south-southwest-facing "fingers" are between 80 and 110 meters long, and the northern "palm" has a diameter of approximately 40 meters. The body of water, mostly covered by floating vegetation, has a maximum diameter of just under 150 meters. Like all cirque lakes, the Ellbachsee was formed by glaciers. The last deepening of the lake basin occurred during the Würm glaciation, which ended in the Black Forest about 10,000 years ago. The Ellbachsee and its surroundings are designated as a natural monument (7.1 hectares), a geotope, and a protected forest. Source: Wikipedia
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The Ellbachsee in the municipality of Baiersbronn was designated as an extensive natural monument in 1937. The protected area covers a total area of approximately 7.1 hectares. The water area is surrounded by a Bultenmoor; it forms an independent biotope for many endangered animal and plant species. Because of its high sensitivity to being stepped on, you should avoid walking on it so that this habitat is not destroyed. Compared to the other karst lakes in the Black Forest, the Ellbachsee is not particularly deep at 1 to 2 meters. Its length is approximately 190 meters and its width is approximately 40 meters. At just 0.34 hectares, the open water area is the smallest of the karst lakes in the northern Black Forest. It has now become increasingly silted up, which is reflected in a silted area of 1.16 hectares. Some downy birch trees have already settled on the peat island floating on it. The lake has a narrow outlet and breaks through the moraine. It flows into the Guten Ellbach, which flows into the Murg in Baiersbronn Mitteltal.
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The prices correspond to the quality. My wife and I think it's very nice here.
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The Ellbachsee is home to a floating peat island, elves and water spirits 🧚♀️🧚♂️. This is probably one of the reasons why it is designated as a natural monument worthy of protection.
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Worth seeing monastery ruins. In summer, the ruins serve as a theater backdrop.
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The lake was created around 10,000 years ago when a glacier melted, but disappeared again 3,000 years ago. In 1980/81 a natural dam was created here again. This has created a beautiful leisure and nature reserve where you can enjoy taking a longer break. Nice seating on the drainage side and a large barbecue area by the waterfall.
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The Sankenbachsee is a former karst lake southwest of Baiersbronn. It silted up around 3,000 years ago and could be artificially dammed up again because it lies below the Sankenbach waterfalls and is flowed through by the Sankenbach. In the 1980s, a low barrage was built at the outflow of the Sankenbach to protect the lake from silting up. Source: Wikipedia
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A visit to the ruined monastery is worthwhile at any time of the year. But especially in winter when there is snow and the sun is shining, extraordinary images are created.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach?
Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach offers several family-friendly spots. You can visit Lake Sankenbach, which has a barbecue area and seating. The Sankenbach Waterfall is also great for children, as they can manually open a sluice to increase the water flow. Another option is the Renchtal Hut and Goat Enclosure, featuring a playground and a small animal enclosure.
Are there any historical sites to explore in the area?
Yes, the All Saints' Abbey ruins are a significant historical site. These impressive ruins showcase architectural styles from late Romanesque to late Gothic, and you can also find a baroque terraced garden and a small museum nearby.
Where can I find the best viewpoints in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach?
For expansive views, head to the Ellbachseeblick Viewing Platform, which offers stunning panoramas over the Northern Black Forest mountain ranges. The Lake Sankenbach area also provides picturesque views of the valley.
Are there wheelchair-accessible attractions in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach?
The Ellbachseeblick Viewing Platform is wheelchair accessible, providing everyone with the opportunity to enjoy its fabulous views. The All Saints' Abbey ruins also offer some accessible areas.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region around Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, running routes, and cycling paths. These routes often pass by or are close to many of the local attractions.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for all skill levels?
While specific 'easy' trails are not detailed for every attraction, many paths around natural sites like Lake Sankenbach are generally accessible for leisurely walks. For more specific hiking options, you can explore the running guides, which often include easier walking sections, such as the 4.19 km 'Wurzelwegle Trail loop from Kniebis' which is rated easy.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach?
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and the interactive elements. For instance, the ability to manually control the water flow at the Sankenbach Waterfall is a highlight, especially for families. The barbecue facilities and refreshing waters at Lake Sankenbach are also highly appreciated, as are the stunning, expansive views from the Ellbachseeblick Viewing Platform.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the attractions?
Yes, the Renchtal Hut offers a continuously hot kitchen and is a great place to stop for refreshments. Additionally, the All Saints' Abbey ruins have a cafe nearby, and Lake Sankenbach provides a drinking water fountain.
Can I bring my dog to the attractions and on hikes?
The Black Forest region is generally dog-friendly, and many trails and natural attractions welcome dogs on a leash. For example, the paths around Lake Sankenbach and the Sankenbach Waterfall are popular for walks with dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.
What is the best time of year to visit Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach?
The best time to visit Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for enjoying the lakes and waterfalls, while winter provides opportunities for snow-related activities, though some paths might be less accessible.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting?
While the main highlights are well-known, exploring the smaller trails branching off from popular routes can lead to serene, less-crowded spots. The area around the All Saints' Abbey ruins, with its baroque terraced garden and fallow deer enclosure, offers a peaceful retreat slightly off the main tourist path.
How long are the typical trails near Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach?
Trail lengths vary significantly. For instance, running routes range from shorter, easy loops like the 4.19 km 'Wurzelwegle Trail loop from Kniebis' to more challenging, longer options such as the 19.72 km 'View of the Bösellbach Valley – Ellbachseeblick Spring loop'. Cycling and MTB routes can be even longer, with some covering over 40 km. You can find detailed information on specific routes in the MTB, running, and cycling guides.
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