Best lakes around Stausee Kleine Kinzig refers to the Stausee Kleine Kinzig itself, a significant drinking water reservoir located in the Black Forest, approximately 15 kilometers from Freudenstadt, Germany. This reservoir is known for its serene environment and natural beauty, nestled in a tranquil valley surrounded by wooded hills. It serves as a crucial drinking water source for the region, with a storage volume of 13.3 million cubic meters and a maximum depth of 60 meters. The area offers panoramic…
Last updated: October 2, 2026
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Great view of the lake. Here, the Black Forest is deep and impenetrable.
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Deep in the forest, far from roads, and for gravel bikes on a good path from Schiltach to Kniebis.
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Beautiful round bench on the hill with a great view over the reservoir.
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From here you can see a large part of the lake including the dam.
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The dam has a height of 14 m and a crest length of 550 m. It is constructed as an earth dam with an asphalt concrete outer seal. The highest measured water depth is 12 m, but only an average of 7.50 m in summer and 5.50 m in winter. The dammed water area is a maximum of 125 ha with a lake length of 3.6 km. The Kinzigtalsperre holds up to 7.2 million cubic meters of water.
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A great place to rest. Just be careful when driving on. New path ends in a dead end.
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Beautifully situated reservoir. However, the paved road from Rainerzau to the dam is a dead end. The paths around the lake are gravel. If you go up with the racing bike, you also have to go back. Therefore only conditionally suitable as a road bike destination.
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An artificial drinking water reservoir that can be easily reached by MTB or on foot. It's worth walking around.
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The Stausee Kleine Kinzig is a significant drinking water reservoir located in the Black Forest, not a collection of multiple lakes. It plays a vital role in supplying drinking water to the region and is known for its serene environment and natural beauty. The reservoir has an impressive dam structure, commissioned in 1984, which is 71 meters high and 380 meters long.
The area around Stausee Kleine Kinzig is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, walking, cycling, and mountain biking on the extensive network of trails. A popular activity is the 8-kilometer circular hiking trail around the reservoir. For more detailed route suggestions, explore guides like Easy hikes around Stausee Kleine Kinzig or Traffic-free bike rides around Stausee Kleine Kinzig.
Yes, a major highlight is the well-maintained 8-kilometer circular hiking trail that encircles the reservoir, offering continuous stunning views. This forest path is generally suitable for most hikers. Additionally, the 6-kilometer Alpirsbacher Wasserpfad (Water Path) leads from Reinerzau to the dam, providing an educational experience. Many trails around the reservoir, such as those near the Little Kinzig Reservoir, are considered intermediate in difficulty, while some shorter routes are easy. For running, there are also moderate to difficult trails, including a 13.5 km loop around the dam.
Yes, the Stausee Kleine Kinzig area is very family-friendly. The circular hiking trail around the reservoir is suitable for most ages. The Alpirsbacher Wasserpfad is an informative educational trail that engages children with 34 information boards about water. Many viewpoints and natural monuments like the Turquoise Water at Kleine Kinzig Reservoir are also marked as family-friendly.
No, water sports, including swimming, are generally not permitted in Stausee Kleine Kinzig. It is a crucial drinking water reservoir, and its primary purpose is to supply clean drinking water to the Black Forest region. Signs around the reservoir indicate that the area is monitored, and swimming is prohibited.
The entire circular trail around the reservoir offers continuous stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forested landscape. There is a particularly great vantage point exactly opposite the dam on the other side, up to the lower Zwieselberg, where you can find a small bench and a rest area with tables and loungers to look over the trees along the entire dam to the tower and the wall. The Kleine Kinzig Dam itself also provides impressive views.
The Stausee Kleine Kinzig can be visited year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. Summer is great for longer days outdoors, while winter offers a tranquil, often snowy, landscape for winter hiking, though weather conditions should always be checked.
While the area is known for its tranquility and lack of extensive tourist infrastructure, there are some facilities. The Tauer Viewpoint Shelter provides a sturdy hut for visitors to rest and enjoy the views. You'll also find little benches in various areas around the reservoir, particularly in the back sections. However, there are no kiosks or other typical tourist amenities directly on the lake.
The Kleine Kinzig Dam, also known as Kinzigtalsperre, is a vital part of the region's infrastructure. It's a rockfill dam with an asphalt concrete interior sealing, standing 71 meters high and 380 meters long. Commissioned in 1984, its primary purpose is to serve as a drinking water reservoir, supplying water to the Black Forest region, and it also plays a crucial role in flood protection. For those interested in the technical aspects, the Wasserversorgung Kleine Kinzig offers operational tours.
The Stausee Kleine Kinzig is approximately 15 kilometers from Freudenstadt. While the region research mentions public transport options, specific details for reaching the dam are best checked locally. For those traveling by car, parking is available, and the circular route around the reservoir is accessible from these parking areas. Be aware that some roads leading to the dam, like the paved road from Reinerzau, might be dead ends for certain vehicle types.
The water at Stausee Kleine Kinzig is renowned for its striking appearance, often described as having a fantastic turquoise color. This vibrant hue, particularly noticeable at the Turquoise Water at Kleine Kinzig Reservoir, changes depending on the weather and the position of the sun, making each visit unique. It's a visual highlight, especially against the backdrop of the Black Forest.


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