Highlight • Lake
Kirnberg Lake
Cycling
4.9
(492)
Hiking
4.8
(234)
Mountain biking
4.6
(180)
Gravel riding
5.0
(5)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
The Kirnbergsee is a picturesque lake nestled in the southern Black Forest, near Unterbränd, a district of Bräunlingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Situated at an altitude of 785 meters, this 35-hectare body of water is renowned for its unusually warm waters and status as a European "Flora-Fauna-Habitat" (FFH) protected area. Originally created in the 1920s by the Brändbach Dam for electricity generation, the Kirnbergsee has evolved into a significant nature reserve and a popular destination for recreation.
Visitors consistently praise the Kirnbergsee for its inviting atmosphere and excellent water quality, making it one of the warmest bathing lakes in the Black Forest. The beautifully landscaped beaches, flat shores, and expansive sunbathing lawns are a major draw, especially for families. Many appreciate the serene natural environment, surrounded by lush meadows and extensive forests, which offers a peaceful escape from daily life. The lake's transformation from an industrial reservoir to a cherished nature spot is also a point of interest for those exploring its history.
Before visiting, it's helpful to know about the 2.5 km circular path that encircles the Kirnbergsee. While largely accessible, hikers should be aware of a steep staircase near the dam, which makes the full loop unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Ample parking is available, and the area can get busy during summer weekends, especially when the DLRG provides bathing supervision. For those planning an extended stay, a campsite is conveniently located directly by the lake, alongside a restaurant and a beach café offering refreshments.
The Kirnbergsee offers a wide array of activities, making it a versatile destination throughout the warmer months. Its clean, warm water is perfect for swimming, and it's also a popular spot for surfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and kitesurfing. Anglers will find a paradise with various fish species, and permits can be obtained locally. Beyond water sports, an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails winds around the lake and through the surrounding forests, inviting visitors to explore the beautiful landscape and observe diverse wildlife, including various bird species.
A popular way to experience the lake is by walking the 2.5 km Kirnbergsee circular trail. This path offers changing perspectives of the lake and its natural surroundings. While mostly gentle, the route includes a section with steep stairs near the dam, which requires some physical effort and makes it challenging for those with mobility issues or pushchairs.
Many visitors highlight the joy of finding sunny, well-kept beaches around the lake, perfect for relaxation after a walk or swim. The convenience of grabbing ice cream, coffee, and cake at the beach café adds to the pleasant experience. For those who enjoy camping, pitching a tent at the lakeside campsite allows for an immersive nature experience, waking up to the tranquil sounds of the Kirnbergsee. The lake's status as a nature reserve, home to wild geese, ducks, herons, and kingfishers, provides wonderful opportunities for wildlife observation.
Whether you're interested in a leisurely stroll, an invigorating swim, or exploring the surrounding trails, the Kirnbergsee offers diverse options. You can discover numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and water sports around this beautiful lake. To plan your visit and find the perfect path for your adventure, explore the many Kirnbergsee lake trails routes available on komoot.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
April 19, 2020
Hiking
•
June 24, 2021
Cycling
•
May 3, 2017
Cycling
•
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 20 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Kirnberg Lake
Details
Informations
Elevation 840 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 6 June
21°C
9°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kirnbergsee circular trail suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?
The 2.5 km circular path around Kirnbergsee is mostly gentle, but it includes a section with a steep staircase near the dam. This makes the full loop challenging and generally unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Visitors with mobility issues or young children in pushchairs should be aware of this section.
Are dogs allowed at Kirnbergsee, and are there specific dog-friendly areas?
While Kirnbergsee is a popular natural area, specific policies regarding dogs can vary. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially given the lake's status as a European "Flora-Fauna-Habitat" (FFH) protected area, which aims to preserve diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Always check local signage for any restrictions, particularly around designated swimming or sunbathing areas.
What are the parking options at Kirnbergsee, and how busy does it get?
Ample parking is available at Kirnbergsee. However, it can get very busy, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot. While the intro mentions parking, specific fees are not detailed, so it's wise to carry some change for potential parking meters.
What types of fish can be found in Kirnbergsee, and how can I obtain a fishing permit?
Anglers will find a variety of fish species in Kirnbergsee, including pike, carp, tench, and zander. Fishing permits can be obtained from the Tourist Information in Bräunlingen, provided you have a valid fishing license.
What amenities are available directly at Kirnbergsee?
Directly at the lake, visitors can find a campsite for overnight stays, a restaurant offering regional specialties, and a beach café where you can enjoy ice cream, coffee, and cake. These amenities make it convenient for longer visits and provide refreshment options.
Are there public transport options to reach Kirnbergsee?
The provided information does not detail specific public transport connections to Kirnbergsee. It is generally recommended to check local bus schedules or regional transport websites for routes connecting to Bräunlingen or Unterbränd, from where further travel to the lake might be possible.
What activities are available at Kirnbergsee during the winter months?
While Kirnbergsee is known for its warm waters and summer activities, specific winter activities are not highlighted. The circular path remains accessible for winter walks, but conditions may vary. Water sports like swimming or SUP are typically seasonal. Always check local conditions and safety advisories before planning winter visits.
What kind of wildlife can be observed around Kirnbergsee?
As a European "Flora-Fauna-Habitat" (FFH) protected area, Kirnbergsee is home to a diverse ecosystem. Visitors can observe various bird species such as wild geese, wild ducks, herons, and even kingfishers. The surrounding forests and meadows also host a variety of rare plants.
Are there any nearby hotels or accommodation options other than the lakeside campsite?
The primary accommodation directly at the lake is the campsite. For hotels or other lodging options, visitors would typically need to look in the nearby town of Bräunlingen or other surrounding villages in the southern Black Forest. These areas offer a range of guesthouses and hotels.
What is the historical significance of Kirnbergsee?
Kirnbergsee was originally created between 1921 and 1922 by the Brändbach Dam, primarily for electricity generation. Over the decades, it has evolved from an industrial reservoir into a significant nature reserve, with the dam undergoing comprehensive renovation between 1999 and 2000 to add flood protection capabilities and secure its future.
Is wild swimming permitted in Kirnbergsee?
Kirnbergsee is known for its unusually warm and clean waters, assessed as "excellent" according to EU bathing water standards. It is a popular swimming lake with beautifully landscaped beaches. During summer weekends, the DLRG (German Life Saving Association) provides bathing supervision, indicating that swimming is not only permitted but encouraged in designated areas.