Lake Schluchsee

Lake Schluchsee in the southern Black Forest is the largest lake in the Black Forest and the second-largest body of water in the state of Baden-Württemberg after Lake Constance. Set at about 3,050 feet (930 m) between the Feldberg and the abbey town of St. Blasien, it is ringed by spruce forest and quiet villages. Boat cruises, an 11-mile lakeside trail and swimming beaches make it a relaxed summer escape and an easy day trip from Freiburg.

A glacier lake turned reservoir

Schluchsee began as a natural glacial lake whose surface sat roughly 100 feet (30 m) lower than today. Between 1929 and 1932 a concrete dam 208 feet (63.5 m) high was built at its southern end. Since then the lake has served as the upper reservoir of a pumped-storage power plant, so water levels rise and fall through the year. Today it covers 2 square miles (5.17 km²), is about 4.7 miles (7.5 km) long and up to about 200 feet (61 m) deep.

Boat cruise on the MS Schluchsee

Schluchsee is the highest lake in Germany with regular passenger boat service. The MS Schluchsee leaves from the beach area in Schluchsee village and calls at Aha, Unterkrummenhof and the dam. A full loop takes about 70 minutes, and boats run in rain too. Hikers often ride one leg and walk back.

Tickets (as of October 2026):

• Round trip €15 for adults, €7.50 for children aged 2 to 15
• With one stopover €16 / €8
• Family ticket €40; dogs and bikes €2 per boarding

The 2026 season runs daily from May 1 to October 18, 2026, though start and end dates can shift with the water level or weather. Pay on board in cash or by debit card; there are no online tickets.

Things to do

• Walk the lake loop: The trail around the lake is about 11 miles (18 km); each stretch between boat stops takes roughly an hour on foot.
• Swim and paddle: The lido in Schluchsee village rents out pedal boats.
• Enjoy the view: The Bildstein rock above the western shore looks down the length of the lake.

How to get to Schluchsee

• By train: From Freiburg, take the Höllentalbahn line to Titisee, where the scenic Dreiseenbahn (Three Lakes Railway) branches off to Aha, Schluchsee and Seebrugg. The line celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. The Deutschlandticket is valid on regional trains.
• From abroad: The nearest major airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg; Zurich is also within driving distance.
• By car: Parking lots sit by the beach and the station in Schluchsee village, a short walk from the boat pier.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a quieter alternative to busy Lake Titisee. Combine the lake with the Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest, or the domed abbey church of St. Blasien.