Lakes in the Black Forest
From quiet raised-bog lakes to popular swimming lakes, the Black Forest offers a wide variety of waters. Our guide shows which lakes are suitable for swimming, where hiking and nature take centre stage and which destinations can be combined with a stay in Bad Wildbad.
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What lakes are there in the Black Forest?
The Black Forest landscape ranges from small glacial corrie lakes and protected moorland waters to large reservoirs. Some lakes are ideal for a walk or hike, while others offer designated swimming areas, water sports or boat trips.
For guests staying in Bad Wildbad, the Northern Black Forest is of particular interest. This guide therefore deliberately distinguishes between lakes in the Northern Black Forest, swimming lakes within a wider radius of Bad Wildbad and the famous lakes of the Southern Black Forest.
Which lakes in the Black Forest are suitable for swimming?
Not every beautiful lake is a swimming lake. The following overview shows the currently known status of the waters featured in this guide.
Lakes in the Northern Black Forest
For an excursion from Bad Wildbad, these destinations in the Northern Black Forest are particularly interesting – from a protected moorland lake to large reservoirs.
Wildsee in the Wildseemoor near Kaltenbronn
Wildsee lies in the middle of a protected moorland and forest landscape and is one of the most impressive natural destinations in the Northern Black Forest.
The lake is part of the Kaltenbronn protected area. Swimming is not the focus here; the landscape and nature experience are. The mix of moorland, forest and the boardwalks typical of the area is particularly appealing.
A popular circular walk leads from Kaltenbronn through the Wildseemoor and past Wildsee and Hornsee. Visitors should remain on the designated paths and boardwalks to protect the sensitive moor vegetation.
Wildsee is therefore a good choice for guests looking for a peaceful nature excursion – it is expressly not intended as a swimming lake.
Nagold reservoir near Seewald-Erzgrube
If you are looking for a swimming lake surrounded by greenery near Bad Wildbad, the Nagold reservoir is one of the most interesting options in the Northern Black Forest.
The Nagold reservoir lies near Seewald-Erzgrube and combines a scenic setting with leisure activities by the water. Important: bathing and swimming are permitted exclusively in the forebay. Water quality is monitored there regularly.
Sailing and windsurfing are among the seasonal activities available on the main reservoir. Paths around the water invite visitors to walk and cycle. At the same time, local nature and wildlife protection rules must be observed.
For anyone searching for a “swimming lake near Bad Wildbad”, the Nagold reservoir is therefore particularly relevant: it is not located directly in Bad Wildbad, but it is a sensible nature and swimming excursion in the Northern Black Forest.
Schwarzenbach reservoir
The Schwarzenbach reservoir is a striking technical and scenic destination in the Northern Black Forest – but in 2026 it is in a highly unusual state.
The dam was built between 1922 and 1926 and has shaped the Schwarzenbach valley for a century. Under normal conditions, the reservoir forms a large expanse of water between wooded slopes.
In 2026, EnBW is carrying out extensive maintenance work. For this purpose, the reservoir has been completely drained. According to the published plans, the basin is expected to remain dry until October.
Even outside the current maintenance phase, the Schwarzenbach reservoir is not a classic supervised swimming lake. Anyone specifically wanting to swim is better advised to use an officially designated bathing water.
Mummelsee on the Black Forest High Road
Mummelsee is one of the best-known lakes in the Black Forest and lies directly below the Hornisgrinde on the Black Forest High Road.
The glacial corrie lake lies at an altitude of around 1,036 metres. A short and largely accessible circular path leads directly around the water. Pedal boats are also among the classic seasonal activities at the lake.
With a surface area of around 3.7 hectares and a circumference of about 800 metres, Mummelsee is relatively compact but very distinctive in terms of scenery. Combining the lake with a hike to the Hornisgrinde makes it a popular day-trip destination.
Mummelsee is not promoted as a classic swimming lake. Anyone specifically looking to swim in the Black Forest will find more suitable options at the Nagold reservoir, Lake Titisee or Lake Schluchsee.
Swimming lakes around the Northern Black Forest
These two bodies of water are not located in the heart of the Black Forest, but they remain relevant for searches such as “swimming lake near Bad Wildbad” and for excursions from the region.
Epplesee near Rheinstetten
Epplesee south of Karlsruhe is a large quarry lake with designated swimming areas and a variety of leisure opportunities.
The lake covers more than 35 hectares and offers both textile and naturist areas. During the season, DLRG lifeguard supervision is provided in the textile area. Water quality is checked regularly during the summer.
At the same time, this is not purely a leisure lake: gravel is still extracted at Epplesee. Bathers must therefore remain within the designated areas. Protected natural areas are also located along the southern shore.
Epplesee is particularly suitable for a classic summer day by the water. Anyone looking for a typical Black Forest setting will be better served by the lakes in the Northern or Southern Black Forest.
“Tiefer See” swimming lake in Maulbronn
Tiefer See is part of Maulbronn’s historic monastery landscape, but it cannot currently be used as a swimming lake.
The lake dates back to the medieval water-management system created by the Cistercians and has been used for bathing since the 19th century. In recent years, it was a popular summer destination with a sunbathing lawn and bathing facilities.
Anyone planning a swimming excursion should therefore not consider Tiefer See as a destination until further notice. A visit to Maulbronn Monastery and the historic cultural landscape remains possible independently of the lake closure.
The best-known lakes in the Southern Black Forest
Lake Titisee, Lake Schluchsee and Lake Feldsee are among the great classics of the Southern Black Forest. From Bad Wildbad, they are better suited to a longer day trip than a short excursion.
Lake Titisee
Lake Titisee is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest and one of the region’s best-known excursion destinations.
Shaped by the Ice Age, the lake covers around 1.3 square kilometres and reaches a depth of up to about 40 metres. Around the lake, nature, a promenade, restaurants and boat trips come together.
Swimming is possible at a public bathing area with direct access to the lake. Facilities include sunbathing areas, changing rooms and sanitary facilities. However, there is no continuous lifeguard supervision.
The nature conservation areas on the eastern shore are important: bathing is prohibited in certain protected sections. Visitors should therefore always follow local signs and use marked access points.
Lake Schluchsee
Lake Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest and offers considerably more space for swimming, water sports and longer tours along the shore.
Unlike natural Lake Titisee, today’s Schluchsee is a large reservoir. It is an important leisure destination for swimmers, sailors, windsurfers and other water-sports enthusiasts.
Those who prefer to stay on land can explore the lake on a circular route of around 18 kilometres. For a classic day of swimming, the “aqua fun” outdoor pool provides direct access to Lake Schluchsee as well as additional leisure facilities.
Lake Schluchsee is therefore particularly suitable for guests who want to spend an entire day by or on the water and place less emphasis on a compact tourist promenade.
Lake Feldsee below the Feldberg
Lake Feldsee is a small, particularly protected corrie lake below the Feldberg – a hiking destination, but expressly not a swimming lake.
The almost circular lake lies at an altitude of around 1,108 metres and is approximately 360 metres wide. It reaches a depth of up to around 30 metres. Steep wooded slopes and its secluded setting define the landscape.
Lake Feldsee lies in a nature reserve. To protect rare plant species – including the quillwort found there – a general swimming ban applies.
The lake can be reached on foot or by bicycle and combines well with a hike on the Feldberg. For a day of swimming, Lake Titisee or Lake Schluchsee is the better choice.
Bergsee near Bad Säckingen
Bergsee near Bad Säckingen is an idyllic recreational destination on the southern edge of the Black Forest, but it is not intended for swimming.
The lake covers around five hectares and lies above Bad Säckingen in a wooded setting. A walk around the lake can easily be combined with other leisure attractions nearby.
Pedal boats are available during the season. A wildlife enclosure and other excursion attractions are also located close by. Swimming in Bergsee, however, is not intended.
Anyone specifically looking for a swimming lake in the Southern Black Forest should therefore consider Lake Titisee or Lake Schluchsee instead.
Lake Titisee or Lake Schluchsee – which one suits you better?
Both lakes are suitable for a day trip, but they offer different experiences.
Compact natural lake with a promenade
- largest natural lake in the Black Forest
- public bathing area
- boat trips and tourist promenade
- ideal for a classic Black Forest excursion
Large reservoir for swimming & active holidays
- largest lake in the Black Forest
- plenty of space for water sports
- circular lakeside route of around 18 km
- direct lake access at aqua fun
In short: Lake Titisee is a good choice if you are looking for a promenade, boat trips and a compact natural lake. Lake Schluchsee offers more space for longer outings, swimming and water sports.
From the lake to the thermal water
Combine an excursion to the lakes of the Northern Black Forest with a wellness break in Bad Wildbad. At Mokni’s, you stay directly on the Kurplatz, just a few steps from thermal water, the spa gardens and Black Forest nature.
Questions about lakes and swimming lakes in the Black Forest
The most important answers about swimming, nature conservation and current special circumstances at a glance.
Which lakes in the Black Forest are suitable for swimming?
Well-known swimming options include Lake Titisee and Lake Schluchsee. In the Northern Black Forest, swimming at the Nagold reservoir is permitted exclusively in the forebay. Epplesee near Rheinstetten also offers designated bathing areas. Current information and local signs should always be observed.
Which swimming lake is suitable for an excursion from Bad Wildbad?
One particularly suitable option in the Northern Black Forest is the Nagold reservoir near Seewald-Erzgrube. Important: swimming is permitted only in the forebay. Wildsee near Kaltenbronn is an attractive natural destination, but it is not a swimming lake.
Can you swim in Wildsee near Kaltenbronn?
No. Wildsee lies within a sensitive protected moorland landscape. Visitors should remain on the designated paths and boardwalks. The lake is a nature and hiking destination, not a bathing water.
Can you swim in Mummelsee?
Mummelsee is not promoted as a classic swimming lake. The focus is on the circular walk, the scenery and seasonal pedal boating. For a proper swimming day, designated bathing waters such as Lake Titisee, Lake Schluchsee or the forebay of the Nagold reservoir are better choices.
Can you swim in the Schwarzenbach reservoir in 2026?
No. The Schwarzenbach reservoir has been completely drained in 2026 for extensive maintenance work. According to the published plans, it is expected to remain dry until October. Swimming, boating and fishing are not possible during this period.
Is Tiefer See in Maulbronn open in 2026?
No. The swimming lake and kiosk have been closed since January 2026 due to extensive refurbishment. The measures are planned for an extended period. Before a future visit, check the current status with the town of Maulbronn.
Can you swim in Lake Feldsee?
No. A general swimming ban applies at Lake Feldsee to protect the nature reserve and rare plant species. The lake is a destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Which is better: Lake Titisee or Lake Schluchsee?
It depends on the type of excursion you want. Lake Titisee is a compact natural lake with a promenade, boat trips and a public bathing area. The larger Lake Schluchsee offers more room for water sports, longer lakeside outings and an extended day of swimming.