Lake Mummelsee
Seebach
The largest of the seven mountain lakes in the Black Forest, Lake Mummelsee is a crystalline lake notable for its white water lilies (called mummel in German). According to legend, a crystal palace under the lake is inhabited by a bevy of water sprites who only come to the surface at night.
Lake Mummelsee is a glorious place for a stroll or a paddle boat trip, though some people just come here to take in views from one of the man cafes that line the lake’s boardwalk. As such, it’s a popular day-trip destination from Baden-Baden, and many tours of the Black Forest include a stop here. If you're staying in Frankfurt, you can opt for a full-day tour with stops in Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and other destinations such as Strasbourg and Freiburg.
Lake Mummelsee is an excellent stop for travelers looking to enjoy beautiful Black Forest views.
You can rent paddle boats right at the water’s edge; reservations aren’t required.
The lake’s wooden boardwalk is well-maintained and is largely accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.
The lake is located in the Black Forest, on the northeastern corner of Nationalpark Schwarzwald, between Unterstmatt and Ruhestein. It’s about a 40-minute drive south of Baden-Baden. If you're coming by public transportation, you can take the X45 bus from BAD Leopoldsplatz to the Mummelsee stop. The journey by bus takes roughly an hour.
The best time to visit Lake Mummelsee is during the summer when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, late spring and early autumn are good alternatives, particularly if you want to avoid crowds. If you’re visiting during the summer high season and want a bit of solitude, aim to arrive first thing in the morning.
If you’re looking for an excellent way to explore the Black Forest, a drive along the Black Forest High Road is an excellent option. Stretching for over 60 kilometers (38 miles) between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt, this road passes through some of the prettiest parts of the woods. Make sure to stop at the Lothar Path, a wooden walkway that stretches through an area decimated during a 1999 hurricane and is now experiencing rapid regrowth.
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