Schluchsee
Lake Reservoir lake in the Black Forest, recreation destination
Reservoir in Germany’s Black Forest used for sailing, swimming and cycling; visitors follow the lakeside path or head into surrounding fir forests.
Schluchsee is a high-elevation lake in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, notable as the region’s largest lake and as a managed reservoir.
Originally a natural lake basin, it was developed as a reservoir with damming works to support hydroelectric generation; the lake and its shoreline have since been used for tourism and local recreation.
Schluchsee lies in the High Black Forest region of Baden-Württemberg and is accessible from regional towns and tourist centres in the southern Black Forest.
- Largest Black Forest lake: Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest and functions as a reservoir used for hydroelectric power as well as recreation.
How to Get to Schluchsee #
Schluchsee is reachable by rail from Freiburg im Breisgau via the Höllentalbahn to Seebrugg, then local bus or short transfer. Driving from Freiburg via B500 takes about 45-60 minutes.
Tips for Visiting Schluchsee #
- Drive or take the train to Schluchsee village for lakeside walking routes; the full circuit is a long but rewarding day hike.
- In winter check schedules for the Schluchsee ski lifts and cross-country track maintenance.
- Stop at the hydroelectric installations on the southern shore to see how the lake functions as a reservoir.
Best Time to Visit Schluchsee #
Summer and autumn for best outdoor activities; winter for winter sports if conditions allow.
Weather & Climate near Schluchsee #
Schluchsee's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1612 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (185 mm).
