The Feldsee is a unique natural jewel on the edge of the Feldberg. It is a beautiful karst lake in the Upper Black Forest and attracts numerous visitors every year with its breathtaking beauty and tranquility. The lake lies at an altitude of 1109m and is therefore the highest lake outside the Alps.
Geographical location
The Feldsee, a jewel of the Black Forest, around 2 km east of the Feldberg and about 380 meters below its summit. This picturesque lake is located east of Freiburg and is part of the almost 4000 km² comprehensive Southern Black Forest Nature Park, a region known for its natural beauty. The lake is almost circular and has a diameter of approx. 350m and a maximum depth of 32m.
History of the formation of the Feldsee
The Feldsee is a classic karst lake that was created by the glaciers during the last ice ages. This lake is an impressive testimony to the natural history of the region. The steep walls of the Feldsee are the result of thousands of years of rock weathering caused by frost blasting. Due to the great force of the ice, the stones created by frost blasting, also called moraines, were removed around 12.000 years ago and deposited on a rock around 300 meters deeper.
About 11.000 years ago, the Karbasin of the Feldsee was made deeper by the grinding forces of the glacier and another moraine. The immense power of the glacier can be seen in the boulders that lie on the eastern bank and were once part of the gravel. These were pushed to the opposite side of the lake. When the glacier melted around 10.000 years ago due to climate change, the resulting Karbasin filled with water and formed today's Feldsee. An almost circular depression with an area of 9,75 hectares was created.
Flora and fauna
The Feldsee and its surrounding nature are a true paradise for people who love nature. The flora and fauna in this area are extremely diverse and unique. The lake is surrounded by an untouched forest, which consists mainly of beech, fir, spruce and sycamore. This forest forms an important part of the ecological system.
Among the animal species that live in the Feldsee there are some specialists such as the pea mussels, leaf-footed crustaceans, ramshorn snails and copepods, which are only a few millimeters long. The Arctic char is native to the Feldsee, while the only original fish species, the minnow, only reaches a size of around 6 to 12 cm and therefore also contributes to the lake's wildlife.
Feldsee is a place where nature lovers can fully live out their passion. The breathtaking diversity of plant and animal species is an attraction for visitors from all over the world. From the majestic beech trees to the impressive fir and spruce trees, the surrounding forest offers an incomparable view. The rich vegetation and harmonious ecosystem are unique and preserved.
The lakebed of the Feldsee, covered with aquatic plants, is an extremely important habitat for many species. The spiny-spored bream herb, which is protected under environmental protection, is a rarity that thrives and is protected here. The alpine plants that grow on the sun-drenched rocks give the lake an additional splendor of color and contribute to the biodiversity of the area.
Overall, the Feldsee is a place of extraordinary beauty and diversity. The untouched nature and rich ecosystem make it a paradise for nature lovers. The lake and its surroundings offer a unique opportunity to explore and admire the diversity of nature. It is a place that contributes to the protection and preservation of nature and fascinates visitors from all over the world.
It is located in the region Windgfallweiher and the Nonnenmattweiher The Kleiner Wiesental also has a special flora and fauna to offer with its peat island.
Nature Conservation
The Feldsee, a valuable nature reserve, is a true jewel in the Feldberg, the oldest nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, which has existed since 1937. To protect a rare species of underwater fern called spiny-spored bream (Isoetes echinospora), swimming is strictly forbidden. This special fern thrives at a depth of 1-2 meters and is only found in Feldsee and in Germany Titisee a DAK Bungalow.
The mixed forest around the Feldsee, which is also part of the nature reserve, has been designated as a protected forest. This means that he is left to his own devices and is under special protection.
Access and activities
The Feldsee is not directly accessible by car. There are only hiking and cycling paths that lead to it. The nearest parking spaces are in Feldberg-Bäretal (Kunzenmoos hiking car park) and at Feldberg, each about 3-4 km away. Beautiful hiking trails invite you from the parking spaces Hike to the lake. A particularly beautiful path leads from the Seebuck down, but more for experienced hikers.
A narrow walking path leads around the Feldsee, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscape to the fullest. It is located about 490 meters east of the Feldsee the Raimartihof inn, where you can find refreshment and enjoy a great view of the Feldberg. The inn offers a cozy atmosphere and is a popular meeting place for Hikers and nature lovers.
Feldsee – more than just a simple lake
The Feldsee is a true treasure in the southern Black Forest and an unforgettable natural experience. With its unique flora and fauna, breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere, it is an ideal place for anyone who loves and appreciates nature.
Whether you want to hike, cycle or just enjoy the silence at Feldsee - Feldsee offers an untouched natural experience for everyone. But remember: the lake and its surroundings are a protected natural paradise. Please respect environmental protection, nature and do not leave trash behind. This means future generations can also enjoy the beauty of the Feldsee.
The Feldsee is an idyllic destination for a Feldsee hike and is only accessible via hiking and cycling paths as there is no direct car road. Visitors can walk around the lake on a walking path. Nearby, the Raimartihof inn invites hikers to refresh themselves. It is of the utmost importance that the nature around the Feldsee, a protected natural paradise, is treated with respect.
As part of the Feldberg nature reserve, which has existed since 1937, the Feldsee is subject to strict protective measures, including a bathing ban. The adjacent mixed forest is designated as a protected forest and also enjoys nature conservation status. To ensure these regulations, there is a management plan that includes, among other things, monitoring the bathing ban and setting up permanent observation areas.
Surrounded by a forest rich in beech, fir, spruce and sycamore, the Feldsee offers a habitat for rare aquatic plants such as the spiny-spored bream and a variety of alpine plants. The lake's wildlife includes pea mussels, psyllids, ramshorn snails and copepods. Arctic char and minnow are also native fish species.
The Feldsee, which is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg about 2 km east of the Feldberg, is the highest lake in Germany outside the Alps. Its coordinates are 47° 52′ 13″ N, 8° 1′ 57″ E and it sits 1109 m above sea level. The lake covers an area of 9,75 hectares, is 350 m long, 360 m wide and has a maximum depth of 32 m.
