Nonnenmattweiher – An idyllic lake in the Kleiner Wiesental

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The Nonnenmattweiher is picturesquely nestled in the southern Black Forest. At an altitude of 915 meters, surrounded by dark spruce trees, is this idyllic lake, which is a popular hiking and swimming destination, especially among nature lovers. It was originally created as a karst lake by a glacier, but then silted up again. The lake was later dammed again for fish farming.

Special features of the Nonnenmattweiher

One of the special features of the Nonnenmattweiher is the floating peat island that covers part of the lake. It was created in the early 1760s when the lake was artificially dammed and part of the mossy karst soil came loose. Several species of peat moss as well as some rare plant species such as the cranberry and the round-leaved sundew grow on this peat island.

The eventful history of the Nonnenmattweiher

The Nonnenmattweiher was originally created in the Ice Age as a karst lake by a glacier, but was already taken over by a raised moor and moorland pastures in the Middle Ages. In 1758 it was dammed and initially served as a mill pond for mills in the valley, as well as for trout and carp farming. Due to the formation of gas caverns, the dammed-up moor broke free and floated. Fishing was therefore very difficult. In March 1922, the dam burst after heavy rain and the flood devastated the banks as far as the Kleine Wiesental. The lake basin then lay dry until the dam was rebuilt in the early 1930s. In 1934 the pond was inaugurated again and a peat island floated up again. Similar phenomena can also be observed at Huzenbacher See and Kleiner Arbersee.

The area hit the headlines in 2004 when a tree felling operation significantly changed the character of the cirque. Further interventions followed in 2007. In July 2018, a piece of the peat island broke off and threatened to block the pond's drainage. In October the piece was dragged back to the peat island and connected.

Nature reserve and wildlife

The Nonnenmattweiher and its surroundings are designated as a nature reserve. In order to protect the flora and fauna, access to the lakeshore is only possible in certain places. The animal species native here include the common toad, the alpine newt, the mountain lizard and the capercaillie. The lake's fish population is also considerable, with species such as trout, eel, pike, zander, tench and carp.

Fishing hut at Nonnenmattweiher

In the immediate vicinity of the lake is the Fischerhütte, a cozy log cabin that invites you to refresh yourself after swimming or hiking. Black Forest specialties and products from our own production are offered here. The idyllic location of the hut makes it a popular destination for family and company celebrations. However, advance reservation is required.

Location and arrival

The Nonnenmattweiher belongs to Neuenweg, which is a district of the municipality of Kleines Wiesental. The walk from the parking lot to the lake takes about 15 minutes. Traveling by public transport is also possible, but you should plan on walking about 30 minutes from the “Vorderheubronn” bus stop.

Conclusion

  • The Nonnenmattweiher is an idyllic swimming lake in the Black Forest and is located at an altitude of 915 meters.
  • It is located in a nature reserve and is home to a variety of animal and plant species.
  • Arrival is possible both by car and by public transport.
  • A special feature of the lake is the floating peat island.
  • The nearby fishing hut, which offers Black Forest specialties, invites you to refresh yourself after swimming or hiking.

FAQs

Where is the Nonnenmattweiher?

The Nonnenmattweiher is located in the small Wiesental in the southern Black Forest.

What is special about the Nonnenmattweiher?

A special feature of the Nonnenmattweiher is the floating peat island that covers part of the lake. It was created by damming the moorland. 

What animal species are there at Nonnenmattweiher?

The animal species native here include the common toad, the alpine newt, the mountain lizard and the capercaillie. The lake's fish population is also considerable.

You can swim in the Nonnenmattweiher

Yes, the Nonnenmattweiher is a popular bathing destination. However, you should note that the lake is in a nature reserve and the shore strips can only be accessed in certain places.

Is there an opportunity to stop at the Nonnenmattweiher?

Yes, visitors can stop off at the nearby Fischerhütte and fortify themselves with Black Forest specialties.

Can you park at Nonnenmattweiher?

Yes, there is a parking lot near the lake.

Which plants grow on the peat island?

Several types of peat moss as well as some rare plant species such as the cranberry and the round-leaved sundew grow on the peat island.

Image courtesy of Asal Stefan



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