Mummelsee is a distinctive natural landmark nestled within Germany’s Black Forest. This serene, high-altitude lake draws visitors with its tranquil waters and compelling narratives. It is a significant natural feature, embodying picturesque scenery and a deep connection to local cultural heritage. The lake’s unique characteristics make it a point of interest for those exploring the forested highlands.
Geographical Setting
Mummelsee is situated in the Northern Black Forest, directly alongside the scenic Black Forest High Road. This cirque lake, formed during the Ice Age, lies at an elevation of approximately 1,032 to 1,036 meters above sea level, making it the highest cirque lake in the Black Forest. With a circumference of about 800 meters and a depth of 17 to 18 meters, it is also the largest and deepest of the region’s seven cirque lakes.
Forested mountain slopes border the lake on its northern, western, and eastern sides. The Hornisgrinde, the highest mountain in the Northern Black Forest at 1,163 to 1,164 meters above sea level, rises to the north. To the west, the Katzenkopf mountain reaches 1,123 meters. The southern bank hosts the Berghotel Mummelsee and the St. Michaels chapel.
Folklore and Legends
Mummelsee is interwoven with a rich tapestry of myths and legends. Its name is thought to derive from “Mummeln,” referring to white water lilies, or “Mümmlein,” a diminutive for the water nymphs believed to inhabit its depths. These tales revolve around the King of the Lake, the Mummelseekönig, and his retinue of water nymphs.
Lore suggests these figures reside in a crystal palace beneath the lake’s surface, surrounded by gardens where corals and white water lilies grow. The nymphs rose to the surface at night, dancing and singing, and occasionally ventured into the valley to assist local farmers and woodcutters. One tale recounts a water nymph who fell in love with a farmer’s son, leading to a tragic end when the King of the Lake intervened. These narratives have inspired works by German writers such as Eduard Mörike and Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen.
Ecology and Natural Beauty
Mummelsee’s natural environment features a high-altitude setting and dense coniferous forests, predominantly fir woods, encircling its basin. The lake is humic-rich, with water characteristics that vary seasonally. pH values fluctuate, reaching around 9.5 when frozen and stabilizing around 6.5 during ice-free periods. The lake’s conductivity is low, around 40 µS/cm.
Due to its geology and acid podzol soils, the lake was susceptible to acidic conditions, which limited fish populations. However, the lake has shown recovery from past acid deposition. The white water lily (Nymphaea alba), known as “Mummeln,” was once abundant here and is believed to be the origin of the lake’s name. The yellow pond lily (Nuphar lutea) is also found in the area.
Surrounding the lake, particularly on the Hornisgrinde, are high moorlands. These wet heather areas developed from historical clearing and grazing, and the raised bogs can be several meters thick.
Activities and Visitor Experience
Mummelsee offers activities for visitors to experience its natural beauty and legendary atmosphere. A circular trail, approximately 800 meters long, allows for a leisurely stroll around the lake. This path includes an art trail featuring installations by international artists and a barrier-free section for accessibility.
During warmer months, pedal boat rentals are available, providing a unique perspective of the lake from its surface. The Berghotel Mummelsee, located directly on the lake’s southern bank, offers a restaurant with regional specialties, a shop with Black Forest products, and spa services.
Hiking trails branch out from Mummelsee, including connections to the long-distance Westweg trail and paths leading up to the Hornisgrinde mountain. These trails offer panoramic views of the Black Forest, Rhine Valley, and the Vosges mountains on clear days. Parking facilities are available across the road from the hotel.