Swimming in the Upper Black Forest — Titisee, Schluchsee & the Finest Bathing Spots
Swimming in the Upper Black Forest — cool water, large lakes
On hot summer days there is hardly anything nicer in the Upper Black Forest than jumping into one of the clear mountain lakes. The two best known — Titisee and Schluchsee — lie just a few minutes’ drive from the Feldberg and offer everything a swimming day needs: lido beaches, shallow shoreline zones for children, boats and an ice cream by the shore.
We show you where you can swim, what to expect — and honestly say where it gets busy and what to watch out for.
Schluchsee — the largest lake in the Black Forest
The Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest and a paradise for water lovers. At several points around the lake there are lido beaches and lawns for sunbathing, and in high summer the water reaches pleasant bathing temperatures.
What is possible here:
- Swimming at supervised lido beaches with a shallow entry
- Pedal boat, SUP and sailing — hire stations are right by the shore
- Strolling on the lakeside circular path when the water is too fresh
To be honest: the Black Forest is not the Mediterranean. Even in high summer the water stays refreshingly cool — but on hot days that is exactly what you want.
Titisee — lively and easy to reach
The Titisee is the better known of the two and correspondingly livelier. Along the shore line up the lido, boat hire and the bustling town with cafés and shops. For families the Titisee is practical: short distances, a shallow entry, plenty going on for children who like to have something to watch.
A quick note: on sunny summer weekends the Titisee is very popular. Anyone seeking peace is best off coming during the week or in the early morning — or switching to the quieter Schluchsee.
What about the Feldsee?
A frequent question, so here it is plainly said: swimming is not allowed in the Feldsee. The Ice Age cirque lake lies in a nature reserve and is there only to be looked at — beautiful on a hike, but not a swimming lake. For swimming, Titisee and Schluchsee are the right address.
Swimming with a dog
On hot days your four-legged friend wants to get into the water too. At Titisee and Schluchsee there are designated dog bathing spots away from the supervised lido beaches. Please watch for the signs — at the official bathing beaches dogs are usually not allowed. Read more about holidaying with a dog in Black Forest with a Dog.
Not just swimming
If the water is too cool for you, there are plenty of alternatives around the lakes: lakeside hiking trails, boat trips, mini golf and ice cream parlours. That way the swimming day is lovely even when the thermometer does not quite play along.
The perfect base for a swimming day
Anyone staying right in the Upper Black Forest has the lakes practically on the doorstep and is first at the water in the morning — before the day visitors arrive. After swimming your own kitchen awaits, and wet things dry in a relaxed way on the balcony or terrace.
Stay with us
In our holiday apartments you stay centrally in the Upper Black Forest, just a few minutes from Titisee and Schluchsee — with self check-in, a fully equipped kitchen and room for the whole family. Dogs are welcome. Booked directly, you pay around 7% less than on Booking.com.