Titisee and Schluchsee: The Best Day Trips from Feldberg

Two lakes, one perfect holiday day

If you are staying at Feldberg, two of the Black Forest’s most famous lakes are within easy reach: Titisee and Schluchsee. Both are reachable in about 15 to 20 minutes by car, and both are worth a visit — though in quite different ways. Titisee is lively, touristy, and full of atmosphere. Schluchsee is quieter, more expansive, and ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Here is an honest overview of what both lakes have to offer and how to plan your day out.

Titisee — the postcard motif

Getting there from Feldberg

Titisee lies about 10 kilometers east of Feldberg. Via the B317, the drive takes around 15 minutes. There are several car parks in Titisee-Neustadt; most are paid and charged per day — the current rates are posted on the machine. In summer and on public holidays it can get busy — all the more reason to set off early.

Boat trip on Titisee

The classic activity at Titisee is a boat trip. Rowing boats and other self-drive boats are rented at stations along the lakeside; the current rates are posted at the rental station. For a more relaxed experience, take a round trip on the excursion boat run by Titisee-Schifffahrt and enjoy the lake from the water.

Seestrasse — strolling and souvenirs

The Seestrasse along the northern shore is the main tourist strip. Souvenir shops line the street selling cuckoo clocks, Black Forest ham, and Kirschwasser. It is unmistakably touristy, but in a charming way. And of course at least one slice of Black Forest gateau is part of the visit.

Badeparadies Schwarzwald

Right on the edge of Titisee-Neustadt lies the Badeparadies Schwarzwald — a water park with the Galaxy Schwarzwald, Palmenoase and Saunawelt areas, open 365 days a year. On rainy days or in winter, it is the perfect alternative to the lake.

Schluchsee — the quiet giant

Getting there from Feldberg

Schluchsee is about 20 minutes east of Feldberg by car. The route via the B500 and then the L170 runs through forest and is scenic in its own right. In the town of Schluchsee there is ample parking, which is also paid in summer.

Bathing and swimming

Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest — and unlike Titisee, swimming is allowed almost everywhere here. At the Schluchsee there is the Naturstrandbad at Seebrugg (an enclosed bathing area with lake access, sunbathing lawn, kiosk, showers and WC, children’s playground; dogs are not allowed on the lawn) and the aqua fun outdoor pool, whose operating status you should check with the municipality of Schluchsee before you go. The Badestelle Titisee is operated with no water supervision, so bathing is at your own risk. All the details are in Swimming in the Upper Black Forest. The water is clear but fresh — typical of a reservoir at 930 meters elevation.

SUP, kayak, and water sports

Water sports have their place on the Schluchsee; there is boat hire by the Naturstrandbad at Seebrugg. For rentals and courses at the lake, check the current offer with the provider. Especially in the morning, when the lake is mirror-smooth, an outing on the water is a real experience.

Reservoir and lake circuit trail

Schluchsee is a reservoir. If you have more time, you can hike the lake circuit, with changing perspectives on the lake and the surrounding forests. The train can also shorten the route — the Dreiseenbahn stops at several stations around the lake.

Eating at the lake — a few honest recommendations

At Titisee, the dining scene ranges from tourist traps to solid restaurants. If you like fish, try the Felchen — a freshwater whitefish that traditionally comes from the lake (though it is mostly farmed these days).

At Schluchsee, the selection is smaller but more authentic.

As a general rule: eating away from the main promenades means lower prices and often better food.

Summer vs. winter — when is each lake at its best?

In summer (June to September), both lakes are at their best. Titisee thrives on its atmosphere — boat trips, eating ice cream, strolling along the Seestrasse. Schluchsee is the better choice for swimming and water sports. If you want to fit both into one day: Schluchsee in the morning (swimming, SUP), Titisee in the afternoon (browsing, coffee).

In autumn, the Schluchsee circuit trail is particularly rewarding when the foliage changes colour. Titisee has less foot traffic then, which makes it more pleasant than in high summer.

In winter, Titisee occasionally freezes over — a rare natural spectacle that only happens in particularly cold winters. The Badeparadies is open year-round and becomes the main attraction in winter. At Schluchsee, winter walks along the shore are appealing, but water sports naturally take a break.

Centrally located at Feldberg — short distances to both lakes

The great advantage of accommodation right at Feldberg: you are exactly in the middle. Titisee and Schluchsee are each reachable in about fifteen minutes, the ski area at the Seebuck is about 8 km away (about 10 minutes by car to the Parkhaus Feldberg), and the entire Upper Black Forest region fans out in every direction.

Our holiday apartments at Black Forest Dream offer the ideal base — with free parking, a fully equipped kitchen for provisions on the go, and self check-in so your day can start as early as you like.

Frequently asked questions about Titisee and Schluchsee

Can you combine Titisee and Schluchsee in one day?

Yes, and that is even the most sensible order: Schluchsee in the morning for swimming or a SUP session, Titisee in the afternoon for strolling and coffee. From Feldberg each of the two lakes is roughly a quarter of an hour to twenty minutes away, so both fit comfortably into one day. Setting off early also avoids the full car parks at Titisee.

Which of the two lakes can you swim in?

Swimming is allowed almost everywhere in Schluchsee — it is the largest lake in the Black Forest. The Naturstrandbad at Seebrugg has an enclosed bathing area with lake access, sunbathing lawn, kiosk, showers and WC, and a children’s playground; check the operating status of the aqua fun outdoor pool with the municipality of Schluchsee beforehand. At Titisee there is the Badestelle Titisee, which is operated with no water supervision; Titisee is above all the strolling and boating lake. If you are planning a swimming day, go to Schluchsee.

What boat trips are there on Titisee?

Two options. Rowing boats and other self-drive boats are rented at stations directly on the lakeside. If you would rather be taken along, there is a round trip on the excursion boat run by Titisee-Schifffahrt, which shows you the lake from the water. Current rates and departures are posted at the rental station and at the pier.

What is there to do at the lakes in the rain or in winter?

The Badeparadies Schwarzwald on the edge of Titisee-Neustadt is open 365 days a year and becomes the main attraction in winter — with its Galaxy Schwarzwald, Palmenoase and Saunawelt areas. At Schluchsee, winter walks along the shore stay rewarding while water sports naturally pause. And in particularly cold winters Titisee occasionally freezes over — a rare spectacle you cannot plan around.

Do you need a car for a day trip to the lakes?

No. Both lakes sit on the Dreiseenbahn: the line links Titisee via Feldberg-Bärental with Seebrugg at Schluchsee and stops at several stations around Schluchsee. From Feldberg that puts each of the two lakes within reach without a car, and it saves you hunting for a parking space on hot summer days. Current timetables are on bahn.de.

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