Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area.
Please check local regulations for: Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald
As one of the few karse lakes in the Bavarian Forest, the Rachelsee was excavated by glacier movements during the last ice age. When the glaciers finally retreated, the hollow filled with melt water and formed this picturesque sight.
August 16, 2018
The Rachelsee is one of three Karseen of the Bavarian forest. It is located in the extreme north of the municipality of Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte. On the Czech side of this vast forest area there are another five karst lakes in Šumava. The lakes and the surrounding area were declared a nature reserve in 1918.
Rachelsee
Rachelsee, top view.JPG
Geographical location
in the Bavarian Forest
outflow
Seebach → Ilz
dates
coordinates
48 ° 58 '31 "N, 13 ° 24' 7" E
Rachel Lake (Bavaria)
Rachelsee
Altitude above sea level
1070.5 m
area
5.7 ha
length
350 m
width
205 m
volume
180,000 m³
Maximum depth
13.2 m
Middle deep
3.2 m
PH value
5.0
catchment area
58 ha
particularities
no fish or amphibians
May 25, 2018
Rachelsee - a relic of the ice age
The Rachelsee at the foot of the Großer Rachel is the quietest Bayerwaldsee and can only be reached on footpaths. Like the Great Arbersee, it is overlooked by a steep lake wall.
bayerischer-wald.de/Media/Attractions/Rachelsee-ein-Relikt-der-Eiszeit
September 1, 2019
Please note that this highlight to protect the capercaillie and other endangered animal and plant species is only available from July 15th. until November 15 is accessible. Many Thanks! (Ordinance on the restriction of the right to enter the Bavarian Forest National Park)
October 1, 2020
The Rachelsee is one of three karseen in the Bavarian Forest. It is located in the far north of the municipality of Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte. On the Czech side of this extensive forest area there are another five karse lakes in the Bohemian Forest. The lakes and the surrounding area were declared a nature reserve in 1918.
Rachelsee
Rachelsee, top view.JPG
Geographical location
in the Bavarian Forest
Drain
Seebach → Ilz
Data
Coordinates
48 ° 58 ′ 31 ″ N, 13 ° 24 ′ 7 ″ E
Rachelsee (Bavaria)
Rachelsee
Altitude above sea level
1070.5 m
surface
5.7 ha
length
350 m
width
205 m
volume
180,000 m³
Maximum depth
13.2 m
Middle deep
3.2 m
PH value
5.0
Catchment area
58 ha
particularities
no fish or amphibians
May 25, 2018
Wild forest nature at the foot of the Rachel.
The highlight is the Rachelsee as the only natural lake in the national park.
April 30, 2020
Here you can perfectly take the first little break and strengthen yourself for the climb to the Rachel Chapel!
May 31, 2020
Beautiful place of rest and relaxation. Make a snack and relax before going up to Big Rachel.
June 14, 2020
The Rachel Glacier formed a depression in the ice age. Its terminal moraine prevented water from flowing out. The accumulated melt water thus formed a lake up to 13.5 meters deep and 5.7 hectares in size. Today the only natural lake in the national park is fed by the Seebach, which rises in the Rachelsee wall. From the shore of the glacier lake you can not only look at the Rachel summit, but also discover the Rachel chapel on the slope.
June 18, 2020
Those who descend from Rachel to Spiegelau have multiple chances to see the lake. The best view is from the Rachel Chapel window.
September 12, 2021
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