Rachelsee

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.

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

Take a little more time. Less than 3 hours almost impossible.

A beautifully situated idyllic lake.
Perfect for a break

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

The Rachelsee in the Bavarian Forest National Park

Beautiful for a short stay. Little tourists despite high season

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

further information at
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachelsee

Very nice lake, perfect for a break

Wild forest nature at the foot of the Rachel.
The highlight is the Rachelsee as the only natural lake in the national park.

Here you can perfectly take the first little break and strengthen yourself for the climb to the Rachel Chapel!

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.

Always a place of rest.

Perfect for a short break.

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.
The lake emerged as an ice age karsee after the meltwater of the melted Rachel glacier was dammed up by a wall of moraine.
- A depth of 13.5 m is hidden under the dark brown colored water surface.
- The 5.7 ha lake is poor in aquatic animals and fish due to its lack of lime salts and soil acidification.
- A primeval forest has formed around the lake, since since the establishment of the nature reserve no tree has been felled anymore, which can only be crossed on a primeval forest educational trail.

beautiful lake to stay

Nice view of the lake and Rachel

An ideal place for a rest

Ideal spot to take a break

Nice, quiet place to linger, pause and also have a snack before heading up to the Great Rachel.

Beautiful place of rest and relaxation. Make a snack and relax before going up to Big Rachel.

Very nice to pause and then climb up to the big Rachel

Ideal for a short break before ascending