バート・リッポルドサウ・シャップバッハの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ20

The silted-up, originally almost circular lake now resembles a three-fingered hand. The south-southwest-facing "fingers" are between 80 and 110 meters long, and the northern "palm" has a diameter of approximately 40 meters. The body of water, mostly covered by floating vegetation, has a maximum diameter of just under 150 meters. Like all cirque lakes, the Ellbachsee was formed by glaciers. The last deepening of the lake basin occurred during the Würm glaciation, which ended in the Black Forest about 10,000 years ago. The Ellbachsee and its surroundings are designated as a natural monument (7.1 hectares), a geotope, and a protected forest. Source: Wikipedia

The Ellbachsee in the municipality of Baiersbronn was designated as an extensive natural monument in 1937. The protected area covers a total area of approximately 7.1 hectares. The water area is surrounded by a Bultenmoor; it forms an independent biotope for many endangered animal and plant species. Because of its high sensitivity to being stepped on, you should avoid walking on it so that this habitat is not destroyed. Compared to the other karst lakes in the Black Forest, the Ellbachsee is not particularly deep at 1 to 2 meters. Its length is approximately 190 meters and its width is approximately 40 meters. At just 0.34 hectares, the open water area is the smallest of the karst lakes in the northern Black Forest. It has now become increasingly silted up, which is reflected in a silted area of 1.16 hectares. Some downy birch trees have already settled on the peat island floating on it. The lake has a narrow outlet and breaks through the moraine. It flows into the Guten Ellbach, which flows into the Murg in Baiersbronn Mitteltal.

According to records, an “old castle” must have stood here around 1655. There probably never was a noble family based on the Burgbach rock. Unfortunately nothing remains. Source: https://www.alleburgen.de/bd.php?id=11224 You can use a circular path to ascend and descend the Burgbach rocks: up the stone stairs to the pavilion and down along a path (or vice versa, depending on your taste). The view from the rock is incredible, especially when the weather is nice...

Next to the viewing pavilion is a large table with benches. Here we were able to enjoy a hearty snack.

The Ellbachsee is home to a floating peat island, elves and water spirits 🧚‍♀️🧚‍♂️. This is probably one of the reasons why it is designated as a natural monument worthy of protection.

Hut belonging to the Hotel Bareis, you eat very well here

A beautifully situated Vesperstube with a great view from the terrace, with milk, bibilis cheese, bread etc. made in-house... extremely tasty and at really reasonable prices. A stop is worthwhile in any case. The service was also very friendly, attentive and fast. Highly Recommended!

You may have to wait a bit for a seat to become available, but it's worth it!