09.05.2026

Schluchsee Circular Trail: The Complete Guide to Your Walk

Lake Schluchsee in the Black Forest offers many options for walkers of all ages and fitness levels. In this blog post we turn to the classic Seerundweg – one of the most popular walking trails around the largest lake in the Black Forest.

 

As a boutique wellness hotel right on the shore of Lake Schluchsee, we share our best insider tips for this beautiful walk, which you can ideally combine with a wellness stay.

 

What makes the Seerundweg so special?

 

Almost throughout, the path follows the shoreline and offers great views of the nature around it. The crystal-clear water of Lake Schluchsee, the surrounding Black Forest mountains and the fresh mountain air make this walk a year-round experience.

 

Almost anyone can walk it – the path is largely level and well built. And even if you do not want to or cannot walk it in full, there are suitable alternatives, which we introduce further below.

 

Why guests love the Seerundweg:
– Right on the water: No long climbs, a lake view throughout
– Easy to reach: You can start from many points around the lake
– Accessible: Large stretches can also be used with a pram or wheelchair
– Varied: Forests, shoreline sections, small bays and viewpoints

 

The facts about the Seerundweg

 

Before you lace up your walking shoes, here are the most important figures at a glance:

 

– Distance: Exactly 17.76 kilometres around the lake
– Estimated walking time: About 5 hours and 45 minutes (pure walking time)
– Elevation: Minimal (about 100 metres of ascent in total)
– Difficulty: Easy to moderate
– Route: Almost throughout right along the shore
– Best time: Walkable year-round, especially beautiful from April to October

 

Did you know? Lake Schluchsee is Germany’s largest pumped-storage reservoir! With a capacity of 108 million cubic metres of water it serves power generation – and at the same time as a local recreation area.

 

Starting point: Right from Hotel Auerhahn

 

Our hotel guests have it especially convenient: the Seerundweg passes right by the Auerhahn. Start at ease after a generous breakfast at our Restaurant Auerhahn, and after only a few metres you are on the trail.

 

A flexible route – possible for everyone

 

If almost 18 kilometres feel too far, or if you notice along the way that the weather is not playing along, you can also walk only part of the route. The remaining stretch can be covered comfortably on the Schluchsee steamer “MS Schluchsee”. The boat also likes to call itself a “hiking taxi”.

 

The boat options:
– Full lake cruise: 50 minutes around the entire lake
– Partial stretches: Call at individual stops (Seebrugg, Aha, Schluchsee)
– Combination ticket: Half walking, half sailing – ideal for families

 

Alternative: Shorten the route by train

 

Alternatively you can also shorten part of the route by train – from the stations in Seebrugg, Schluchsee or Aha. The Dreiseenbahn runs regularly and makes the Seerundweg extremely flexible to plan.

 

And that is exactly what makes this Seerundweg so special: many people can enjoy it – whether later in life or with physical limitations. Lake Schluchsee welcomes everyone warmly.

 

After the walk: Wellness & relaxation

 

What could be finer than stepping into the welcome warmth of our Finnish sauna or bio sauna after 17.76 kilometres of walking? At Hotel Auerhahn we combine activity in nature with first-class wellness comfort.

 

Our tip for the perfect walking-and-wellness day:
– Morning: A generous breakfast (from 7:30 am)
– Late morning: Start of the Seerundweg walk
– Midday: A stop at the Unterkrummenhof
– Afternoon: Return to the hotel, sauna & quiet area
– Evening: Gourmet dinner at Restaurant Auerhahn

 

This combination of movement and rest makes the Black Forest a unique holiday destination – especially for guests who value nature and enjoyment equally.

 

Ready for your walk?

 

In the mood for a walk around Lake Schluchsee? Then lace up your walking shoes – the path is already waiting! As a hotel guest of the Auerhahn you start right at the door and can go straight into the wellness area after the tour.

 

Ready for 17.76 kilometres of nature, a stop along the way and a lake view? Book your walking arrangement with wellness now and experience Lake Schluchsee at its most beautiful.

 

For anyone who wants to walk for several days: our arrangements combine a comfortable stay, half board and unlimited wellness access – the perfect setting for your active holiday in the Black Forest.