21.10.2025
Schluchsee in the Black Forest offers numerous opportunities for hikers of all ages and fitness levels. In this blog post, we focus on the classic lake circuit - one of the most popular hiking trails around the largest lake in the Black Forest.
As a boutique wellness hotel right on the shores of Lake Schluchsee, we share our best insider tips for this wonderful hike, which you can ideally combine with a wellness stay.
What makes the Seerundweg so special?
The trail runs almost continuously along the shore and offers magnificent views of the surrounding nature. The crystal-clear water of the Schluchsee, the surrounding Black Forest mountains and the fresh mountain air make this hike a year-round experience.
Almost anyone can walk it - the path is mostly flat and well developed. And even if you don't want to or can't walk it in its entirety, there are suitable alternatives, which we present below.
Why guests love the Seerundweg:
- Directly on the water: no long climbs, continuous lake view
- Easily accessible: start possible from numerous points around the lake
- Barrier-free: Large parts also accessible with baby carriages or wheelchairs
- Varied: forests, stretches of shore, small bays and viewpoints
The facts about the Seerundweg
Before you lace up your hiking boots, here is the most important data at a glance:
- Route length: Exactly 17.76 kilometers around the lake
- Estimated walking time: About 5 hours and 45 minutes (pure walking time)
- Altitude meters: Minimal (approx. 100 vertical meters in total)
- Difficulty level: Easy to medium
- Route: Almost continuously directly on the shore
- Best time: Accessible all year round, particularly beautiful April-October
Did you know? The Schluchsee is Germany's largest electricity reservoir! With a capacity of 108 million cubic meters of water, it is used to generate electricity - and is also a local recreation area.
Starting point: Directly from the Auerhahn Hotel
Our hotel guests have it particularly easy: the lake trail leads directly past the Auerhahn. Start relaxed after a hearty breakfast in our Auerhahn Restaurant and after just a few meters you will find yourself on the hiking trail.
Flexible tour design - feasible for everyone
If the almost 18 kilometers are too far for you or if you notice on the way that the weather is not playing along, you can only walk part of the route. The rest of the way can be comfortably covered on the Schluchsee steamer "MS Schluchsee". The ship also likes to call itself a "hiking cab".
The shipping options:
- Complete lake tour: 50-minute trip around the entire lake
- Partial routes: travel to individual stops (Seebrugg, Aha, Schluchsee)
- Combi-ticket: half hike, half ride - ideal for families
Alternative: Take a shortcut by train
Alternatively, it is also possible to shorten part of the route by train - from the stations in Seebrugg, Schluchsee or Aha. The Dreiseenbahn runs regularly and makes the lake circuit extremely flexible to plan.
And that's exactly what makes this circular lake trail so special: many people can enjoy it - regardless of whether they are of an advanced age or have physical limitations. The Schluchsee welcomes everyone.
After the hike: wellness & relaxation
What could be better than soaking up the soothing warmth of our Finnish sauna or bio-sauna after 17.76 kilometers of hiking? At the Auerhahn Hotel, we combine activity in nature with first-class wellness comfort.
Our tip for the perfect hiking and wellness day:
- In the morning: Extensive breakfast (from 7:30 am)
- In the morning: start of the lake circuit hike
- Lunch: stop at the Unterkrummenhof
- Afternoon: return to the hotel, sauna & relaxation area
- Evening: Gourmet dinner in the Auerhahn restaurant
This combination of exercise and relaxation makes the Black Forest a unique vacation destination - especially for guests who appreciate nature and enjoyment in equal measure.
Ready for your hike?
Fancy a hike around the Schluchsee? Then lace up your hiking boots - the trail is already waiting for you! As a hotel guest at the Auerhahn, you can start right outside the front door and head straight to the wellness area after your tour.
Ready for 17.76 kilometers of nature, refreshments and lake views? Book your hiking package with wellness now and experience the Schluchsee from its most beautiful side.
For all those who want to hike for several days: Our packages combine comfortable accommodation, half board and unlimited wellness access - the perfect setting for your active vacation in the Black Forest.
