This was once the most isolated lake high up in the Black Forest at an elevation of 3,399 feet. Located in a ravine at the foot of the “Hornisgrinde” mountain, the almost round Mummelsee is geographically speaking like a circus from the last Ice Age. Its dark and abysmal waters cover an area of about 9 hectares and reach almost 60 meters deep. But there is more than its location and impressive depth. Since the days of old, people have told stories about who lives in the lake, in the background, in resplendent palaces and mansions. It is King Mummelsee who rules over his wet kingdom and strictly watches over “Mummeln”, his lively and beautiful band of nymphs who love to roam the human world.
“Mummeln” is a difficult word to explain. It is a local term for the “water lilies” that used to grow in abundance in the lake. According to local tradition, they turned into beautiful nymphs at dusk and are also often called “Mummeln or “Mümmlein”, which refers to the sound of the waters as the winds ripple down from the Hornisgrinde. Whatever the etymological root of Mummelsee is really the name, the people who live around the lake have formed a close relationship with its mythical inhabitants over the centuries. That is why Mummelsee is the scene of more legends and tales than any other lake in the Black forest.
You should definitely know a few rules before you visit the lake: never throw stones (or anything else) into the water or you will feel the wrath of King Mummelsee! In a matter of minutes, thunder, lightning, torrential rain and storms will appear and ruin the day of everyone in the area. Oh, and the nymphs will return the stones to you! Garbage, you say, or maybe some weird local weather phenomenon. Maybe. But there are many accounts of such events going back hundreds of years. In particular, a report from some 250 years ago when the Margrave of Baden himself visited the lake together with his party-loving entourage. After feasting and drinking on the shores of the lake, they began to throw things into the lake. A terrible storm broke out and ravaged the area for no less than 7 days. The margrave’s party fled in horror as a terrible bestial monster rose from the waves that had never been seen before. That was probably King Mummelsee himself to his anger because there are not even passing mentions of a monster in the lake and no one has ever believed that something like Nessie’s little cousin lives in Mummelsee.
But it is the home of the ethereal fairy-like nymphs, the Mümmlein. They are friendly and helpful in nature, but again, you need to know how to treat them well. At dusk, you can see them dancing on the dark surface of the lake. Among the people living near the lake, the Mümmleins were always welcome guests: they came early in the morning to help in the fields and stables, they also attend weddings, bring wonderful gifts and join in the dancing. There are many stories of young people who fell in love with the nymphs, but these always end tragically as the king of Mummelsee expects his nymphs to return to the bottom of the lake at night… so when they say goodbye to you, they must return . to his master and must not be late. Don’t follow them to the lake. The king does not like human curiosity and he will punish the nymphs for it. You may suddenly see blood in the waves…
When you take a short walk around the lake and gaze at the dark waters, you begin to believe in nymphs, palaces at the bottom of the lake, and the reign of a cranky lake king. Over the years, tourists have discovered the Mummelsee and there are some tourist infrastructures here, of course, like the venerable “Berghotel”, where you should enjoy a piece of Black Forest cake after the hike. Many visitors come here on tours of the Black Forest. But even on busy days, you will always find a place on the coast where you can feel the tranquility of the place. It is incredibly beautiful on a sunny day when the calm surface reflects the blue sky. But it’s even more impressive in the fall when mists gather over the lake just above the surface and you can hear the wind in the trees. It is at these times that the mystical nature of Mummelsee really comes to light.
If you travel through the Black Forest, do not forget to visit this wonderful place. It will refresh and inspire you! And if you come with us on a day trip to the Black Forest, you’ll hear all the intriguing legends that make this place so special!