Best attractions and places to see around Witznau-Stausee are defined by the region's natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The Witznau Reservoir, nestled within the Schwarza Valley, is a central feature, characterized by its deep gorge and dramatic cliff walls. The area offers extensive opportunities for hiking and cycling, alongside notable modern infrastructure such as power plants and bridges. The landscape provides diverse terrain for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Highlight • Lake
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Highlight • Bridge
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Highlight • Monument
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Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Wonderful route. Best hiked uphill along the river. ATTENTION: The route is completely closed to EVERYONE (including hikers and cyclists) from August 18th to October 31st, 2025, due to rockfall, construction, and slope stabilization work!
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20240720 Update: The bridge is currently closed (renovation). A detour is signposted. The road at the power station itself is closed due to a (fairly massive) quarry. However, it can be bypassed on foot.
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October 2023 - there is no longer any closure. You can cycle through it. It's really a beautiful area here.
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A beautiful reservoir is nestled in a valley. You can ride a bike out the back and continue riding, even if there is a dead end sign at the entrance. This only applies to cars. It is most beautiful in summer as it is usually cool and shady there.
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A true gem for the leisurely cyclist. Perfectly suited for road bikes, albeit a bit bumpy (as of May 2023), you won't hear a single motorized vehicle in this valley, not even in the distance. In my opinion, it's especially enjoyable on the comfortable 2-5% uphill sections, as the downhill sections aren't high-speed and: Increased attention is required on the downhill sections, as there are some quite deep (5 cm) ruts that run roughly in the direction of travel and pose a certain risk of falling.
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This road leads through the core zone of the Schwarzatal nature reserve – it is completely car-free, easy to drive on and offers plenty of beautiful spots to rest and linger.
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This picture from the upper end of the lake gives a good indication of the many great views and panoramic views of this circular hike. The sections from Berau to Allmut and the ascent from the Schwarzatal to Berau were good, sometimes challenging hiking trails (when going up or down, absolute surefootedness and really sturdy hiking shoes are required; hiking poles are helpful). In between, the path was concreted or asphalted. Unfortunately, there was not a single bench or picnic area in the entire Schwarzatal section and the ascent to the Fischbrünnleweg; there is still potential for optimization. Fortunately, the small wooden bridge was in good condition and could be used as a rest area.
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The region is dominated by the stunning natural beauty of the Witznau Reservoir on the Schwarza, also known as Schwazastausee. It's nestled within the deep, broad Schwarza Valley, characterized by its steeply rising cliff walls. You can also enjoy the tranquil sounds of the Wolfbach and Schwarza rivers, with rest areas and even a barbecue spot available.
Yes, the area offers numerous trails. For an easier option, consider the "Schluuus Weg Trail – Witznaustausee Wasserfall Runde" or the "Berauer Halde Waterfalls – Schluuus Weg Trail loop." A moderate hike offering great views is the "Blick auf den Witznaustausee – Hutweg-Trail bei Berau Runde." You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Witznau-Stausee guide.
The region is excellent for cycling. A highlight is the Schwarzatalstraße, a car-free road that winds along the Schwarza river through the core zone of the Schwarzatal nature reserve. It offers beautiful spots to rest and is suitable for various cycling types, including road bikes. For more routes, check out the Cycling around Witznau-Stausee guide.
Beyond the natural beauty, you can find significant modern infrastructure. The Retschengraben Bridge and Witznau Power Station are prominent landmarks. Additionally, the Schluchsee Hydroelectric Power Station is noted for its idyllic and impressive setting as part of a beautifully situated reservoir.
The terrain around Witznau-Stausee is diverse, ranging from easy, flat paths along the reservoir and rivers to more challenging ascents. For instance, the Schluweweg Witznau Trail offers a beautiful, albeit steep, ascent from the reservoir. The area's glacial history has created a landscape with deep ravines and varying elevations.
Yes, the diverse terrain supports mountain biking. There are several MTB trails available, such as the "Witznau Mill – Gasthaus Rössle Berau loop" or the "Schwarzastausee Dam – Pipelines of Kraftwerk Häusern loop." You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around Witznau-Stausee guide.
Visitors frequently praise the idyllic and very quiet atmosphere of the Witznau Reservoir on the Schwarza and the scenic routes along its flanks. The car-free Schwarzatalstraße is also highly regarded for its peaceful cycling experience and beautiful resting spots.
The Witznau-Stausee region is primarily known for its natural environment and modern technical marvels rather than traditional cultural or historical sites. The focus of attractions leans towards outdoor recreation and the impressive engineering of the power plants and bridges integrated into the landscape.
No, swimming in the Witznau Reservoir is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns. The lake is a pumped-storage reservoir, and water levels can change rapidly.
The region is beautiful year-round for outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. In winter, when conditions allow, you can even enjoy sports like skiing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing.
While specific 'family_friendly' highlights are limited to the Schluchsee Hydroelectric Power Station, many of the easier hiking and cycling trails, especially the car-free Schwarzatalstraße, are suitable for families looking to enjoy nature together. The tranquil environment and scenic routes provide a great setting for outdoor family outings.
It's always a good idea to check for current information before your visit. For example, the Retschengraben Bridge has undergone renovation work, and the Schwarzatalstraße has had temporary closures due to rockfall. You can often find updates on local tourism websites like Schwarzwald Tourismus.


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