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 spoken of as a circus from the last Ice Age. Its dark and abysmal waters cover an area of about 9 acres and reach almost 60 feet deep. But there is more to it than its location and impressive depth. Since the days of yore, people have told stories about who lives on the lake, in the background, in gleaming palaces and mansions. It is King Mummelsee who rules his wet kingdom and strictly watches over “Mummeln”, his merry and beautiful band of nymphs who love to wander the human world.
“Mummeln” is a difficult word to explain. It is a local term for “water lilies” that used to grow in abundance in the lake. According to local tradition, they would turn into beautiful nymphs at dusk and are often also called “Mummeln or” Mümmlein. “Some language experts say that the word” Mummel “is derived from the German word for” murmur, “which is” murmeln “. which refers to the sound of the waters when they are stirred by the winds coming from the Hornisgrinde. Whatever the etymological root of the name Mummelsee, the people who live around the lake have formed a close relationship with its mythical inhabitants throughout Over the centuries, it is the reason why Mummelsee is the scene of more legends and tales than any other lake in the Black Forest.
You certainly need to know a few rules before visiting the lake: never throw stones (or anything else, for that matter) 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 that will ruin everyone’s day in the area. Oh, and the nymphs will throw the stones at you! Trash, you say, or maybe some strange local weather phenomenon. Maybe. But there are many accounts of such events dating back hundreds of years. In particular, a report from some 250 years ago when Baden’s own margrave visited the lake along with his party-loving entourage. After partying and drinking by the lake, they started throwing things into the lake. A terrible storm broke out and swept the area for no less than 7 days. The margrave’s party fled in horror as a terrifying beast monster emerged from the waves like never before seen. That was probably the king of Mummelsee himself in 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 lived in Mummelsee.
But it is home to 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 who live near the lake, the Mümmlein were always welcome: they came early in the morning to help in the fields and stables, they also attend weddings, bring wonderful gifts and join in the dance. There are many stories of young men falling in love with nymphs, but these always end tragically as King Mummelsee expects his nymphs to return to the bottom of the lake at night … so when you are fired, they must return. to his master and he must not be late. Don’t follow them to the lake. The king does not like human curiosity and will punish nymphs for it. You may suddenly see blood in the waves …
When you take a short walk around the lake and gaze out at the dark waters, you begin to believe in the nymphs, the palaces at the bottom of the lake, and the reign of an irritable lake king. Over the years tourists have discovered the Mummelsee and there is some tourist infrastructure here, of course, such as the venerable “Berghotel”, where you must pamper yourself with 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 shore 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 the mists gather over the lake just above the surface and you hear the wind blowing through the trees. It is in these moments that the mystical nature of Mummelsee really comes to light.
If you travel through the Black Forest, be sure 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 will hear all the intriguing legends that make this place so special!