The Ebertswiese mountain lake is idyllically located in the Flohseeligental valley in Thuringia and is one of the most beautiful hiking and excursion destinations in the region. This picturesque natural jewel, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Thuringian Forest”, captivates with its clear, turquoise water surface and the surrounding landscape of dense forests and rolling hills.

Origin and location

The Ebertswiese mountain lake lies at an altitude of around 730 meters in the Thuringian Forest biosphere reserve. The lake was originally created by human intervention: It was created at the beginning of the 20th century by the flooding of a former quarry where sandstone had previously been extracted. The abandonment of the quarry and the subsequent flooding by natural springs and rainwater eventually turned the area into the mountain lake we know today.

The Flohseeligental valley, in which the Ebertswiese mountain lake is located, is close to the village of Floh-Seligenthal in the district of Schmalkalden-Meiningen. It is around an hour's drive from the state capital of Erfurt, making the mountain lake a popular excursion destination for locals and tourists alike. The landscape of the valley and the surrounding Thuringian Forest offers a natural seclusion and tranquillity that attracts many visitors.

Nature around the mountain lake

The nature around the Ebertswiese mountain lake is impressive and offers a special atmosphere at any time of year. In spring and summer, the flora around the lake comes to life: Wildflowers bloom in the meadows, trees cloak themselves in fresh green and the wildlife shows itself in all its diversity. The water of the lake itself shimmers in an intense blue-green, which is further enhanced by the surrounding forests. The clear, still surface of the lake often reflects the surrounding landscape and sky, which makes for particularly beautiful photo opportunities.

In autumn, the trees turn bright red, yellow and orange, bathing the lake in a warm light and creating a very special atmosphere. Winter brings with it a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere, when snow and ice cover the lake and its surroundings in a white blanket. Another highlight around the lake is the waterfall at Ebertswiese. This natural waterfall offers a beautiful sight as it rushes over several steps into the depths and a gentle splashing fills the surroundings. The hiking trails around the mountain lake and the waterfall are well maintained and invite you to explore the area on foot and enjoy the beauty of nature to the full.

Hiking and relaxation

The Ebertswiese mountain lake is not only a picturesque place, but also a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. There are numerous hiking trails that are suitable for both experienced hikers and families with children. One of the most popular routes is the circular trail around the mountain lake, which is ideal for a relaxed hike. This trail allows you to enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surroundings to the full.

Various longer hikes are also possible from here, such as a tour on the Rennsteig, the famous high-altitude hiking trail in the Thuringian Forest, which runs very close to the lake. These hikes offer views of the rolling hills of the Thuringian Forest and allow visitors to get to know the diversity of the regional flora and fauna. There are also numerous benches and small picnic areas around the Ebertswiese mountain lake for people who simply want to unwind. At these spots, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lake and the clear, fresh air of the Thuringian Forest.

Swimming and leisure activities

In summer, the Ebertswiese mountain lake is also a popular destination for swimming enthusiasts. The clean, clear water is perfect for swimming and cooling off. As the lake is rather small and lies in a sheltered valley, the water warms up quite quickly in summer and is often at a pleasant temperature. There is also a small beach area where you can sunbathe or have a picnic.

In addition to swimming, the Ebertswiese mountain lake also offers opportunities for diving. The former quarry structure under the water surface offers interesting diving areas where there is plenty to discover. Although visibility under water is limited due to the natural conditions, the lake attracts visitors with unusual rock formations and a clear view into the depths.

For those looking for a sporting challenge, there is also climbing in the area. There are several climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty in the surrounding rocks, which are particularly popular with experienced climbers. Climbing not only offers a sporting challenge, but also spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna around the Ebertswiese mountain lake is diverse and typical of the Thuringian Forest. Numerous animal species live in the dense forests, including deer, foxes and many bird species. The trees around the lake consist mainly of spruce and beech trees, which provide ever-changing impressions as the seasons change.

There are also some rare plant species around the lake, including various orchid species and ferns, which thrive in the damp, shady areas. The botanical diversity also makes the Ebertswiese mountain lake interesting for plant lovers, who can observe rare species in their natural environment.

Significance for the region and tourism

The Ebertswiese mountain lake is not only a natural gem, but also of great importance for tourism in the region. The lake attracts numerous visitors every year who appreciate the beauty of nature and the variety of leisure activities on offer. The municipality of Floh-Seligenthal benefits from the visitors, who bring important economic impulses to the region through tourism.

In addition to the natural attractions, the mountain lake also offers a good infrastructure for tourists. There are several parking lots and catering facilities nearby, allowing visitors to take a pleasant break. The region is also committed to further developing sustainable tourism in order to protect the fragile nature around the mountain lake and make it accessible to future generations.

Conclusion

The Ebertswiese mountain lake in the Flohseeligental valley is a real gem in the Thuringian Forest and a place that combines tranquillity and nature experiences in an ideal way. Whether you want to hike, swim or simply enjoy the scenery - the lake and its surroundings offer something for everyone. The varied nature and numerous leisure activities make the Ebertswiese mountain lake a popular destination for day trips and longer stays.

The combination of pristine nature, cultural heritage and a well-developed hiking region makes Bergsee Ebertswiese a fascinating and inspiring place. Anyone who has been here once is sure to return, as the tranquil beauty of this mountain lake remains in the memory of many visitors for a long time to come.

Photos by @HomeArtPictures