Devil's Lake
Čertovo jezero
A mysterious glacial lake in the Šumava mountains, unique for draining into the Danube basin and shrouded in ancient legends of the devil.

📜 A glacial lake in the Šumava mountains, part of a National Nature Reserve established in 1911.
🏞️ Unique as the only Šumava lake draining into the Danube basin, flowing to the Black Sea.
😈 Shrouded in legend, with tales of a devil carving its valley and strange figures emerging.

Why Go

🌊 Discover a mysterious glacial lake at 1030m altitude, 9.7ha area, and 36m max depth.
🚶‍♀️ Experience a scenic, challenging hike through a National Nature Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna.
🗺️ Stand at the main European watershed between the Elbe and Danube basins, with Černé jezero just 1.5 km away.
❄️ Witness one of the few places in Šumava where avalanches occur on lake walls.
🧐 Observe the unique "pulsating" outflow phenomenon caused by winds.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Access is not easy and unsuitable for cyclists, who often need to carry their bikes.
⛰️ The most common route involves a steep, rocky path.

Cost

💰 Admission is free.

Getting There

🚶‍♀️ The most common route is a steep, rocky path from the dam of Černé jezero, leading to the 'Na rozvodí' crossroads (European watershed), then a more manageable path to the lake.
➡️ From Špičák: follow the yellow trail for 3.5 km.
➡️ From Železná Ruda: take the blue trail for 2.5 km to the Adolf Kašpar memorial, then the red trail for 3 km (total 5.5 km).
➡️ From Špičácké sedlo parking: follow the yellow tourist mark for about 2.5 km.

Hiking

⏱️ Suggested time for a visit is 1.5 hours.
🚴‍♀️ Cyclists can return via Bumbálka and Čertova Chata to Špičák and Železná Ruda (5.5 km).
🚶‍♀️ Pedestrians can continue on the red trail to Černé jezero or yellow to Špičák.

Managed By

ℹ️ Environmentální a turistické informační centrum Železná Ruda.
🌳 The surrounding 152 ha protected area was established in 1911 by Prince Hohenzollern.