Černé and Čertovo jezero (Black and Devil’s Lake)

The national nature reserve of Černé a Čertovo jezero is situated in an unspoilt part of Šumava and is one of the most visited tourist destinations of the entire mountain range. With an area of 18.43 ha the Černé jezero is the largest lake in Šumava and the Bavarian Forest. The deepest point (40.5 m) lies directly below the 335 metre high wall of Jezerní Mountain. It is home to many rare fauna and flora. Čertovo jezero is the second largest in Šumava and the Bavarian Forest. The boundary of the main European watershed runs between it and Černé jezero, so Čertovo jezero drains into the Black Sea, whilst Černé jezero drains into the North Sea in the opposite direction. Neither of these lakes have anyfish. All 8 of the region’s lakes (5 on the Czech and 3 on the Bavarian side) are of glacial origin. Černé jezero is roughly 3.5 km from Špičácké sedlo and has a marked hiking trail that is not demanding, this then continues about 2.5 km along a more demanding hiking trail to Čertovo jezero (a total circuit of about 8.5 km)