Čertovo Lake
Železná Ruda, Czechia
A dark glacial lake below a steep forested slope in the Šumava mountains, reached by a woodland hike from the road. Wear sturdy shoes, as the path is rocky, and expect the quiet to break on busy summer weekends.
Čertovo jezero (Devil's Lake) in the Bohemian Forest is a glacial lake from the Ice Age. Its moraines are preserved and are regarded as evidence of Quaternary glaciation; cirques and boulder fields surround the lake. The area is a national nature reserve and part of the Královská Šumava Geopark. The main European watershed runs between Čertovo jezero and the nearby Černé jezero: water from Devil's Lake flows via the Danube to the Black Sea, while that of Black Lake flows to the North Sea.
The walk starts at the Špičácké sedlo car park. The loop takes about 2 hours 40 minutes, climbs 231 m and is rated moderate; wear sturdy footwear. You must not leave the marked paths. If you have more time, continue 1.5 km to the lookout tower on Špičák (1,202 m). According to the Czech Geological Survey, vehicles are only allowed into the area with a permit.
- Nearest town
- Železná Ruda, Czechia
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 49.1767, 13.1831
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Czechia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Autocamp Železná RudaCampsite6 km from Čertovo LakeTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- TröpplkellerCampsite18 km from Čertovo LakeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Zwiesel GrenzlandfestplatzMotorhome stopover19 km from Čertovo Lake · 12 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Annín Tree Park CampCampsite23 km from Čertovo LakeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Adventure Camp SchnitzmühleCampsite23 km from Čertovo LakeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Adventure Camp Bad KötztingCampsite23 km from Čertovo Lake · 35 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Czechia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Čertovo Lake?
Čertovo Lake is in Železná Ruda, Czechia, at GPS 49.1767, 13.1831. It is about 10 km from Lam.
Can you camp near Čertovo Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Autocamp Železná Ruda, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Čertovo Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Großer Arbersee (8 km), Bavarian Forest Tree Top Walk (39 km), St Bartholomew’s Cathedral (65 km) and Walhalla (72 km).
When is the best time to visit Čertovo Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)