Berghotel Mummelsee – Our history

This image dating from 1640 gives a striking picture of the position of the tarn at the foot of the Hornisgrinde. According to the artist’s imagination, the lake is inhabited not by water sprites but by giant mythical lizard-like creatures.

1872

The shelter on the Mummelsee served food and drink for the first time in the summer of 1872.

1893

Opening celebration of the Mummelsee Hotel on 15 August 1893.

1899

The lake can only be reached on foot. The hotel is closed in winter.

1912

A summer’s day at the Mummelsee in 1912.

until 1927

Numerous changes of owners. The Bürk family arrives at Mummelsee. Bad road conditions, bad business. Skiers only at weekends.

1930

Right up until the spring of 1930, water still had to be carried up to the rooms in jugs.

1932

Construction of youth hostel. First phase of Black Forest Hochstrasse scenic route.

1933

Second phase of Black Forest Hochstrasse scenic route to the Ruhestein pass. Construction of a chapel as a mark of gratitude for recovery from serious illness. Temporary boycott of travel by the KdF (Nazi leisure organisation).

1940

During World War 2: House used for children’s evacuation programme, youth hostel used for training courses for soldiers in the Luftwaffe. Bomb damage.

1945

House requisitioned by occupying forces.

1949

Youth hostel burned down; rebuilt again in four months. Occupying forces intend to fill in the lake and create a military training area.

1955

House derequisitioned, fundamental renovation; old part of the house demolished and rebuilt. Removal of garages by the lake, the guard house, the heating block and the barbed wire.

Demolition of new youth hostel to make way for road improvement. Construction of staff quarters. Replanting by lakeside. Tourism slowly re-establishes itself.