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.

1956
Group photo of staff. The Bürk family (far right) managed the Mummelsee Hotel for a total of 50 years.

1963
Picture: Helmut Kohlmeier

1971
St. Michael’s Chapel rebuilt.
Death of the tenant (Bürk).
The Bürk family continue to run the hotel until 1977.

1978
Hotel taken over by Schwarzwälder Gaststättenbetriebe, run by Roland and Anita Dieterle and family.

1981
Opening of annex on the east side on the foundation of the former terrace.

1986-1990
Major building and renovation works in the hotel, including renovation of guest rooms.

1993
Roof added to terrace on the lake.

2008
Bärbel and Karl-Heinz Müller and family take over the hotel from their parents.

2008
After a devastating fire, the hotel is totally destroyed, and has to be completely demolished.

2009
Ground breaking ceremony for the new Berghotel Mummelsee.

2010
Berghotel Mummelsee re-opens.

2012
Wellness Spa opens.

2012
Opening of the meeting rooms.

2014
Building of an accessible path around the lake.