Erzgrube lies directly beside Vorsee Lake at the Nagold Dam Reservoir; the surrounding protected landscape covers 650 hectares. The village is shaped by its direct connection to the water and the protected landscape. Activities on the lake are complemented by a short nature trail and a longer circular hike. When planning your visit, you can choose to focus on the water, wildlife observation or a longer excursion.
Water Activities on Vorsee Lake and the Main Lake
You can swim in Vorsee Lake; swimming is restricted to this area. Sailing and windsurfing are limited to the main lake and the period from April 1 to September 30. You can also row, kayak and fish on the lake. The distinction between Vorsee Lake and the main lake is important when choosing a water activity. The seasonal window applies to sailing and windsurfing; swimming is restricted to Vorsee Lake. Check local rules and seasonal access before your trip.
Kingfisher Trail and Circular Hike
The Kingfisher Trail starts at the kingfisher information pavilion. This easy trail is about 500 meters long and passes a biotope, an insect hotel and viewing platforms. Children can enjoy a water-play area featuring a miniature Nagold River about 100 meters long. Nature stations and viewpoints complement the water activities for children, without requiring a long hike.
Those who want to hike farther can take a moderate 12.1-kilometer circular route. It starts in Erzgrube on SeestraĂźe and combines views over the Nagold Dam Reservoir and the Nagold Valley with the GroĂźe Tannen nature reserve, the Bannwald protected forest and the dam. The Kingfisher Trail and water playground are also stops along the route. Trail conditions and signage may change; check both before setting out.
The longer route also includes the Kingfisher Trail and water playground. This means the circular hike combines the shorter attractions with additional stops. In direct comparison, the Kingfisher Trail is about 500 meters long and easy, while the circular hike is 12.1 kilometers long and moderate.
For planning purposes, you can organize your stay around two questions. For water activities, the activity and the relevant part of the lake matter, as does the time window for sailing or windsurfing. For trails, the difference comes down to distance and difficulty: about 500 meters and easy versus 12.1 kilometers and moderate. This will help you decide whether to focus on water activities or a longer hike.
Getting Around and Getting There
There are six public and two private parking areas in the Nagold Dam Reservoir area. There is an observation tower at the kingfisher information pavilion. Public toilets are located at the Nagold inlet and in parking areas 2, 4 and 6. As facilities may change, check their status before setting out.
Public transport options for the Erzgrube hiking route include VGF bus route 7787 and the Freudenstadt–Seewald leisure bus. Bus services and timetables may change; check the current connections before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Glatten, Alpirsbach, Kniebis, Schopfloch, Horb am Neckar, Empfingen, Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach, Waldachtal
Go to the main travel overview: Freudenstadt.
