Erzgrube: Swimming Areas, Water Sports and Hiking Trails

Erzgrube at the upstream reservoir

Erzgrube is directly next to the upstream reservoir of the Nagold Dam, which is surrounded by a 650-hectare protected landscape area. The lake and protected landscape provide the setting for a stay. The trails and the lake’s different uses are also central to planning a trip; for water activities, the area and season matter.

Swimming and water sports

You can swim in the upstream reservoir at the Nagold Dam; swimming is restricted to this area. Sailing and windsurfing are permitted only on the main lake, and only from April 1 to September 30. Rowing, kayaking and fishing are also among the activities available at the lake. If you are coming specifically to sail or windsurf, the designated season is an important factor when choosing your dates. For swimming, by contrast, it is essential to head to the upstream reservoir. Check local conditions before your visit if a particular activity is important to your trip.

From the Kingfisher Trail to the circular hike

The easy Kingfisher Trail, about 500 meters long, starts at the Kingfisher Information Pavilion. Its features include a biotope, an insect hotel and viewing platforms. There is also a water play area for children with a miniature Nagold River about 100 meters long. The second trail is a moderate 12.1-kilometer circular hike that starts in Erzgrube on Seestraße. It combines views over the Nagold Dam and Nagold Valley with the Große Tannen nature reserve, the Bannwald protected forest, the dam, the Kingfisher Trail and the water playground. The short route thus brings together natural features and viewpoints with water play, while the longer hike combines scenic views with several landscape and structure-related highlights. The routes differ clearly in distance and difficulty: about 500 meters on the easy trail or 12.1 kilometers on the moderate loop. Trail conditions and signage on the longer route may change; check them before setting out. A biotope is a habitat for plants and animals.

Getting around and getting there

There are six public and two private parking areas in the Nagold Dam area. A viewing tower is located at the information pavilion. Public toilets are available at the Nagold inflow and at parking areas 2, 4 and 6. For planning the Erzgrube hiking route, you can consider VGF bus route 7787 and the Freudenstadt–Seewald leisure bus as public transport options. Check the timetable and local conditions before travelling.

Planning your trip and finding a hotel

First decide which activity matters most to you, then look for hotels for your planned stay.

Discover more destinations: Freudenstadt, Empfingen, Waldachtal, Pfalzgrafenweiler, Alpirsbach, Seewald, Reinerzau, Horb am Neckar.

Back to the main travel guide: Freudenstadt.