It is the only lake in the Bohemian Forest located on the Elbe River drainage basin, meaning its water flows toward the North Sea.
The name 'Devil's Lake' originates from a local legend regarding a girl who supposedly dragged a devil into the depths to escape his clutches.
The lake basin was formed by the erosion of a glacier during the last ice age, leaving behind a 300-meter-high moraine wall.
Water from the lake is extremely acidic, which prevents the presence of standard fish populations common in neighboring ponds.
The lake is situated on the southern slope of the Jezerní hora mountain, which reaches an altitude of 1,343 meters.
Čertovo jezero, located in the Šumava National Park, is the largest glacial lake in the Czech Republic by surface area. It sits at an elevation of 1,030 meters beneath the steep slopes of Jezerní hora mountain. The lake covers 10.33 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 36.7 meters. It is part of the protected Černé a Čertovo jezero nature reserve, established to preserve unique forest ecosystems and glacial landforms. The water drains into the Jezerní potok, which eventually feeds the Úhlava River. The lake is one of only two glacial lakes in the Bohemian Forest that drain into the North Sea, rather than the Black Sea, due to its location on the main European watershed. The site is accessible only via marked hiking trails, as swimming and water contact are strictly prohibited to protect the fragile aquatic environment.
The elevated lookout points on the trail leading down toward the lake shore.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the trails can be muddy and steep.
Bring enough water and snacks, as there are no refreshment stalls or facilities once you leave the trailheads.
Start your hike early to avoid afternoon crowds on the narrow forest paths.
Attempting to swim or wade in the water, which is prohibited to protect the lake's ecological balance.
Trails may be restricted or closed during winter months due to heavy snow accumulation and avalanche risks on steep slopes.
Stay strictly on marked trails, do not enter the water, and carry out all trash to comply with national park regulations.
