Christlessee, Mountain lake in Durach, Germany
Christlessee is a small lake near Durach in the Trettach Valley, sitting at around 916 meters above sea level in the Bavarian Alps. It is fed mainly by karst springs that rise directly from the lake floor, keeping the water cold year-round.
The lake has been a gathering spot for people in the region for a long time and became a popular destination as tourism grew in Bavaria during the 19th century. Over time, small facilities appeared around the shore to serve visitors.
On warm days, people gather at the shore to swim or simply sit by the water, making it a natural meeting point for the area. The café just north of the lake is a regular stop for walkers coming down from the surrounding hills.
A marked footpath from Mühlenbrücke bridge leads to the lake and the walk suits most fitness levels. A café on the north side of the water offers a place to stop after the walk.
Despite being in a mountain setting, the lake does not freeze in winter because the springs at its floor keep the water at around four to six degrees Celsius all year. This constant upward flow from below gives the lake an unusual character for a swimming spot.
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