Čertovo jezero: The Devilishly Beautiful Lake

Čertovo jezero, translated as Devil's Lake, is one of the most captivating natural wonders within the Šumava National Park. This glacial lake, situated on the southeastern slope of Jezerní hora (Lake Mountain), sits at an elevation of 1,030 meters. Covering an area of approximately 10.3 hectares and reaching a depth of nearly 37 meters, it is the second largest lake in the Šumava region. The lake's mystique is amplified by the dark, almost black, appearance of its waters, a result of the reflection of the surrounding ancient spruce forests. These forests, untouched by human hands, create a primeval atmosphere, adding to the lake's allure. The bottom of the lake consists of bedrock covered by a thick layer of sludge, composed of pollen deposited over thousands of years. Local legend attributes the lake's origin to a battle between a brave girl and a devil. According to the tale, the devil attempted to drag the girl to hell but was defeated and drowned in a pit he carved out during the struggle, thus forming the lake. This legend contributes to the lake's intriguing name and enduring mystique. Čertovo jezero is part of the Černé a Čertovo jezero National Nature Reserve, established in 1911. The lake is fed by two small streams and drains into the Jezerní potok (Lake Stream), which flows into the Black Sea. Interestingly, the main European watershed runs between Čertovo jezero and the nearby Černé jezero (Black Lake), with Čertovo jezero belonging to the Black Sea drainage basin and Černé jezero to the North Sea basin. While Čertovo jezero is slightly less accessible than Černé jezero, its pristine beauty and tranquil setting make it a rewarding destination for those seeking a connection with nature.