Roklanský Lake is one of three glacial lakes in the Bavarian Forest — and by far the most remote and atmospheric of them all. Nestled at the foot of the Großer Rachel peak, it can only be reached on foot, making every visit feel like a genuine wilderness experience.

The lake's dark brown surface hides a depth of up to 13.5 metres, and its steep rocky walls lend it an almost otherworldly, brooding quality. The surrounding ancient forest has not had a single tree felled since the area was declared a nature reserve in 1918 — fallen trunks, moss-covered boulders and the quiet murmur of the Seebach stream create an atmosphere you simply won't find anywhere near a car park. Spring brings a slow awakening to the forest, summer wraps the lake in deep green, autumn turns the slopes into a blaze of colour, and winter transforms the whole scene into a frozen, fairy-tale landscape — every season offers something special here.

• Starting point near the trailheads around St. Oswald-Riedlhütte — walking trail to the lake, approx. 1–1.5 hrs, moderate
• From the summit of Großer Rachel — descend south to the lake, short and scenic, moderate

• The lake lies within the Bavarian Forest National Park — nature protection rules apply and leaving the marked trail is prohibited
• The old-growth forest surrounding the lake can only be explored on the designated nature trail (Urwaldlehrpfad)
• A small shelter — the Rachelsee-Schutzhütte — stands on the southern shore
• No road access to the lake; hiking is the only option

Local legend claims the lake's depths are home to cursed souls who stir when disturbed, and 19th-century naturalists swore there were no fish in these black waters. Today we know that life exists here — caddisfly and dragonfly larvae, algae and mosses — but the lake still holds onto its mystery.