Ebnisee in danger: shutdown and 2027 swimming season before the end!

Ebnisee in danger: shutdown and 2027 swimming season before the end!

Ebnisee, the largest lake in the Swabian Forest, is facing a significant transformation that will have far-reaching consequences for bathers and the surrounding area. The lake is not only a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, but also has historical roots as part of the firewood supply system for Stuttgart. Today the Ebnisee is affected by a carpet of algae that takes up around a quarter of the lake's surface, which indicates good water quality. However, there are significant challenges caused by sludge deposits on the bottom of the water, which forces the authorities to take measures. According to the Stuttgart newspaper, ForstBW and The Ebniseeverein therefore decided to gradually drain the lake in order to initiate a partial desludging measure.

The desiltation of Lake Ebnisee is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026 and will be partially carried out in 2027. The aim of this measure is to carry out a technical inspection of the dam and reduce the sediment, which has accumulated to around 10,000 cubic meters since 2015. However, bathers will be disappointed because it is foreseeable that the 2027 bathing season will practically be canceled. The lake is scheduled to be refilled in autumn 2027, but regular bathing operations will not be possible again until summer 2028 at the earliest. ForstBW is creating a reserve of 800,000 euros for the measures, with the cost estimate being 640,000 euros.

Extensive measures to secure the future

The current challenges not only affect bathing operations, but also the long-term viability of Lake Ebni as a resort. The ForstBW and the Ebnisee Association are committed to preserving the lake and have renewed their long-standing cooperation. The aim is to preserve Lake Ebnisee as a place of relaxation and nature experience for future generations. The planned measures include not only the desludging of the lake, but also renovations of the access roads and new educational offerings to keep the lake attractive. Despite the disruption, both organizations recognize the importance of Lake Ebnisee for the region and have decided to invest over half a million euros in the sustainable future of the lake, as BKZ reports.

As part of the preparatory measures and planning that began in 2024, species protection monitoring has been running since January 2025. These steps are necessary to protect the lake's ecology while the phased release occurs. For nature conservation reasons, complete desludging is ruled out; Rather, partial desludging is carried out in order to take into account the egg-laying places of the local fish species. Protection requirements require that no interventions take place between the end of February and the end of August.

Ebdinsee as a leisure resort for everyone

However, Lake Ebnisee is not only known for its water quality, but also for the numerous leisure activities it offers. From rowing boats to hiking in the surrounding nature, visitors can find numerous opportunities for recreation. The lake covers an area of ​​6.7 hectares and offers a maximum depth of 4.75 meters. In winter, sports enthusiasts can ice skate on the frozen water, while in summer there are barbecue areas and lawns for sunbathing. Particular attention is paid to accessibility: the lake is wheelchair accessible and offers appropriate toilets and baby changing rooms, as explained on Experience Region Stuttgart.

Overall, it is clear that the planned measures are of central importance both for Lake Ebnisee and for interested visitors. The balance between nature conservation and maintaining it as a recreational destination must be found in order to secure Lake Ebnisee for future generations.