Ever wondered about a lake born from ambition, yet humbled by nature? That’s the story of Reutemattensee. This lake in Freiburg’s Tiengen district is also known as Tiengener See.
Reutemattensee’s story begins in 1969 and 1970. Envisioned as a sprawling 20 to 25-hectare lake, it was meant to be much larger. However, the grand plan never fully materialized. What remains is a modest one-hectare Baggersee. It has a maximum depth of two meters.
The Reutemattensee owes its existence to the extraction of gravel. This gravel played a vital role in vineyard restructuring on the Tuniberg. Imagine the irony. A lake created to aid vineyards now offers a different kind of sustenance.
In 1973, an attempt was made to improve the Reutemattensee’s water quality by diverting the Kuhlagerbächle into it. This well-intentioned effort backfired. Instead of purification, the stream introduced unwanted organic material. Leaves and mud worsened the water quality. The Kuhlagerbächle was redirected.
Concerns arose that the Reutemattensee might be on the verge of ecological collapse. Further investigations thankfully dispelled these fears. Today, the Reutemattensee serves as an angling spot.
Anglers cast their lines hoping to catch the lake’s residents. The Reutemattensee is home to various fish species. These include pike, carp, and tench. These fish find refuge among the dense plants.
Once a popular swimming spot, the Reutemattensee has transformed. Overgrown with aquatic plants, it is less suitable for swimming. Still, the area around the lake offers green spaces for picnics.
You will find an interesting detail near the Reutemattensee. There is a public grill. The Reutemattensee is located between Tiengen and the Freiburg Süd autobahn exit.