Schwarzsee (German for “Black Lake”) is a mountain lake situated in the municipality of Blatten, in the Lötschental valley of the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The lake lies within the Bernese Alps, at an altitude of approximately 2 500 metres (8 200 ft) above sea level. It is one of several alpine lakes in the region that share the name Schwarzsee.
Geography
- Location: Blatten, Lötschental, Valais, Switzerland.
- Coordinates: Approximately 46°22′N 7°45′E (exact coordinates vary among sources).
- Elevation: Roughly 2 500 m (8 200 ft).
- Surface area: Reported values range from 0.015 km² to 0.020 km²; precise measurement is not consistently documented.
- Maximum depth: Estimates range between 10 m and 13 m; definitive data are lacking.
Hydrology
The lake is fed primarily by melt‑water from surrounding snowfields and small glaciers in the Lötschental region. Its outflow contributes to the local watershed that eventually joins the Lonza River, a tributary of the Rhone.
Ecology
Schwarzsee is located within an alpine environment characterized by cold‑tolerant flora such as alpine grasses, dwarf shrubs, and occasional edelweiss. Aquatic life includes typical high‑altitude species of cold‑water fish, though comprehensive biological surveys are not widely published.
Access and Recreation
The lake is accessible via marked hiking trails that originate in the village of Blatten and ascend through the Lötschental valley. It is a popular destination for day hikers, nature observers, and occasional anglers. No permanent facilities are present at the lake itself; visitors generally rely on the amenities of Blatten.
Protection Status
The surrounding area is part of the broader conservation framework of the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments, but the lake does not have a separate legal protection designation identifiable in publicly available records.
Cultural and Historical Notes
The name “Schwarzsee” (black lake) is a common toponym in German‑speaking Alpine regions, typically referring to the dark appearance of the water caused by depth, mineral content, or surrounding shadowed terrain. No notable historical events or cultural assets directly associated with Schwarzsee (Blatten) are documented in major encyclopedic sources.
References
- Swiss Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo) maps.
- Canton of Valais geographic data portals.
- Hiking guidebooks covering the Lötschental valley.
Note: While basic geographic and hydrologic information about Schwarzsee (Blatten) is documented, detailed quantitative data (e.g., exact surface area, depth, and water chemistry) are limited in publicly available encyclopedic references.