Mario Bürki

Die Sage vom Mummelsee

In the immediate vicinity of the Black Forest National Park lies Neusatz, home of the traditional costume band "Grüne Jäger", founded in 1896. As a wine-growing community, the village stretches from the foothills up into the picturesque scenery of the northern Black Forest to the Hochkopf, at 1,038 m the highest point in the Neusatz district. Just a few kilometers away at the foot of the Hornisgrinde lies the Mummelsee.

The Mummelsee legend

This mysterious cirque lake was long considered unfathomably deep and terrifying. The spirit of the lake threatened anyone who tried to explore its depths with death. The legend of Lake Mummel tells of a magnificent, crystal castle in the depths of the lake. There live the little mummies, lovely creatures of rosy beauty. Every night they rise to the surface of the dark waters and perform a lovely dance to the sound of instruments. Once upon a time, the little mice often came down into the valley and helped the farmers in their homes and farms. But as soon as the stars were out, they had to be back at the castle. One of the beautiful damsels fell in love with a young farmer's son from the neighboring Achertal valley. When it was church fair in the valley again, the mermaid came down to the inn. The little girl danced one dance after another with her beloved and forgot all about time. Suddenly, ten o'clock struck on the tower and they both hurried up the mountain forest. When they came to the lake, she said in a sad voice: "Now we will probably never see each other again, because I will have to die. Wait a while longer on the shore. If blood rises from the depths, I will have lost my life; if not, I will soon be with you again." She took a willow rod and struck the water three times with it. Then it parted and a marble-white staircase appeared, leading the little girl down into the crystal castle. It was a dark night and after a while a small, dark wave rose from the lake - the blood of the little mouse who had to die for his love.