Eichener See: Natural wonder reappears and fascinates the region!

Eichener See: Natural wonder reappears and fascinates the region!

A breathtaking natural phenomenon in the Lörrach district of Baden-Württemberg causes a stir: The Eichener See, also known as a Lake Eieem, unfolded its water again after it has disappeared for months. Located near the Eichen district of Schopfheim, this karstsee is a rare spectacle that is only visible under special circumstances. The underground water level fluctuates strongly and can be raised by rain or melting of snow. In the past hundred years it has only appeared about 20 times and then disappeared over the years. Most recently he was seen at the end of December 2023, and when it will be released again, is uncertain, such as the Schwäbische Zeitung reported.

a unique ecosystem

The Eichener See is geographically a doline that is located in a shell limestone and has no above-ground inflow. The animal species living there, the leaf foot cancer, which is considered the oldest animal species in the world, is particularly remarkable. This species requires special conditions for your life cycle, in which a phase of dryness is indispensable. The Eichener See represents the only secure location for this cancer across Europe, which makes its ecological aspects of great importance. In addition, it has been considered a natural monument since 1983 and is under special protection, as is also mentioned on wikipedia

With its impressive dimensions - up to 250 meters long and 130 meters wide - the lake not only attracts nature lovers, but also scientists. The cavities of the Dinkelberg ensure that the lake quickly fills with water after precipitation, but only flows slowly again. In the dry state, the soil can be up to 40 meters below the surface of the earth, which makes the creation of the lake into a fascinating geological event.