Welcome to the Geroldsau Waterfall trailhead
Welcome to Baden-Baden’s municipal recreational forest and to the North/Central Black Forest area of outstanding beauty (“Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord”). The Geroldsauer Wasserfall (Geroldsau waterfall) trailhead offers walks taking in a huge variety of landscapes.
For starters there’s the gorge-like Grobbachtal valley with its fast-flowing streams, cliffs and rocks. The Kreuzfelsen-Rundweg, a circular route through this picture-book Black Forest landscape is without doubt one of the nicest walks in Baden-Baden’s municipal forest. The route starts off along the Grobbach and Littersbach streams, then climbs to the Kreuzfelsen outcrop. The path descends through ancient beech forest to Grobbach again, following the course of the stream through grazing meadows. The landscape gets steadily more dramatic until the Grobbach tumbles over a heavily petrified granite sill – this is the Geroldsau waterfall.
This wild landscape owes its existence to the local Bühlertal granite, a very hard rock able to withstand the forces of erosion. But while enjoying this dramatic landscape, don’t forget to keep your eyes open for what’s happening left and right of the paths: the colourful meadow flowers growing, the ferns which thrive in the damp climate of the gorge. Another thing to look out for are dippers, a type of bird which frequents clear mountain streams and which are often spotted here.
The gentle walk around Geroldsau itself offers a completely different picture. The panoramic route takes you around the Geroldsau valley on a path that runs along the tree line halfway up the valley sides. From several spots you have lovely views of Geroldsau, nestling among the meadow orchards.
Suggested routes from Geroldsau Waterfall
The waterfall circular route, Wasserfall-Rundweg, to Geroldsau waterfall: 3 km, total ascent 70 m. An easy walk on level paths, with a few stony sections. There is a restaurant at Bütthof, above the waterfall.
Kreuzfelsen-Rundweg, circular route: 11 km, total ascent 330 m: first to Littersbach (stream), then ascend to Kreuzfelsen (rock outcrop), via Neubrücke (bridge) to Bütthof (restaurant) and back to car park.
On the Panoramaweg, the Panorama Trail, around Geroldsau valley: 11 km, total ascent 220 m: car park – Malschbach (stream) – Ibach (stream) – Geroldsauer Mühle (shops and restaurant) – Übelsbachtal (valley) – Schatzbühl – Grobbach Brücke (bridge) – car park.
"Panoramaweg" – Panorama Trail
The "Panoramaweg" is a 40km-long circular trail around the town of Baden-Baden. It comprises four sections which, depending on fitness levels, can be walked individually or combined.
From the Geroldsauer Wasserfall trailhead you can walk along the southern side of the Geroldsau valley and the picturesque southern edge of the meadow orchards of Oberbeuern to the Forellenhof hotel and restaurant and the bus stop. Heading north via Geroldsauer Mühle (restaurant and shops) you get to Louisenfelsen (rock outcrop), Batschari-Hütte (shelter) and Korbmattfelsen (rock outcrop), all fine viewing points. The “Tiergarten” bus stop will be reached on this route.
Recreation for All in Baden-Baden’s Municipal Forest
Covering an area of 7,500 hectares, Baden-Baden’s municipal forest is one of Germany’s largest publicly-owned forests, primarily serving as a place of recreation for all visitors. Ensuring that you have an enjoyable experience while preserving the forest for future generations can only be achieved if we all respect one another's needs and care for the plants and animals that call this forest home.
We kindly ask that you stay on the designated paths and keep your dogs on a lead. Mountain bikers are requested to use only tracks that are at least two meters wide or the specially designated mountain-bike trails. Please ride with care.
As you take home wonderful memories, please also take your rubbish with you.
The Baden-Baden municipal council wishes you a pleasant and memorable visit.