Forest Pasture in the Traun Valley

In earlier times there was a forest pasture in the middle of the forest. The forest was predominantly a deciduous forest, so the animals found plenty of food in the form of acorns and beechnuts, especially in autumn the animals could fatten up. The shepherds set up so-called “sowing sticks” because they could not drive the cattle back to the villages every evening. The areas were fenced in and the shepherds built simple shelters for themselves. These gradually became permanent huts, which initially only served as a place for shepherds to sleep. Later these were probably converted into real houses in order to be able to accommodate family members. In 1839 it is documented that four families with a total of 27 people, including around 20 children, lived in the “Saustäbel” area. They must have been miserable dwellings, with thatched roofs and thin walls, which was certainly no fun, especially in the winter, which can be long and cold up in the Hunsrück. Until the 19th century, wolves also posed a danger to herds in the area. Field names such as “Wolfskaul” near Rinzenberg go back to the hunting of wolves. Pits were built into which bait was placed and then covered with brushwood. If the wolf fell into the “Kaul”, he was beaten to death with clubs.

The Traunbach, called Traun for short, rises in the Black Forest high forest near Börfink near the Erbeskopf. The brook is about 19 kilometers long and flows near Neubrücke in the near. The picturesque valley through which the river flows greets you with lush vegetation.

Class tour at the forellenhof gives good food