Wartenbach Drift Stream

The Wartenbach is part of the catchment area of the Wieslauter, which drains into the Rhine. The length of the water body is about seven kilometers from the source at Gambswoog to the confluence of the Wieslauter Wieslauterhof. The Wartenbach was expanded in the early 19th century in connection with the introduction of the state-controlled Holztrift along the entire length as Triftbach. Between Gambswoog and Koenigswoog several larger floor ramps were installed in the straightened and fortified stream bed. These have a height offset of more than two meters and are usually well preserved. Some smaller sole ramps complete the sequence. During the timber drift phase, when the wooge was lowered, there was a strong increase in water level, which allowed the timber to drift downstream in the water. Sohlrampen were distributed over the entire Triftbach. They took over a balancing function for the water level. With the sole ramps, a steady gradient could be achieved on longer distances.

On the way the Wartenbach was crossed. This was once an important drinking water. For timber transportation u. a. the Wartenbach straightened as running water. Although this resulted in a desired increase in flow rate, at the same time erosion was also increased. Here, the walls of Buntsandstein were partially built and are still easily recognizable today.

Fantastic way along the wood drift. All buildings are very well preserved.