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Discover
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Natural Monuments

Germany
Baden-Württemberg

Stuttgart District

Ostalbkreis
Oberkochen

Source of the Schwarzer Kocher

Discover
Places to see

Natural Monuments

Germany
Baden-Württemberg

Stuttgart District

Ostalbkreis
Oberkochen

Source of the Schwarzer Kocher

Highlight • River

Source of the Schwarzer Kocher

Recommended by 142 hikers out of 147

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Geopark Schwäbische Alb

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    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Source of the Schwarzer Kocher

    5.0

    (1)

    22

    hikers

    1. Source of the Schwarzer Kocher – Volkmarsberg Observation Tower loop from Oberkochen

    10.9km

    03:15

    320m

    320m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    December 30, 2020

    The Black Kocher rises here at a height of 499 m above sea level. After 180 km it flows into the Neckar near Bad Friedrichshall. The discharge is 680 l/s on average.
    Until the Thirty Years' War, there was also an ironworks just below the spring. The Kocher powered iron hammers and bellows. Something similar can also be found at the Brenz spring in Königsbronn - although the ironworks still stand here.
    After the Thirty Years' War, a slag washing plant was operated on the site of the ironworks. The slag residues on the riverbed gave it a black appearance - this gave it the name "Black Kocher".
    As the catchment area of the spring is 100% forested, the water is very clean and of high quality.
    You can walk completely around the spring.

    Translated by Google •

      August 10, 2023

      This place, like most springs, is magical. The water gushes incessantly from various springs at up to 680 l/s. Various hikes and runs in the direction of Oberkochen or Wollenloch also start here.

      Translated by Google •

        January 7, 2023

        The Schwarzer Kocher is the largest karst spring in Oberkochen.
        Between 1551 and 1634 there was an ironworks at the source of the river.
        The river is called Schwarzer Kocher because of the dark color of the river bed from earlier cinder residues and lush vegetation.
        The catchment area of the Kocher is 100% forested. Its water is therefore of good quality.
        After 180 km the river flows into the Neckar.

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 510 m

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          Location: Oberkochen, Ostalbkreis, Stuttgart District, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

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