オルテナウの天然記念物・トップ20

Since the devastating hurricane Lothar in 1999, the memorial path has been rebuilt several times. At the beginning, you had to climb over fallen trees, but over the years the entire path has been laid out on wooden planks. This has many advantages but also disadvantages. Especially in winter when ice and snow make the wooden planks slippery. The steps are dangerous. This is why the Lothar path with the woodpecker path and parts of the panorama path are officially closed in winter when there is ice and snow. You then walk at your own risk.

The legend of the name of the noblewoman's grave can be found here: https://ortenau-urlaub.de/?p=269

The Edelfrauengrab waterfalls owe their name to a naturally formed scouring cave right next to one of the waterfalls, where, according to legend, an unfaithful noblewoman met her violent end. In fact, the Gottschlägel nature reserve with the waterfalls and, further up, the Karlsruher Grat is an outstanding scenic attraction in the northern Black Forest. From the hiking car park (signposted), it is only a few steps to the lowest level of the waterfalls, where the Edelfrauengrab is also located. Of course, it is worth climbing further up the adventurous paths and footbridges along the Gottschlägbach. If you want to go on an adventurous hike, climb further up at the upper end of the Gottschlägel to the Karlsruher Grat, where you can then do the via ferrata. From the Bosensteiner Eck at the upper end of the via ferrata, the path then leads over the 'Brennte Schrofen' back to Ottenhöfen. The entire route is about 12 km, elevation difference 500 m, walking time should be 4-5 hours.

Nice hiking trail along the falls over stairs and bridges. In the extension you reach the via ferrata Karlsruher Grat.

Wooden planks quite slippery in places due to fog/rain. But the complex was just great and free.

A beautifully designed facility made up of footbridges, bridges and other terrain, which is located on the Black Forest plateau between Kniebis and Ruhestein, which was devastated by the hurricane. In the meantime, nature has taken on the greening. A thicket of shrubs and small trees, the violet flower clusters of the red foxglove and artistic tree torsos prevent a view into the distance. Beautiful to look at and impressive.

It is still a worthwhile path, even if the effects of Hurricane Lothar are no longer visible, as a new young forest has long since developed. Less recommended in winter, as the wooden path can become quite slippery in ice and snow. Unfortunately, the viewing platform is currently (May 2022) closed.

Definitely worth it, small waterfalls in a breathtaking landscape