イム・ザールシャイドの天然記念物・トップ12

There are a variety of hammers and cottages to see here - often well preserved but neglected.

The Saalbach Valley is one of my favorite areas to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

Beautiful view of the dam wall of the Ronsdorf Dam.

Almost all hammersmiths, their assistants and the grinders of the water power plants in the Gelpe-Saalbach area lived near their workplaces, for example in the towns of Holthausen (Ronsdorf), Dahl (Cronenberg), Westen (Lüttringhausen) and Clemenshammer (Cronenberg, Lüttringhausen, Alt-Remscheid). The assistants (journeymen, hammer workers, apprentices) sometimes lived in the attic of their workplaces. Merchants who were also hammer or grinding shop owners also sometimes lived near Gelpe and Saalbach, including in the towns of Westen and Hasten (Remscheid).

Water and hydropower have not only shaped the shape of the banks of the streams. Numerous grinding machines and hammers were operated here in the 19th century. The energy required to drive the machines was provided by the dammed water in the streams. The wet meadows were used extensively as hay meadows. Everywhere in the Gelpetal visitors can find indications of the former use. Today, the wet meadows are a valuable, species-rich habitat for plants and animals. Tall perennials such as meadowsweet, purple loosestrife and water daisy provide a colorful summer aspect. In spring, the rich yellow blossoms of the marsh marigold shine in the meadows. Amphibians like e.g. The fire salamander, for example, and numerous birds find their nesting sites here.

Totally rustic area with many small streams and small ponds.

Always good for a short walk, e.g. after eating in one of the Rondorf restaurants.

The Saalbach rises below the Ronsdorf comprehensive school, flows through the small but fine Ronsdorf dam and finally flows into the Gelpe. Together with this, it forms a protected running water system that offers biotopes for rare animal and plant species. The different habitats (e.g. damp and wet meadows, alluvial forest, etc.) are explained on display boards. Other display boards tell the story of the old hammer works and grinding huts, which inspired the Bergische steel and tool industry through the use of water power.