Where do you find the wonderful town of Waldachtal? And the ever so more important question of, why would you even want to come?
Well, what if I told you Waldachtal lies right along the Northern Black Forest (incl. Nature Park) — wouldn’t that be reason enough? Of course it would.
Located just east of culinary Baiersbronn and posh Freudenstadt, Waldachtal is a fantastic town to do all those outdoor recreational activities that folks love so much. Not only will you find regular biking trails through the Schwarzwald countryside, but Mountain Biking trails as well.
Hiking trails are all over the place too, like the 24 km Heimatweg that’ll take the better part seven hours to complete. Sixteen circular trails, for a combined 140 kilometers, will certainly keep you occupied the rest of your time here. Plus, you’ve got Nordic Walking trails on top of it all, too.
As if that’s not enough walking, tack on the 900 meters of the Biblischer Rundwanderweg, with some 90 stations that tell stories from the Bible — and even information on plants mentioned within.
Winter doesn’t give Waldachtal any time to slow down, either. Snow lovers descend on the place to do all kinds of skiing, and even snowshoeing. But, if you want a guided walk or bicycle ride — they’re only done between June and September. By the way, that’s the perfect time of year to play some miniature golf or visiting the nearby camel farm.
That’s right, camels.
Any time of year is great to see Rüdenberg Castle, even if all that’s left are part of its dungeon walls covered with scorch marks.
Then go to the hamlet of Vesperweiler to visit the 15th century Mönchhof-Sägemühle or Sawmill, which, by the way, is in better shape than the castle. Another cultural highlight is the Heimatmuseum, or Heritage Museum, in Lützenhardt.
Even older than the old sawmill is the Sanctuary Heiligenbronn — built in the 14th century. Consider this chapel like me or a fine wine — it only gets better with age.
Its Lützenhardt district, by the way, is a staatlich anerkannter Luftkurort, or an officially recognized climatic health resort. I think that’s why Waldbachtal also calls itself Gesundheitstal, or Health Valley. Either way, make sure to take deep breaths while you are here.
I told you that just being in the Black Forest would be enough to want to come to Waldachtal — but aren’t you glad that’s not all it has going for it?
