Geschwend

Geschwend combines easily recognizable traces of local history with an extensive network of cycling routes. The stone arch bridge spans the Prägbach, Dürracker reaches far back into history, and Geschwender Halde offers another perspective on the landscape.

Arch Bridge and Local History

The arch bridge spanning the Prägbach stands at the southern edge of Geschwend’s lower village. It was rebuilt in 1864. Its ashlar masonry and crenellated road parapets make the structure’s design easy to appreciate: alongside the stone arch, the distinctive shape of the parapets also catches the eye. Anyone interested in historic architectural styles will find a different way into the local history here than at Dürracker—through materials, construction, and design details.

Dürracker lies near Geschwend and was first mentioned in 1488. In 1519, the so-called Dürracker rights of the Todtnau and Schönau valleys were established there; annual gatherings of the valley residents were also held at this site. The early mention, the legal determination, and the recurring gatherings give this place several points of historical significance. Until 1970, Geschwend had a rural character and well-preserved old buildings, including Black Forest farmhouses. Together, these offer two perspectives on local history: the bridge’s visible architectural form and the historical record of Dürracker and the area’s earlier settlement character.

Landscape and Active Days

Geschwender Halde is located in the “Gletscherkessel Präg” nature reserve and is therefore subject to both the Bannwald forest protection regulations and the nature reserve regulations. Its protected status is a distinct aspect of the landscape, alongside its architectural and historical features. The Geschwend foot-wading station also provides a useful point of reference: it is located at Im Dürracker in 79674 Todtnau.

Geschwend offers numerous cycling routes. Cycling is therefore an obvious option when planning a trip, while the arch bridge and Dürracker focus primarily on architectural and local history.

Todtnau as a Wider Destination

The wider destination of Todtnau offers additional nature and outdoor activities. Todtnau is located in the Southern Black Forest Nature Park and the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve, between Feldberg and Belchen in the Upper Wiesental valley. Todtnau offers hiking, cycling, and mountain biking routes of varying difficulty, with views of the Black Forest. The numerous cycling routes in Geschwend are complemented by a broader range of activities across the Todtnau destination.

One of Todtnau’s distinctive natural attractions is Todtnau Waterfall. It is located in the Todtnau mountain region between the holiday resorts of Todtnauberg and Aftersteg. With a drop of 97 metres, it is the highest natural waterfall in Baden-Württemberg. At the entrance to Todtnauberg, the 450-metre-long BLACKFORESTLINE spans the waterfall; it sits around 120 metres above the waterfall and is supported by 76 mm steel cables and 16-metre pylons. The Geschwend arch bridge, built of ashlar masonry, and this bridge supported by steel cables and pylons represent distinctly different forms of construction.

Culture enthusiasts will also find something to explore in Todtnau: the Todtnau Brush Museum presents the history of the Todtnau brush industry from 1770 to the present day. Its permanent exhibition is dedicated to the life and work of Karl Ludwig Nessler. For a bite to eat, Todtnau’s mountain huts at Stübenwasen, Gisiboden, and Hasenhorn are inviting places to stop. This gives you a choice of different themes for your trip—from local history and cycling routes in Geschwend to nature, outdoor activities, and culture in the wider destination of Todtnau.

Discover more destinations: Aftersteg, Todtnauberg.

Go to the wider travel overview: Todtnau.