Discover Görwihl: Ice Age, Forest and Craftsmanship

Krai-Woog-Gumpen lies in the middle of the forest and is a natural wonder dating back to the Ice Age. Around Görwihl, these distinctive landscape features connect with hiking trails, a bird trail and insights into the history of regional crafts. If you are looking for accommodation, these varied experiences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Ice Age formations and trails through the landscape

Krai-Woog-Gumpen, also known as the Glacier Mill, consists of two stone basins lying close together, each around 2.70 metres in diameter. They were formed during the Ice Age, when a glacier had to overcome a rocky ridge at this point. This explanation makes the site an engaging destination for anyone interested in the forces that shaped the landscape.

Görwihl’s many hiking trails pass viewpoints overlooking the Alps, follow the Höllbach waterfalls and lead through the Höllbach valley with its unspoilt landscape. The waterfalls are near Görwihl. There, the Höllbach, a tributary of the Alb, plunges around 8.50 metres. The trails thus offer a range of impressions, from elevated views to waterways.

One specific option is the peaceful, shady circular walk starting at Sägmooshütte in Görwihl. The route is around 3.5 kilometres long and can be combined with a visit to the Höllbach waterfalls. It is also suitable for walking with children. If you are considering a shorter or longer hike, these details can help you plan your day; other trails pass viewpoints and lead through the Höllbach valley, among other places.

Birdlife and puzzles in the forest

The Görwihl bird trail is an informative walk where children can learn about local birdlife and discover more about nature through play. Anni’s Black Forest Mystery offers another way to explore: the puzzle trail starts at Sägmooshütte and runs through the forest in conjunction with the bird trail.

The puzzle backpack for Anni’s Black Forest Mystery is available at Eichrüttehof in Görwihl. It contains several locked boxes, as well as all the clues and materials for the trail. Check the collection arrangements with Eichrüttehof before your visit, as they may change. The bird trail and puzzle trail offer different kinds of experiences: one focuses on learning about birdlife, while the other involves solving puzzles along the way.

Crafts at the local history museum

The saltpetre works at the Görwihl local history museum showcase a traditional craft practised by the Salpeterer. In the past, they collected crystallised saltpetre from stable walls and manure pits. At the saltpetre works, it was leached to produce potassium nitrate, an important raw material for making gunpowder. The exhibit shows how a local craft was connected to a historically significant resource.

The “Posamenterstuhl” is another piece of craft history. The 4.20-metre-wide loom at the local history museum is the last still-operational example of its kind in the entire High Rhine region. It can weave up to 40 fine silk ribbons in a single operation. Its size and ability to produce so many ribbons at once give this exhibit a distinctive character alongside the saltpetre works.

Aquihl: indoor pool and classes

Aquihl is the indoor swimming pool in Görwihl. Its pool is 16.66 metres long and around 8 metres wide. A hydraulically adjustable movable floor allows the water depth to be set individually. Classes include baby swimming, aqua fitness and aqua jogging. So, alongside hiking, nature watching and the museum, swimming and exercise offer another focus to choose from. Check the latest operating information and class options before visiting.

Plan your stay around your interests

The experiences vary considerably: the Glacier Mill and hiking trails lead into the landscape; the bird trail and Anni’s Black Forest Mystery combine nature with exploration and puzzles; the local history museum focuses on crafts and history; and Aquihl adds an indoor pool and classes to the mix. When looking for accommodation in Görwihl, consider which of these interests you want to shape your days. That way, you can start planning with the experiences that appeal to you most.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sankt Blasien, Bernau in the Black Forest, Dachsberg, Wutöschingen, Hohentengen am Hochrhein, Rickenbach, Weilheim, Höchenschwand.

Go to the main travel overview: Waldshut.