Discover Lauf: Goat Trail, Castle and Hydropower

Lauf offers nature trails and opportunities to get active, as well as tangible local history. On the Goat Trail, you may encounter a herd of goats; the Energy Trail explores the history of hydropower, and Neuwindeck Castle was built around 1300. Hiking and mountain biking are the main activities in the Laufbach Valley and its side valleys. This gives you a range of options for planning your trip, from active time outdoors to historical discoveries.

Trails and activities in Lauf

The family-friendly Goat Trail is signposted from the town center and can be walked at any time of day. When hiking the Goat Trail in Bruderhöfel, you may find yourself surrounded by a herd of curious goats. The animals’ current location may vary, so an encounter is possible but cannot be planned with certainty. The Laufbach Valley and its side valleys are also suitable for hiking and mountain biking.

The fitness trail is about one kilometer long and has a total of 17 exercise stations. It is suitable for walks, brisk fitness walking and several running laps, as well as for families, seniors and dedicated athletes. The route combines exercise with individual training stations, offering a different focus from a trail devoted to the history of hydropower.

The Energy Trail leads from the power station building in Au to the reservoir in Glashütte. It follows the route of the pipeline built in 1923/1924 and provides information about the history of hydropower in Lauf. The return route goes around the reservoir and along the Laufbach Trail to the Iron Bridge and back to the power station in Au; the route is 6.7 km long. In terms of distance, that means about one kilometer on the fitness trail compared with 6.7 km on the Energy Trail—a useful point of reference when choosing between a training circuit and a longer themed route.

Neuwindeck Castle and local history

Neuwindeck Castle, popularly known as “Lauf Castle,” was built around 1300 by the Lords of Windeck. The inner courtyard is accessible to pedestrians at any time; check local conditions before your visit. Seasonal visiting hours are listed for the castle tower on Saturdays and Sundays: in summer, from April, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and in winter, from October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check these hours before your visit and before planning to climb the tower.

Another trace of local history is the old wine press at the Alsenhof in Lauf. Its basic structure probably dates back to the 16th century. The castle and the wine press offer different historical perspectives: one is a medieval castle complex, the other a testament to the area’s former winegrowing.

The wider setting: Ortenaukreis

Ortenaukreis lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. This wider destination has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares. They stretch from the Rhine Plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. This broader geographical setting complements the specific trails and cultural sites you can discover in Lauf.

If you are looking for accommodation in Lauf, the kind of days you want to have can be a good starting point: would you like to focus on outdoor activities, or also set aside time for architecture and local history? This way, you can plan your trip around the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Rheinau, Hausach, Willstätt, Wolfach, Gutach, Mahlberg, Seelbach, Friesenheim.

Back to the main travel overview: Ortenaukreis.