Discover Ottenhöfen in the Black Forest

Ottenhöfen in the Black Forest lies in the upper Achertal valley and is surrounded by the forested heights of the Black Forest. Local attractions range from mills and local history to rocky landscapes and water-based activities. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first deciding whether you want to focus on hiking, culture, nature or a day at the swimming pool.

Mills, Forges and Local History

The Mill Trail is a 13.3-kilometre circular route, with a stated walking time of 4 hours and 10 minutes. It passes nine preserved or restored mills. The route length and walking time provide a specific framework for planning your day, but the route information notes that they may change. Check the route provider’s details before setting off.

Named highlights of the Mill Trail include the hammer forge, a preserved and restored forge powered by a waterwheel on the Acher. The Protestant Church is also listed as a highlight and is described as a stave church. The Bühler Mill is a separate site: it is located on the Lauenbach, right beside the circular mill trail, and is a historic, fully operational mill. As a farm mill, the Kopp Mill at Hagenstein could also grind grain for paying customers, thanks to the abundant water from the Acher.

The Museum of Ottenhöfen’s History offers another way to explore the town’s past. It is located on the upper floor of the community centre. Together with the mills and forging technology, it makes cultural history a focus in its own right alongside hiking; check visitor information in advance.

Rocky Landscapes and Views

The Karlsruher Grat and the Gottschlägtal valley form a 154-hectare nature reserve with protected rocky areas and dry scree slopes. This landscape provides a striking contrast to the forested heights surrounding Ottenhöfen. Those interested in the landscape will find more than just woodland here: there are also protected rocky and dry habitats.

Simmersbach offers views towards the Rhine Plain and Mühlendorf. The Mill Trail and the Rock Trail run along part of the valley. This gives you a choice of landscape-focused outings: the Mill Trail is described in detail, including its circular route and walking time, while the information about the Simmersbachtal valley highlights the views and the routes of the two trails through the valley.

Experiences with Water, Wood and Stone

The LEPO agricultural discovery trail has dedicated themed sections on water, wood and stone; there are also ball runs outdoors. This offers a themed exploration alongside the mill stops on the Mill Trail. For families, these specific stops may be useful when planning a day out, without having to focus your entire stay on a single theme.

Ottenhöfen’s natural swimming pool allows chlorinated-free swimming through biological water regeneration. Facilities include a 51-metre rafting slide, swimming and non-swimmer pools, a toddlers’ area, a diving area and a playground. These different areas offer families several options for a day at the pool. Check the facility details and seasonal opening arrangements before your visit.

The Blustenhof also offers its own culinary highlight: there is a schnapps fountain and a tasting room. Coffee, homemade cakes and snacks are served there on weekends and public holidays. Since availability and seasonal access should be confirmed before your trip, check what is on offer for your travel dates.

Ottenhöfen as a Starting Point for Your Trip

The wider Ortenau district offers a landscape stretching between the Rhine and the Black Forest. There are 23 nature reserves in the Ortenau district, covering a total of around 3,110 hectares; they extend from the Rhine Plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. For a broader trip around the Ortenau district, first consider which places and experiences matter most to you.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ortenberg, Kippenheim, Ohlsbach, Schuttertal, Ettenheim, Lautenbach, Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, Zell am Harmersbach.

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