Sasbachwalden: Half-timbered houses, mills and waterfalls

Half-timbered houses in the historic town center, waterfalls with wooden bridges and paths to scenic viewpoints give Sasbachwalden a distinctive blend of culture and nature. Highlights range from historic houses and an old mill to circular trails with drink fountains. When planning your visit, consider whether you are most interested in local history, scenic views or a longer walk.

Discover half-timbered houses and history

The historic town center is a protected ensemble of half-timbered houses. Sasbachwalden was first documented by name in 1347. Doll Augustins Hus, a 19th-century half-timbered house, offers a glimpse of rural life around a hundred years ago. The garden is also part of the visit: it is open to visitors and offers a place to relax.

Another historic stop is the restored Straubenhöfmühle mill. Built in 1789, it operated as a grain mill until 1938. Regular guided tours offer the chance to explore the mill; schedules vary by season and should be checked locally. Outside guided tours, the building can be viewed from the outside.

The Alde Gott wayside shrine is the best known of more than 40 such shrines in Sasbachwalden. Benches and views across the town and the Rhine Plain make it a good place for a break. It brings together a single cultural monument and a sweeping landscape view.

Waterfalls, ruins and circular trails

The Gaishöll waterfalls offer a different kind of outing: 13 wooden bridges and 200 steps lead through the gorge. The waterfalls are easy to reach from the town center. Trail conditions can change because of the weather or maintenance work, so take this into account when planning your visit.

The Brigittenschloss ruins are freely accessible on foot via Brandmatt and Schönbüch. From there, views extend across the Rhine Plain toward the Vosges. Since trail conditions can affect access on foot, it is a good idea to check them before setting out.

For a circular hike, the Schnapsbrunnen trails offer two options of different lengths: the northern loop is seven kilometers long and the southern loop is twelve. More than ten drink fountains are located along the routes. They offer locally made schnapps, liqueurs, cider and non-alcoholic drinks. Trail conditions and fountain availability can vary by season.

Landscape and choosing an outing

Vineyards, meadows, forests and peaks shape the landscape around Sasbachwalden. Four climate zones span an elevation difference of 1,000 meters. The nearby Hornisgrinde nature reserve reaches 1,164 meters and is considered the highest elevation in the northern Black Forest. The Grindepfad trail runs alongside a raised bog there, and the Grindeturm tower is said to be climbable.

The attractions offer different focuses: half-timbered houses and mills showcase local history, the wayside shrine and ruins combine culture with scenic views, and the Schnapsbrunnen trails offer two set loop distances. Choose according to the kind of day you are planning in Sasbachwalden.

About the Ortenau district

The wider destination of Ortenau is a district between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares, stretching from the Rhine Plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest.

Discover more destinations

Lahr/Schwarzwald, Nordrach, Ettenheim, Neuried, Appenweier, Hofstetten, Hohberg, Berghaupten

Back to the main travel overview: Ortenau.