Geroldsau Waterfall: A Black Forest Cascade
Discover the serene beauty of Geroldsau Waterfall in Baden-Baden, a natural monument offering tranquil trails and picturesque cascades.
The Geroldsau Waterfall, known in German as Geroldsauer Wasserfall, is a natural gem located in the Grobbach Valley, just south of Baden-Baden. The waterfall is formed as the Grobbach stream flows over a 6-meter-high step of Bühlertal granite, a geological formation resulting from tectonic activity. The area has been designated a protected natural geological monument. Historically, the waterfall was called 'Große Bütte,' an old German term for 'tub,' referring to the pool-like deepening at the base of the falls. Travel guides in the 1820s popularized the falls, and by the mid-19th century, the Badeanstalten Commission enhanced the site with improved paths and bridges. While a refreshment hut once stood near the falls, it was later removed after the Second World War. The waterfall is easily accessible and offers a relatively easy hike suitable for families. The surrounding landscape is renowned for its biodiversity, with rhododendrons blooming in April and May. Boardwalks meander along the Grobbach, providing varied vantage points. Numerous hiking trails encircle the waterfall, including the popular Wasserfall-Rundweg, a roughly 3-kilometer loop through the romantic creek valley. Today, visitors can experience the tranquility that once drew luminaries to the Grobbach Valley. The Waldgaststätte Bütthof, a restaurant just south of the falls, offers traditional Baden cuisine.
Local tips
- Visit during late spring (April-May) to see the rhododendrons in full bloom, adding vibrant color to the landscape.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven and rocky.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the waterfall or dine at the Waldgaststätte Bütthof for traditional Baden cuisine.
- Arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially during peak season and on public holidays.
- Combine your visit with a hike on the Panoramaweg for stunning views of the Black Forest.
A brief summary to Geroldsauer Wasserfall
- Wasserfallstraße, Baden-Baden, 76534, DE
- +497221931677
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Baden-Baden, take bus line 204 or 245 from the BAD Augustaplatz / Museum Burda station to the Geroldsau Malschbacher Str. stop. From there, walk along Wasserfallstraße to the waterfall entrance (approximately 15-20 minutes). Buses depart hourly. A single fare costs approximately €2-3.
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Driving
From Baden-Baden, drive south on the B500 (Geroldsauer Straße). Turn onto Wasserfallstraße towards Bütthof. Follow Wasserfallstraße to the parking area near the waterfall. Parking is available at Wanderparkplatz Geroldsauer Wasserfall. Parking fees are approximately €3-5 per day. Parking is limited, especially on weekends and holidays.
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Walking
For a scenic walk, start from Geroldsau village and follow the signs towards Geroldsauer Wasserfall. The walk is approximately 1.5 km (about 30 minutes) along the Grobbach stream. The path is mostly flat and well-maintained.
