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Gütersteiner Wasserfälle: A Hidden Gem in the Swabian Jura

Discover the serene beauty of Gütersteiner Wasserfälle near Bad Urach, a natural gem with historical significance in the Swabian Jura.

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Tucked away in a serene forest near Bad Urach, the Gütersteiner Wasserfälle (Güterstein Waterfalls) offer a tranquil escape into nature. Unlike its more famous neighbor, the Urach Waterfall, Güterstein is a series of delicate cascades flowing over moss-covered tufa terraces into a natural basin. The area's rich history includes a former monastery and pioneering water supply technology.

A brief summary to Gütersteiner Wasserfälle

  • 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

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be muddy, especially closer to the falls.
  • Visit during the week or off-season to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Take time to explore the small chapel at the top of the falls, a reminder of the area's monastic history.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique tufa formations and cascading water.
  • Help protect this natural wonder by avoiding stepping into or onto the waterfall area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the P23 Maisental parking lot, follow the signs towards Gütersteiner Wasserfall. The path leads through the Maisental valley, passing the Güterstein stud farm. Continue on the narrow zigzag path that climbs up to the waterfall. The walk is approximately 2.5 kilometers and takes around 30-45 minutes. Parking at the P23 Maisental costs €5 for a day ticket.

  • Public Transport

    Take a train to Bad Urach Bahnhof (train station). From there, take bus line 762 towards 'Bad Urach, Therme' or 'Bad Urach, Bismarckstraße'. Get off at the 'Bad Urach, Therme' stop. From the bus stop, walk southwest on 'Bei den Thermen' street for about 500 meters, following the path to the waterfalls. The bus fare is approximately €2 - €3. Alternatively, from Bad Urach Bahnhof, you can take a 3-minute train ride to Bad Urach Wasserfall station, and walk from there.

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Discover more about Gütersteiner Wasserfälle

The Gütersteiner Wasserfälle, located near Bad Urach in the Swabian Jura Biosphere Reserve, present a captivating natural spectacle. These falls are not just a scenic highlight but also a valuable geological site where mineral-rich spring water emerges from the rock, releasing calcium carbonate that settles over mosses. Over centuries, this process forms porous tufa stone, a phenomenon visitors can witness firsthand. The Gütersteiner Wasserfälle differ from the nearby Urach Waterfall. Instead of a single, high cascade, the Gütersteiner Wasserfälle consist of multiple smaller falls, both parallel and perpendicular to the slope, creating a combined drop of 60 meters over a 25-meter width. The water flows down limestone terraces, through a man-made pool, and over a moss-covered Kalktuffnase (limestone nose). Historically, the site was home to the Güterstein Monastery from around 1200 to 1560, and a small chapel at the top of the falls commemorates this past. The falls also served as the location for the first technical Alb water supply, pumping spring water to the Swabian Alb plateau between 1710 and 1715. Today, the Gütersteiner Wasserfälle offer well-marked trails for hikers of all levels to explore the surrounding flora and fauna.

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