WasserWeltenSteig 4. Etappe: Unterbränd / Kirnbergsee - Achdorf

The stage from Kirnbergsee to Blumberg is characterised by the largest gorge system in Germany's low mountain ranges.

The WasserWeltenSteig trail leads from the campsite along the northern shore of the lake, first crossing the Brändbach valley press and passing the Kirnberg ruins. Half an hour later, the trail descends to the upper reaches of the Gauchach.

From now on, you follow the largest tributary of the Wutach to its mouth. The day is characterised by pure adventure along the rushing stream. The Höllental railway and the B31 at Döggingen are only briefly crossed underneath before you enter the gorge in full. The mountain slopes with their primeval forests become increasingly steep and close together. The stream eats its way deeper and deeper into the shell limestone slopes, exposing rock faces, leaping over rapids and small waterfalls and leaving hardly any room for the stimulatingly narrow path. The Gauchach used to be powered by four mills: The Guggen and Eulenmühle mills are now privately owned, only the walls of the Lochmühle mill are still recognisable and the Burgmühle mill serves hikers with snacks and drinks. Bridges, footbridges and handrails repeatedly help you across the Gauchach and over rocky obstacles. You reach the Wutach Gorge at the canoe bridge. The trail leads out to the Wutachmühle mill, passes Aselfingen and ends in Achdorf.

Alternatively, if you choose Blumberg as your destination, a final effort up to Blumberg awaits you. Shortly before Blumberg, a short detour branches off to the waterfalls in the Schleifenbachklamm gorge. An 8 metre high ladder and a zigzag path take you directly to Blumberg.

Geo-tip:

About 20-70,000 years ago, the Urdonau river flowed through the Blumberger Pforte, the striking valley cut between Eichberg and Buchberg, until the course of the river was diverted towards the Rhine.