The Geroldsau waterfall

At 6 metres high and with an average flow of 0.56 m³/second, the Geroldsau waterfall is a true natural spectacle on the outskirts of Baden-Baden. Set in the heart of a lush forest, this waterfall can be reached by taking a short hiking trail along the streams and through shady areas. To make access easier, a number of wooden bridges and footbridges have been built over the water.

👉 A popular tourist attraction, the Geroldsau waterfall is accessible to all, even the youngest visitors. Many parents even use this forest trail with pushchairs (fitted with suitable wheels), which pass over the wide footbridges with no problem.

🥾 To reach the Geroldsau waterfall, the recommended hiking route starts from the Bütthof forest car park, 8 kilometres south of Baden-Baden. Depending on your GPS, this car park may also be called "Wanderparkplatz Geroldsauer Wasserfall". From here, simply follow the signs for "Geroldsauer Wasserfall". Your walk will take you through the forest to the waterfall (approx. 1 hour's walk; 3 km round trip). To find your way around, an interactive map is available on the Baden-Baden Tourist Office website.

🚘 Those wishing to admire the waterfall without going on a hike will prefer to park at the small Wanderparkplatz Malschbach car park, just 50 metres from the waterfall. Be warned, spaces are limited and the site attracts huge numbers of tourists in summer: make sure you get there early.

🚐 Finally, if you prefer public transport, the Baden-Baden bus network will take you to the "Haltestelle Malschbach" stop, located around 600 metres from the Geroldsau waterfall.

⏰ The hiking trail to the Geroldsau waterfall is accessible all year round, whatever the weather conditions. Beware that the wooden bridges on the path can be slippery in rain or snow. In June, the rhododendrons in bloom around the waterfall add a romantic touch.

On fine days and during the school holidays, this site attracts large numbers of walkers. To avoid the crowds and make the most of your walk, it's best to visit during the week rather than at the weekend.

🍴 Where there's tourism, there's infrastructure. Far from being isolated in the forest, the Geroldsau waterfall is a real place where Germans and tourists come to spend time with family and friends. You can of course opt for a packed picnic if you want to eat there. But for a hot meal, head to the Waldgaststätte Bütthof forest restaurant. This inn serves grilled meats and a "beer garden" in summer, as well as more gourmet dishes (Savoyard fondue) in winter.

⭐ To stay as close as possible to the Geroldsau waterfall, opt for accommodation in the Geroldsau area in the southern part of Baden-Baden. Here you'll find several tourist establishments for less than €100 a night, such as the Gasthaus Auerhahn bed and breakfast or the Schwartzwaldhotel Sonne. The Landgasthof Hirsch guest house also offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional regional dishes.