Lauf: Goat Trail, Castle and Hydropower History

Outdoor Activities and Encounters

The child-friendly Goat Trail is signposted from the town centre and can be followed at any time of day. While hiking on the Goat Trail in Bruderhöfel, you may find yourself surrounded by a herd of curious goats. This is a possible encounter, not a guarantee on every hike.

The fitness trail is around one kilometre long and has a total of 17 exercise stations. It is suitable for walks, brisk fitness walking and several running laps, as well as for families, older adults and ambitious athletes. The Laufbach Valley and its side valleys in Lauf are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, offering another way to spend time in nature.

Hydropower and Paths Through the Valley

The Energy Trail leads from the power station building in Au to the reservoir in Glashütte. It follows the route of the pipeline built in 1923/1924 and provides information about the history of hydropower in Lauf. The return route goes around the reservoir and along the Laufbach Trail to the Iron Bridge and back to the power station in Au; the total route is stated to be 6.7 km.

The two trails described offer different experiences: the fitness trail focuses on exercise equipment and activity along a route of around one kilometre, while the Energy Trail focuses on hydropower history and its stated route length of 6.7 km. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Lauf, these differences can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your holiday.

Neuwindeck Castle and Local History

Neuwindeck Castle, also known locally as “Lauf Castle,” was built around 1300 by the Lords of Windeck. The inner courtyard is accessible to pedestrians at any time; check local conditions before your visit. Seasonal opening hours are listed for climbing the castle tower on Saturdays and Sundays: in summer, from April, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in winter, from October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check before your visit whether these hours are still valid.

The old wine press at Alsenhof also tells the story of the area. Its basic structure probably dates back to the 16th century. This cautious dating makes it a special historical detail that, alongside the medieval castle, offers another glimpse into the local past.

The Bigger Picture: Ortenau District

In the wider travel destination of Ortenau District, the landscape stretches between the Rhine and the Black Forest. The district includes 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares; they extend from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. These include the 1,695-hectare Taubergießen Nature Reserve, one of the largest nature reserves in Baden-Württemberg.

For families who would like to include water experiences in their holiday plans, Rulantica in Rust offers year-round water-based fun. Its many indoor and outdoor water attractions include the Hyggedal relaxation and sauna area. Europa-Park is also located in the municipality of Rust. These destinations offer a separate set of experiences in Ortenau District and should not be confused with the local trails and sights in Lauf.

Those interested in culture will also find a range of options in Ortenau District: a tour of the historic farmhouses at the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum shows how people lived and worked in the Black Forest up to 600 years ago. MiMa showcases unique minerals from the Black Forest, collected by the Friends of Minerals and Mining Association Oberwolfach e. V. The Gengenbach Night Watchman's tour includes twelve stops and the traditional night watchman's song. The public tours are free of charge and do not require registration; check the dates before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Rust, Haslach Im Kinzigtal, Ortenberg, Schuttertal, Ettenheim, Appenweier, Gutach

Back to the overview of the wider travel destination: Ortenau District.