todtnau waterfall

An impressive natural spectacle in the Black Forest

The Todtnau waterfall is one of the most famous excursion destinations in the Black Forest and attracts numerous visitors every year. With its impressive drop height of 97 meters, it is one of the highest natural waterfalls in Germany and offers a unique natural experience.

Location and origin
The waterfall is located between the villages of Todtnauberg and Aftersteg, which belong to the municipality of Todtnau. It is fed by the Stübenbach stream, which has its source at the 1,386-metre-high Stübenwasen. The waterfall was formed during the last ice ages by glacial erosion on a geological fault line.

Special features of the waterfall
The Todtnau waterfall is characterized by the following features:

• Total height of 97 meters
• Five steps, with the highest single step measuring 60 meters
• Width of 20 meters
• Average flow rate of 210 liters per second

The water falls partly freely, partly gliding over the granite steps into the valley and offers an impressive spectacle, especially in spring when the snow melts.

Activities and sights
Visitors to the Todtnau waterfall can enjoy various activities:

1. Hiking: The waterfall is the starting point for numerous hiking trails, including the “Wasserfallsteig” gourmet trail and a circular hike from Todtnau.
2. Photography: The impressive backdrop of the waterfall offers numerous motifs for amateur and professional photographers.
3. Relax: There are wooden relaxation loungers along the trail that invite you to linger and enjoy nature.
4. Blackforestline: A 450-meter-long suspension bridge leads over the waterfall and offers a unique view of the Todtnau mountains.

Arrival and accessibility
The Todtnau waterfall is easy to reach and offers various access options:

• Coming from Freiburg, there is a parking lot before the village of Aftersteg, from where the waterfall can be reached on foot in around 15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can drive towards Todtnauberg to reach the upper part of the waterfall. There is also a large parking lot here.
• Access to the waterfall is barrier-free, making it accessible to all visitors.

The Todtnau waterfall is an impressive natural spectacle and a must-see for every visitor to the Black Forest. Its easy accessibility, wide range of activities and breathtaking scenery make it a perfect excursion destination for nature lovers, hikers and families. Whether as the main destination of a day trip or as a stopover on a longer journey through the Black Forest, the Todtnau waterfall promises an unforgettable experience amidst the picturesque landscape of the Upper Black Forest.