Geschwend: Stone Arch Bridge, Dürracker History and Cycling Routes

Geschwend offers several concrete points to consider when choosing a destination: the stone arch bridge over the Prägbach, the historical significance of Dürracker, the Geschwender Halde nature reserve and numerous cycling routes. Local history, landscape and cycling thus come together. The wider destination of Todtnau also offers its own nature and cultural attractions.

Stone Arch Bridge and Local History

At the southern edge of Geschwend’s lower village, the stone arch bridge spans the Prägbach. It was rebuilt in 1864 and is made of ashlar masonry; crenellated parapets accentuate the bridge. Its construction date, materials and design make it a specific point of interest for anyone whose choice of destination is also shaped by architecture and local history. The arch bridge thus adds a distinctive architectural perspective to a stay.

Dürracker is located near Geschwend and was first mentioned as early as 1488. In 1519, the so-called Dürracker rights of the Todtnau and Schönau valleys were established there; annual gatherings of the valley residents were also held at Dürracker. The early mention, legal establishment and gatherings are distinct historical reference points. Together, they connect the name Dürracker with an early record, a named right and recurring assemblies. Until 1970, Geschwend had a rural character and well-preserved old buildings, including Black Forest farmhouses. Its rural character and Black Forest farmhouses add the settlement’s former character to the history of individual buildings.

Landscape and Cycling Routes in Geschwend

The Geschwender Halde is located in the “Gletscherkessel Präg” nature reserve and is subject to the regulations governing the Bannwald forest reserve and the nature reserve. Its protected status is part of the landscape’s character and should be borne in mind when visiting. The Geschwend footbath is located at Im Dürracker, 79674 Todtnau. This location provides a specific point of reference alongside the landscape around the Halde.

Geschwend offers numerous cycling routes. If cycling is a factor in your choice of destination, it is a distinct local focus alongside the historical themes. You can consider the cycling routes as an activity, while also seeing the arch bridge, Dürracker and the rural history of the village as cultural points of interest.

More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Todtnau

The wider destination of Todtnau has hiking, cycling and mountain biking routes of varying difficulty, with views of the Black Forest. When choosing an activity, the distinction is useful: Geschwend offers numerous cycling routes, while Todtnau is described as having a broader range of route types and difficulty levels. Todtnau is also located in the Southern Black Forest Nature Park and the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve, between Feldberg and Belchen in the upper Wiesental valley.

Todtnau also has its own cultural history. The permanent exhibition at the Todtnau Brush Museum presents the life and work of Karl Ludwig Nessler; the museum also covers the history of Todtnau’s brush industry from 1770 to the present day. This provides a distinct regional cultural connection alongside Geschwend’s local history.

Todtnau Waterfall lies between the holiday resorts of Todtnauberg and Aftersteg. With a drop of 97 metres, it is Baden-Württemberg’s highest natural waterfall. At the entrance to Todtnauberg, the 450-metre-long BLACKFORESTLINE spans the waterfall. The bridge is around 120 metres above the waterfall and is supported by 76 mm steel cables and 16-metre pylons. These details offer another nature and architecture reference in the wider destination of Todtnau.

Discover more destinations: Todtnauberg, Aftersteg.

Go to the wider travel overview: Todtnau.