Discover Ottenhöfen in the Black Forest

Ottenhöfen in the Black Forest lies in the upper Achertal valley and is surrounded by the wooded heights of the Black Forest. Trails and mills give a stay a cultural and historical focus; the protected landscape, nature adventure pool and LEPO adventure trail add further highlights. This lets you decide in advance whether to include a longer route, individual mill landmarks or additional leisure activities in your travel plans.

Landscape and protected nature

The Karlsruher Grat and the Gottschlägtal together form a 154-hectare nature reserve. Protected habitats include rocky areas and dry scree slopes. When visiting this landscape, follow the applicable conservation regulations.

In the Simmersbach valley, views extend to the Rhine Plain and the village of mills. The Mill Trail and the Felsenweg run along part of the valley. This connects the area’s landscape with two named trails, without implying anything about their full routes.

Mill trails and structures

The Mill Trail is a 13.3-kilometre circular hike with a stated walking time of 4 hours and 10 minutes. It passes nine preserved or restored mills. Plan this route as a longer activity and check the latest route and time information before setting out.

Highlights along the Mill Trail include the Hammerschmiede. This preserved and restored forge is powered by a waterwheel on the Acher. The Evangelical Church is also among the named highlights; it is identified as a stave church. The route therefore brings together mill craftsmanship and a structure with its own distinct architectural designation.

Another mill-related site is the Bühler Mill: this historic, fully operational mill is located in the Lauenbach, right next to the Mill Circular Trail. Take care to distinguish between the similar-sounding trail names when finding your way. The Kopp Mill at Hagenstein offers a different perspective on milling: as a farm mill, it could also grind grain for paying customers thanks to the abundant water of the Acher.

Local history at the Bürgerhaus

The museum on Ottenhöfen’s history is on the upper floor of the Bürgerhaus. Its name points to its local historical focus; its location in the Bürgerhaus adds another distinct connection to the town, alongside the mills and structures.

Leisure activities and refreshments

The Ottenhöfen nature adventure pool offers chlorine-free swimming through biological water regeneration. Facilities include a 51-metre rafting slide, swimming and non-swimming pools, a toddlers’ area, a diving area and a playground. Before your trip, check seasonal opening and the latest information about the facilities.

The agricultural LEPO adventure trail is divided into themed sections on water, wood and stone; there are also outdoor marble runs. These themes offer a different focus from the mill trails: here, the emphasis is on the three named materials and elements, as well as playing with the marble runs.

Blustenhof has a schnapps fountain and a tasting room. Coffee, homemade cake and a savoury snack are served there on weekends and public holidays. If you plan to visit the tasting room, confirm current availability and seasonal access before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Offenburg, Lauf, Biberach, Gutach, Achern, Ichenheim, Berghaupten, Seelbach.

Return to the main travel overview: Ortenaukreis.