Discover Gernsbach: Architecture, Art and Nature

Gernsbach combines historic buildings, art trails and hiking destinations in a setting shaped by forests, streams and moorland. The Stork Tower has been an unmistakable part of the townscape for more than 500 years. Depending on your interests and preferred distance, you can choose from cultural attractions and trails of varying lengths, from the 3.2-kilometre art trail along the Reichenbach to the multi-day Gernsbacher Runde.

Buildings, Museum and Garden Art

The Old Town Hall is considered one of the most beautiful and art-historically significant residential buildings of its time in southern Germany. Since April 2012, its upper floors have housed the Museum of Harmony, which is run by the Jan Brauers Foundation. The Stork Tower is also linked to the town’s history: after it was renovated, a permanent exhibition was opened there in 2014. The tithe barns in Amtsstraße that have survived to this day date from 1694 and 1701.

Another historic site is Katz’s Garden on the banks of the Murg. Its features include numerous sculptures and works of art from past centuries. The garden also contains a Neoclassical garden pavilion dating from 1846. The different eras can be seen in the buildings and artworks, which are not limited to a single theme. Wine enthusiasts may also be interested in the Old Town Hall’s role as a waypoint: in 2007, it was designated the starting point of the Ortenau Wine Trail.

Forests, Rocks and Moorland

The Lautenfelsen rock formations rise above the Gernsbach district of Lautenbach, surrounded by dense forest. The landscape is shaped by ancient forests, mountain streams and distinctive flora and fauna. At Kaltenbronn, the raised bog lies at an altitude of around 900 metres. It has been a protected nature reserve for more than 60 years and was the first nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg. The Wildseemoor is the largest raised bog in the Black Forest.

Circular trails at Kaltenbronn range from 3 to 9 kilometres and loop around Lake Hohlohsee and Lake Wildsee. Clear hiking maps are available at the car parks. The distances shown can help you estimate the length of a tour; check local trail conditions before setting out. The Gernsbacher Runde is a different kind of hike: this 43.8-kilometre trail around Gernsbach is completed in two to three daily stages and includes some steep climbs. Highlights along the route include natural beauty, viewpoints and the Murg.

Art Trails and Seasonal Activities

The Reichenbach Art Trail runs from Obertsrot-Hilpertsau, a district of Gernsbach, to Reichental. This gently ascending, 3.2-kilometre hiking trail is lined with works by well-known artists from Baden-Württemberg and other parts of Europe. The artworks may be on display for varying lengths of time, as they are loaned by the artists. Compared with the Gernsbacher Runde, the trail is much shorter; the two routes therefore differ both in length and in their stated focus.

In winter, Kaltenbronn offers opportunities for skiing and cross-country skiing. There are two ski lifts and many groomed cross-country trails for winter sports; operations are seasonal. Gernsbach also offers numerous guided tours for visitors and residents throughout the year. If you are planning a specific tour, check dates and availability before booking. This lets you include cultural attractions, nature trails and seasonal activities in your itinerary according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Weisenbach, Sinzheim, Ötigheim, Hügelsheim, Kuppenheim, Moos, Bühl, Muggensturm.

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