Geroldsauer Wasserfall

The Geroldsauer Wasserfall (Geroldsau waterfall, formerly also called Große Bütte) is an approximately 9 m high waterfall and a popular destination south of the Baden-Baden district Geroldsau. It is one of six protected natural geological monuments in the area of Baden-Baden.

Waterfall and Surrounding Area

In the narrow Grobbach valley south of Geroldsau the brook Grobbach flows over a 9 m high step in the so called Bühlertal granite and thereby forms the waterfall. The step was created by tectonic events. The Geroldsau waterfall was classified in its entirety and rarity as worthy of protection by the agency responsible for environmental protection.

The immediate surroundings of the waterfall is planted with rhododendrons that bloom in April and May. Boardwalks along the Grobbach provide the visitor with different views on the natural monument. There are numerous hiking and walking trails around the waterfall. Just south is the restaurant Waldgaststätte Bütthof.

The Geroldsauer waterfall is easily accessible by car. Parking is available at the Waldgaststätte Bütthof. Alternatively, you can park the car at the parking area near Malschbach and go from there on foot.

History

Formerly the Geroldsau waterfall was called the "Große Bütte". Bütte is an old German word for tub. The deepening in front of the waterfall was compared to a tub. Thus the waterfall was also eponymous for the nearby restaurant and former farm Bütthof. In the 1820s the Geroldsau Waterfall was popularized by travel guides and a rising number of people visited the Grobbach valley. In the middle of the 19th century the Badeanstalten Commision invested into the developement of the attraction. The paths were renewed and bridges were built. Starting in 1874 a little hut existed directly next to the waterfall, where guests were served meals and beverages. The construction of the Baden-Baden streetcar and the cable car Merkurbergbahn lead to sharp decline of visitors at the waterfall. The hut wasn't profitable any more. After the Second Worldwar the occupation forces tore down the hut.

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  Old post card from 1900

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  Old post card from 1900

References

• Natural geological monuments in the area Karlsruhe (de), p. 127 et seq.
• history of the Bütthof (de) at buetthof.de

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