If you’re looking for an easy, peaceful, and seriously beautiful spot in the Black Forest, Geroldsauer Waterfall is one of those places that instantly wins you over. Tucked inside a lush gorge just outside Baden-Baden, this little waterfall is the perfect escape when you want a dose of nature without committing to a long hike.
Think wide forest paths, wooden bridges, birdsong echoing through the valley, and a short, scenic walk that’s doable for pretty much anyone — kids included.
We visited Geroldsauer during our roadtrip around the Black Forest. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get there, what to expect on the trail, and a few tips to make your visit even better.
Geroldsauer Waterfall Hiking Statistics
Distance – 3.1km
Elevation – 97m
Duration – 1 hour
Type – Loop
Starting Point – Wasserfall Hütte
End Point – Wasserfall Hütte
Parking – Wasserfall Hütte. The road leading up to the waterfall has a lot of non parking signs so make sure to respect those! But no need to worry cause right above the hut where the hike starts there’s a parking lot.
Level – Easy
Best time to visit – The best seasons to hike in the Black Forest are Spring, Summer and Fall; During the winter season a lot of the roads in the Black Forest aren’t properly maintained.
How to reach the trailhead
The Geroldsauer waterfall is located in the Northern part of the Black Forest, not too far from Baden-Baden. Once you venture from the main road you’ll drive along a smaller paved road leading you up through the forest.
Along the way you’ll see a lot of “no parking” signs, just keep on following the road and after a few minutes you’ll see a wooden hiking trail map on the side of the road and right behind it is the parking lot.
Once you’ve parked your car walk balk to the wooden sign and on your left you can walk down a gravel road towards the Wasserfall Hütt, where the hiking trail starts.
💡 TIP – Follow the blue circle to hike the Geroldsauer waterfall loop.
What to expect when visiting the Geroldsauer waterfall
The Geroldsauer waterfall is a small but beautiful waterfall in the Black Forest in Germany. It was the first waterfall that we visited on our 4 day road trip through this magical part of the country and the perfect place to start.
As soon as you enter the forest you’ll walk beside a babbling creek, dotted with mossy rocks. On multiple occasions I said to Christof: “If fairies or gnomes live somewhere, it must be here.
There are several wooden bridges and boardwalks along the trail helping you cross the river and from you can get different vantage points over the waterfall.
It’s an easy and family friendly trail but not suited for strollers, so make sure to bring your hiking carrier if you’re hiking with a little one.
The best time to hike in the Black Forest
The Black Forest is beautiful all year, but if you want to see it at its absolute best, then fall is the winning season — no contest. The forests turn into a glowing patchwork of red, gold, and orange, the air feels crisp and clean, and the whole region takes on that cozy, fairytale atmosphere it’s so famous for.
For the peak of autumn colors, aim for October. This is when the Black Forest is at its most magical, with vibrant foliage covering the hills and panoramic viewpoints looking like something straight out of a painting. By November, many of the leaves have already fallen, and the landscapes start to look a bit barer — still peaceful, but not nearly as colorful.
Where to stay in the Black Forest
If you’re looking for the perfect base to explore the Black Forest, Hotel Badischer Hof in Biberach is an excellent pick.
This charming, family-run hotel offers everything you need for a relaxed stay — including half board, so you can enjoy a hearty breakfast and a delicious dinner without having to hunt for restaurants after a long day of exploring.
It’s also a great pick for families: the hotel has spacious family rooms, a heated indoor pool that’s perfect for unwinding in the evening, and an outdoor playground where little ones can burn off some energy. With friendly staff, free parking, and in the middle of the attractions listed in this article, Hotel Badischer Hof is one of those places that makes your Black Forest trip feel effortless and wonderfully comfortable.
Tips for visiting the Geroldsauer Waterfall
Wear proper hiking boots – The trail consist of wooden bridges but along the trail you’ll also encounter roots on the forest path. After a rainy day or on a misty morning these can become very slippery, especially if you’re hiking in sneakers.
Hike clockwise – We did it the opposite way and always had to turn to see the cascades along the trail. If you’re hiking clockwise you’ll hike upstream and always have the best views straight ahead.
No facilities – There are no facilities along the trail. There’s the waterfall hut at the start of the trail but upon our arrival both the hut and the toilets were closed.
No EV charger – Since owning an electric vehicle myself this is one of my pet peeves… But no, there’s no EV charging station at the trailhead. The closest one is located in Lichtental.
If you have any questions about how to visit Baden-Württemberg or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Baden-Württemberg
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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