Schluchtensteig: Stage two
At the beginning of the second stage of the Schluchtensteig, we have to be very brave right from the start of the day. Just at the entrance to the Schleifenbach waterfalls, we get caught in a heavy shower from the dark clouds above us. This is doubly unfortunate because the path into the gorge becomes very muddy and slippery. With the help of our hiking poles, we master this obstacle brilliantly and also conquer the eight-meter-long and very steep metal staircase into the gorge. After this start, nothing can shock us today.
The path first leads us to Achdorf and from there on to Aselfingen. Unfortunately, we’re repeatedly caught by rain showers, so it’s hardly worth taking off our rain jackets. However, when we reach the Wutachmühle—and with it the kiosk of the same name, which we use for a break—the rain finally stops. The rest of the day is sunny, and later, the sun even breaks through!
Former Spa Town Bad Boll
One striking feature of this section is the many different bridges we cross today. We also enter another part of the Wutach Gorge, which is especially beautiful this time and has an adventurous feel. Just my kind of thing! By the time we reach the Tannegger waterfall, we’re in high spirits: thanks to the light, the falling water resembles a rainbow. Wonderful.
On the Fritz Hockenjos Footbridge
A little further on, we reach the former spa town of Bad Boll. Just as the sun finally breaks through the clouds here, we settle down on a bench surrounded by a lovely spring meadow. We cross the Wutach on the Fritz Hockenjos footbridge and head toward a very special experience: the Dietfurt Waterfall. We’re so fascinated by its moss-covered beauty that we can hardly tear ourselves away.
Since it’s still a bit of a walk to our next accommodation and hunger is starting to set in, we eventually continue on. Toward the end, the path is full of roots, so we need to stay fully focused. Finally, we reach our accommodation for the evening: the Schattenmühle. The restaurant makes a good first impression, but when we see our rooms—more like cells, really—our enthusiasm vanishes. The lodging feels like a former staff outbuilding. Cramped, tiny, not suitable for larger people. Completely uncomfortable and with no curtains on the windows. Fortunately, we’re only staying for one night.
In the Lotenbach Gorge
Before dinner, we want to take a look into the nearby Lotenbach Gorge. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Schattenmühle. This 1.5 km long side arm of the Wutach Gorge is really wild and unspoiled. You really have to watch where you step here. Unfortunately, we’re quite tired from the day’s hike, so we don’t go the full way, since the trail is truly rough and rugged. But it’s worth the visit—it’s definitely something special, especially for adventurers!
Cold Soup – High Prices
We’re also disappointed with dinner. The pancake soup is almost cold, and the beer is expensive. We have the soup reheated. My tarte flambée with salmon tastes good. But the proverbial slap in the face is breakfast the next morning. Everything on the table is pre-packaged, there are only white bread rolls, and vegetarians get at most a single slice of packaged cheese. I find that quite outrageous—especially for a hotel that caters to hiking guests. I wouldn’t want to stay here again.
