All Saints Waterfalls & Monastery Ruins – Nature and History United in the Black Forest
Deep in the Northern Black Forest, vicinity Oppenau in the Renchtal, are two of the most impressive excursion destinations in the region: the All Saints Waterfalls and the romantic All Saints Monastery RuinsThis combination of wild nature and historic architecture makes the place a highlight for hikers, culture enthusiasts, and Black Forest vacationers.
All Saints Waterfalls – The highest natural waterfalls in the Northern Black Forest
The All Saints Waterfalls apply with a total fall height of around 83 meters than the highest natural waterfalls in the Northern Black ForestIn several cascades the Grindenbach down steep rock steps into a deep gorge.
A well-maintained hiking trail with numerous stairs and viewing platforms leads directly along the waterfalls – a true experience whatever the weather. The water masses are particularly impressive in spring and after heavy rainfall. The trail is part of the popular All Saints' Day circular route, which harmoniously combines monastery, gorge and nature.
All Saints Monastery Ruins – History between Legend and Reality
Directly above the waterfalls are the picturesque remains of the former Premonstratensian Abbey of All Saints, which in the year 1191 from Uta von Schauenburg was founded. The place was a spiritual and cultural center in the Black Forest for a long time.
The monastery complex experienced its heyday in the late Middle Ages, but was destroyed by several fires – most recently 1804 by lightning strike – largely destroyed. Today the All Saints Monastery Ruins a romantic, freely accessible memorial that impresses with its Gothic architecture and surrounding gardens.
A small Monastery Garden and Information boards provide background information on the history of the monastery, monastic life, and the construction of the church. The ruins are embedded in a park-like landscape and offer a unique backdrop for walks, photographs, and quiet moments.
Tips for visitors & hiking around All Saints Day - Starting point: Hiking car parks in
Oppenau,
Baiersbronn or on
All Saints' Day Legend Trail
- Marked circular hiking trails such as the
“All Saints’ Day Circular Route”,
“Monastery Trail” or parts of the
Renchtalsteig
- Refreshments in
All Saints Monastery Courtyard (open seasonally)
- The place is child-friendly, but the waterfall path includes many steps – sturdy shoes recommended
- Access to the ruins and the waterfalls is free
Location and accessibility
The All Saints complex is located approx. 15-minute drive from Oppenau, approximately 45 minutes from Baden-Baden and around 50 minutes from Moosbach Garden in Nordrach removed.
A winding but scenic route takes you into the valley of the waterfalls and to the historic monastery grounds.
The
All Saints Waterfalls and All Saints Monastery offer an impressive combination of
Nature experience and cultural history in the Black ForestWhether for a family hike, a day trip, or as a spiritual retreat, this place tells an impressive story of the interplay between people, faith, and nature over the centuries.
