Ottenhöfen lies in the upper Achertal valley and is surrounded by the wooded heights of the Black Forest. Mills, trails and nature shape the opportunities for exploration in the area: the Mill Trail passes nine preserved or restored mills, while the natural swimming pool offers chlorine-free bathing through biological water regeneration.
Mill Trail and the History of Milling
The Mill Trail is a 13.3-kilometer circular route. The route information gives a walking time of 4 hours and 10 minutes. The loop passes nine preserved or restored mills, giving it a distinctive focus for planning your trip. Route information may be updated; check the current details with the route provider before setting out.
Named highlights of the Mill Trail include the hammer mill. It is a preserved and restored forge powered by a waterwheel on the Acher. The Protestant church is also among the listed stops; it is identified as a stave church. Together, these examples show how the trail combines mill-related sights with other local buildings.
Another mill attraction is the historic Bühler Mill in the Lauenbach valley. It is fully operational and lies directly beside the mill circular route. The Kopp Mill at Hagenstein has a different historical role: as a farm mill, it could also grind grain for paying customers thanks to the abundant water of the Acher. The museum on Ottenhöfen’s history adds to the local story; it is on the upper floor of the Bürgerhaus.
Landscape, Protected Area and Themed Trails
In the Simmersbach valley, views extend across the Rhine Plain and the village of mills. The Mill Trail and the Rock Trail run along part of the valley. These details offer two different perspectives for planning: the mill-related sights on the one hand, and trails with views towards the Rhine Plain on the other.
The Karlsruher Grat and the Gottschlägtal valley form a 154-hectare nature reserve with protected rocky areas and dry scree slopes. Please respect the protected status when visiting. At the broader regional level, the Ortenau district lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering a total of around 3,110 hectares, stretching from the Rhine Plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest.
The LEPO agricultural experience trail features themed areas about water, wood and stone, as well as outdoor marble runs. This differently structured themed trail complements the longer mill loop. You can choose between the two according to whether you prefer a focus on mills and a circular hike or themed stops exploring different materials.
Water and a Break at Blustenhof
At the Ottenhöfen natural swimming pool, biological water regeneration makes chlorine-free bathing possible. The listed facilities include a 51-meter-long rafting slide, swimming and non-swimming pools, a toddler area, a diving area and a playground. As opening arrangements and details may vary by season, check the current conditions before your visit.
Blustenhof has a schnapps fountain and a tasting room where coffee, homemade cakes and snacks are served on weekends and public holidays. Keep this timing in mind when planning: if you would like to include a visit, confirm the availability of the offering and seasonal access in advance.
When planning a stay, you can weigh the options against one another: the mill loop has a stated walking time of more than four hours, while LEPO’s themed stops and the natural swimming pool offer alternatives. Depending on your interests, add local history, landscape views or a break on a weekend or public holiday. Check the relevant route and visitor information for the activities you choose.
Discover more destinations: Appenweier, Kippenheim, Lahr/Black Forest, Renchen, Lautenbach, Achern, Haslach in the Kinzig Valley, Lauf.
View the overarching travel guide: Ortenau district.
