Deep in the Simonswald Valley, where the Black Forest still retains a particularly pristine feel, the Zweribach stream plunges some 40 meters over two enormous cascades. Surrounded by centuries-old protected forest, where chainsaws haven't been used for decades, the Zweribach waterfalls are among the most impressive and yet least-known natural spectacles in the southern Black Forest. Those seeking to venture off the beaten track will find here a piece of wilderness rarely found in the densely populated state of Baden-Württemberg.
This article tells you exactly where the waterfalls are located, how the unique nature reserve around them came to be, which hiking routes are available, and what you should pay attention to during your visit.
Where the Zwergbach waterfalls are located
The Zweribach waterfalls are located in the Simonswald Valley in the southern Black Forest, about 20 kilometers east of Freiburg im Breisgau, on the border of the municipalities of Simonswald and St. Peter. Here, the Zweribach stream plunges approximately 40 meters over two large drops before flowing into the Wilde Gutach river in the valley below. The falls lie in the heart of the Zweribach protected forest nature reserve, surrounded by dense, pristine woodland – a stark contrast to the more famous, tourist-oriented waterfalls of the Black Forest.
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How the waterfalls and their protected forest came to be
The steep rock faces over which the Zweribach and the neighboring Hirschbach plunge into the depths are a legacy of the last Ice Age. The intense glaciation during this period created very steep cirque walls on the western slope of the Simonswald valley, which drops 300 to 700 meters. The Zweribach and Hirschbach streams, which flow above in shallow valleys, have since cascaded down waterfalls into the cirque, which is up to 300 meters deep – a geological spectacle not unlike that of Lake Herrenwieser in the Northern Black Forest, though here it manifests as roaring waterfalls instead of a tranquil mountain lake.
The Zweribach protected forest – one of the oldest natural forest reserves in Germany
The Zweribach protected forest, from which the area takes its name, was designated in 1970, encompassing 77,3 hectares in the St. Märgen forestry district, making it one of the oldest natural forest reserves in Germany. In a protected forest, forestry operations are deliberately suspended: trees grow, age, and die here entirely without human intervention. Fallen trunks are left to decompose, deadwood rots on site, and thus creates a habitat for rare fungi, insects, and birds. For visitors, this means a forest that appears significantly wilder and more pristine than most of the managed forests in the Black Forest.
The natural spectacle of the waterfalls
At the Zweribach Waterfalls, the water thunders down two large rock steps, accompanied by a constant roar and a fine spray that provides welcome coolness on hot summer days. At the foot of the falls, a small meadow opens up, crossed by a stream, with benches for resting. There is also a small chapel and an information panel commemorating a farm that once stood on this spot. During prolonged dry spells, the water flow can decrease significantly, which is why a visit is particularly worthwhile in spring after the snowmelt or after heavy rainfall. At around 40 meters, the Zweribach Waterfalls may not reach the dimensions of the widely known Triberg Waterfalls , but they compensate with their pristine, unspoiled natural surroundings.
Hiking to the Zwergach waterfalls
Route from Obersimonswald
The shortest, signposted access route begins in Obersimonswald at the Gasthaus Engel bus stop. From there, a roughly 2-kilometer-long hiking trail leads past small farms clinging to the steep slopes to the waterfalls. Along the way, the trail offers beautiful views of the upper Simonswald valley, whose lush green meadows contrast charmingly with the wooded peaks of the surrounding Black Forest hills.
Route starting from the Haldenschwarzhof parking lot
Alternatively, you can start at the Haldenschwarzhof hiking parking lot at an altitude of around 600 meters, which is only accessible via a narrow, steep access road. From there, you can reach the waterfalls in about half an hour. The nature reserve begins directly behind the farm, so you'll get a first impression of the pristine forest landscape of the protected forest on your way there.
Route via Potsdamer Platz and the Kapfen Chapel
Those with more time can combine a visit to the Zweribach waterfalls with a longer circular hike that starts above St. Peter at the so-called Potsdamer Platz Willmendobel, a parking area at an altitude of approximately 991 meters. This route also leads to the neighboring Hirschbach waterfalls and the Kapfen Chapel and, at around 16 to 17 kilometers and about four hours of pure walking time, is considerably more challenging than the direct access routes.
The Two Valleys Trail as a long-distance hiking trail
The Zweribach waterfalls are not only located along well-marked circular trails, but also directly on the ZweiTälerSteig , a long-distance hiking trail that leads through the Elz and Simonswald valleys. Those interested in a multi-day hike through the southern Black Forest can easily incorporate the waterfalls into a longer tour, rather than visiting them as an isolated day trip. Especially when combined with other destinations like St. Märgen or St. Peter, this creates a varied hiking program through deep valleys, open plateaus, and dense forests.
Practical tips for your visit
Equipment and difficulty
The path to the Zweribach waterfalls is rocky in places, steep, and barely wider than a narrow trail. Sturdy, ankle-high footwear is therefore essential, as is a good level of sure-footedness. The route is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, and children under about five years old who are not yet confident on uneven terrain are not advised to attempt it.
Arrival and parking
For those arriving by car, there are two parking options: the Haldenschwarzhof hiking parking lot at around 600 meters, accessible via a narrow, steep access road, and the Potsdamer Platz parking lot at 991 meters, which is accessible from two sides via paved roads and is therefore much safer to reach, even in winter. Experience shows that the Haldenschwarzhof parking lot fills up by mid-morning on summer weekends, while it is considerably quieter during the week. You should bring your own food and drinks, as there are no restaurants or cafes directly at the waterfalls – the nearest restaurants are in the valley in Simonswald or Waldkirch, or up at Plattenhof.
The best travel time
The Zweribach waterfalls are at their most abundant in spring during the snowmelt and after prolonged periods of rain. In the height of summer, the water volume can decrease noticeably during periods of prolonged drought, but the cool spray is particularly inviting on hot days. In winter, increased caution is advised on the steep sections due to snow and ice; crampons or hiking poles are recommended.
Vacation in Simonswald
Accommodation in Simonswald
Frequently asked questions about the Zwergach waterfalls
How high are the Zwergach waterfalls?
The Zweribach plunges about 40 meters over two large steps before flowing into the Wilde Gutach in the Simonswäldertal valley.
What is a protected forest?
A protected forest is a wooded area where all forestry activities have ceased. Trees grow, age, and die here without human intervention. The Zweribach protected forest was designated as such in 1970 and is one of the oldest natural forest reserves in Germany.
How long does the hike to the waterfalls take?
From Obersimonswald or the Haldenschwarzhof parking lot, you can reach the waterfalls in about 20 to 30 minutes. Longer circular hikes including the Kapfen Chapel and the Hirschbach waterfalls take around four hours.
Is the path to the waterfalls suitable for strollers?
No, the path is rocky, steep, and in some places very narrow. It is unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Is there a place to stop for refreshments at the waterfalls?
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at the falls. Above, on the "Platte" plateau, the Plattenhof inn offers a place to rest; further options can be found in Simonswald and Waldkirch in the valley below.
Which parking lots are suitable for arrival?
The options are the Haldenschwarzhof parking lot at around 600 meters with a steep access road, and the Potsdamer Platz parking lot at 991 meters, which is more easily accessible via paved roads.
