Lauf: Trails, activities and local history

Hiking trails and activities in Lauf

The family-friendly Ziegenpfad (Goat Trail) is signposted from the town centre and can be visited at any time of day. When hiking the Ziegenpfad in Bruderhöfel, you may find yourself surrounded by a herd of curious goats. The animals’ location may vary, so an encounter is possible but not guaranteed.

The fitness trail is about one kilometre long and features a total of 17 exercise stations. It is suitable for walks, brisk fitness walking and several running laps, as well as for families, older adults and keen athletes. This offers a different way to get active from the hiking and mountain biking options in the Laufbachtal and its side valleys. These are suitable for hiking and mountain biking; your choice of activity depends on whether you prefer to explore on foot or by mountain bike.

Energiepfad and Laufbachtal

The Energiepfad (Energy Trail) runs from the power station building in the Au to the reservoir in Glashütte. It follows the route of the pipeline built in 1923/1924 and provides information about the history of hydropower in Lauf. The route thus combines directions with a specific theme: the use of hydropower in the area.

The return route goes around the reservoir and along the Laufbachpfad to the Iron Bridge and back to the power station in the Au. The route is listed as 6.7 kilometres long. If you are looking for an outing with a historical engineering theme, this offers a different focus from the Ziegenpfad or the fitness trail.

Neuwindeck Castle and the old wine press

Neuwindeck Castle is also popularly known as “Laufer Schloss”. The Lords of Windeck built it around 1300. Pedestrians can enter the inner courtyard at any time. Seasonal visiting hours are listed for the castle tower: Saturdays and Sundays in summer, from April, 10 am to 6 pm; in winter, from October, 10 am to 5 pm. Check the opening times and local conditions before your visit.

The old wine press at Alsenhof in Lauf is another testament to the area’s history. Its basic structure probably dates back to the 16th century. This cautious dating is an indication of its great age, without presenting the construction date as certain. The castle and the wine press thus offer two different reasons to explore the area’s history during your stay.

The fitness trail adds another option: getting active on exercise stations. This makes it possible to explore Lauf based on specific interests, without implying that all activities have the same focus.

For the main travel overview: Ortenaukreis.