Erletal, nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
The Erletal is a wet valley in the northeastern part of the Kaiserstuhl near Endingen, stretching from the town southward toward the Katharinenberg mountain. It features meadows and forests, with the Erleweiher, a small natural pond with swimming areas, located at its lower end.
The Erletal became a protected nature reserve in 1991 to preserve its rare plants and animals. The Erleloch, a sandstone tunnel built in 1788, was originally a water channel constructed to supply fresh water to the town of Endingen and represents the area's long history of human use.
The valley takes its name from the alder tree, a species that thrives in wet areas and grows throughout the region. The chestnut-lined path creates a connection between the town and the natural landscape, shaping how locals and visitors experience the space.
The area is easily accessible with marked hiking trails such as the Kaiserstuhlpfad suitable for different fitness levels. The Erleweiher offers changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a small kiosk for drinks and snacks.
The Erleloch sandstone tunnel extends about 100 meters through the hillside with a completely dark middle section that offers a small adventure for children and visitors alike. This underground structure from the 1700s allows people to walk through stone and experience historical engineering firsthand.
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