Tretstein waterfall, Natural waterfall in Gräfendorf, Germany
Tretstein is a waterfall in Gräfendorf that winds through a gorge carved into Upper Buntsandstone and forms multiple cascades. The water drops roughly three meters freely before striking angled rock formations, reaching a total height of about six meters.
The waterfall formed through the Eidenbach stream's gradual erosion into the region's Buntsandstone rock layers over millennia. In 2010, the Gräfendorf Youth Fire Brigade renovated the access trails, adding handrails and rebuilding wooden walkways.
The name Tretstein comes from the dialect word 'Trätsch-Stein', meaning 'splashing stone' in reference to the water's movement. It serves as a memorable landmark for those exploring the region.
You can reach the waterfall by hiking trails that begin at a small parking area near the Waizenbach stream and railway line in Gräfendorf. The paths are equipped with handrails and wooden walkways, which make access safer even when conditions are wet.
The waterfall is designated as a natural monument and geotope because it clearly displays the rock layers and erosion processes of the region. Hikers can observe how the force of water continuously works on the sandstone, gradually reshaping its features.
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