Kelterle, human settlement
Kelterle is a small estate located west of Hohenhaslach in a narrow valley surrounded by forest and nature. The property contains various buildings from different periods, including an original farmhouse, barns, garden sheds, and structures added later that show over a century of changes and expansions.
The estate was founded in the late 1880s by Gottlieb Scheerle as a small farm with vineyards and beekeeping. After changing hands several times, it became a children's home in the 1960s and was converted to a prison facility by state authorities in 1975, operating until 2015.
The name Kelterle refers to its origins as a wine or fruit press facility in the 1800s. Walking through the site today, you can observe how the buildings and layout reflect the different purposes it has served over generations, from a farm to a community gathering place.
The site is reachable on foot and offers quiet natural paths for walking. Visitors should know that the location is remote and roads were once difficult to access, so comfortable walking shoes and time to explore at a leisurely pace are recommended.
In the 1960s, the children's home became so overcrowded that the natural water sources on the property dried up, forcing staff to bring water by fire truck. This unusual situation highlighted the challenges of running a large facility in such a remote location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
