Schwarzach-Durchbruch, Protected natural area near Schwarzenbruck and Wendelstein, Germany

The Schwarzach-Durchbruch is a protected area near Schwarzenbruck and Wendelstein where the Schwarzach River has carved a narrow gorge through sandstone rock. The rock walls rise steeply on both sides of the river and show hollows, grooves, and uneven surfaces shaped by water and weathering.

The area received its protected status in 1936 and was later added to the European Natura 2000 network. The sandstone itself dates back to the Triassic period, formed through geological processes that shaped the whole region.

The gorge is popular with local walkers who follow the narrow path along the rock walls while listening to the river below. The sandstone changes color depending on the light, looking different in the morning than in the late afternoon.

Parking is available at the Brückkanal excursion restaurant, at the Feucht motorway service area and at the Schwarzenbruck Kirchweihplatz. S-Bahn line 3 stops at Ochenbruck, about 20 minutes on foot from the start of the gorge. The northern bank carries the hiking trail and a geological teaching path with information boards; the former rock path on the southern bank is closed because of the risk of falling.

One of the caves in the gorge is linked to Swedish King Gustav Adolf, who is said to have attended a sermon there after a military victory in 1632. This local tradition connects the ancient rock with a specific moment from the Thirty Years War.