Best waterfalls around Thurnau offers insights into the natural features of this region in Bavaria. Thurnau is situated in a landscape characterized by diverse geological formations, including gorges and forested areas. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities, with several notable natural monuments. These features contribute to the region's appeal for those seeking to explore its natural environment.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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The Arzloch is a popular hiking destination and often still considered a hidden gem. It's a protected natural monument, a wooded area known for its atmospheric, wild gorge with eroded sandstone layers. The waterfall itself is relatively small, with a height of about 3 to 4 meters. Access to the waterfall is natural. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear, as the path leads over roots, narrow trails, and uneven forest floor. The surrounding area is the real highlight. The damp local climate has carved a unique gorge into the Rhaetian sandstone layers, which is home to rare animal and plant species. The bizarre sandstone formations, which can resemble honeycombs due to weathering, are geologically interesting.
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The Aftergraben is the smaller version of the Teufelsgraben, but just as beautiful and interesting
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The Arzloch is an atmospheric, wild gorge with eroded sandstone layers. Due to its humid local climate, it is home to rare animal and plant species, a waterfall and the "Markgrafentisch" rock formation. To get down from Eckersdorf, you have to climb a little and cross a narrow wooden bridge. A real experience.
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It's beautiful how the clear water rushes over the mossy rocks. It's not one of the big waterfalls, but it's enchanting nonetheless.
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Because of its wild and romantic appearance, the Teufelsloch became a tourist destination in the 19th century. Richard Wagner also visited here often and stopped off at the Waldhütte. In the second half of the 19th century, the two-arched sandstone bridge was finally built, spanning the deep gorge and allowing access from Oberwaiz to the Waldhütte restaurant. The Teufelsloch has been a nature reserve since 1941.
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Incredibly primitive, wild and overgrown. Very beautiful.
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This waterfall is also always worth a trip, whether on foot or by bike.
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Unfortunately it was dry when we visited, so it's best to visit after the snow has melted or there has been heavy rain.
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The region around Thurnau is characterized by diverse geological formations, including wild gorges, eroded sandstone layers, and forested areas. You'll find waterfalls nestled within these natural monuments, often featuring unique rock formations and a primeval character due to sandstone cliffs, mosses, and ferns. The Arzloch Waterfall, for instance, is located in an atmospheric gorge with eroded sandstone layers.
Yes, several waterfalls around Thurnau are considered family-friendly. The Veitlahm Waterfall and the Arzloch Waterfall are both noted as suitable for families. Additionally, the Wasserbrassel Waterfall is also listed as family-friendly, offering a beautiful spot to unwind and listen to the water.
The waterfalls around Thurnau offer different experiences throughout the year. While beautiful in warmer months, some, like the Veitlahm Waterfall and Devil’s Hole Waterfalls, are particularly stunning in winter when ice formations appear, constantly changing their appearance. The Aftergraben Gorge is also an experience even in winter with icicles and snow-covered paths.
Yes, the waterfalls are often integrated into hiking routes. For example, accessing the Arzloch Waterfall involves a path over roots and uneven forest floor, requiring sturdy footwear. You can find various hiking opportunities in the area by exploring the Hiking around Thurnau guide, which includes routes like the 'Thurnau Castle – 🏛️ Magnus Tower loop'.
Visitors appreciate the wild and romantic character of these natural spots. Many find the Devil’s Hole Waterfalls enchanting, noting how the clear water rushes over mossy rocks. The Arzloch Waterfall is praised for its atmospheric gorge and unique local climate, often described as a 'picture from another world' and a 'hidden gem'.
Absolutely. The region is known for its gorges, many of which feature waterfalls. The Devil’s Hole Waterfalls are located within a wildly romantic nature reserve and geotope, characterized by a gorge landscape and sandstone cliffs. The Arzloch Waterfall is also found within an atmospheric, wild gorge with eroded sandstone layers, and the Aftergraben Gorge also contains a beautiful waterfall.
The Arzloch Waterfall is located within an atmospheric, wild gorge. To get down from Eckersdorf, you might need to climb a little and cross a narrow wooden bridge. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear, as the path leads over roots, narrow trails, and uneven forest floor. The surrounding area, with its unique damp local climate and bizarre sandstone formations, is a significant part of the experience.
While some waterfalls are well-known, others are considered more of a hidden gem. The Arzloch Waterfall is often still considered a hidden gem by many visitors, despite its popularity. The Aftergraben Gorge, which contains a waterfall, is also noted as being less known than the Devil's Hole, suggesting a more secluded experience.
Beyond exploring waterfalls, the Thurnau area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, such as the 'Thurnau Castle – 🏛️ Magnus Tower loop'. There are also options for road cycling, including routes like the 'Thurnau Castle loop', and running trails, such as the 'Thurnau Castle Pond loop'.
Yes, several waterfalls and their surrounding areas are protected natural monuments. The Devil’s Hole Waterfalls are part of a nature reserve and geotope. The Veitlahm Waterfall and the Arzloch Waterfall are also recognized as natural monuments, as is the Wasserbrassel Waterfall. The Aftergraben Gorge, which features a waterfall, is also a canyon forest natural monument.
Yes, the region around Thurnau offers several road cycling routes. While not directly at the waterfalls, you can combine a waterfall visit with a cycling tour. The Road Cycling Routes around Thurnau guide features options like the 'Thurnau Castle loop from Thurnau' and the 'View of Plassenburg Castle – Trebgast Lake loop from Thurnau'.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Thurnau: