1: "Interface" with a view

Who can spot a beautiful view?

From the parking lot you have a good view of the Upper Rhine Graben with the Vosges Mountains in the background, weather permitting.

Why is this view possible here?

The edge of the forest marks one of the most important interfaces in the history of the earth in southern Germany: the eastern boundary of the Upper Rhine Graben, also known as the eastern main thrust. Only the collapse of this rift valley some 60 million years ago has made this view possible. And much more ...

Why does the edge of the forest mark the eastern boundary of the Upper Rhine Graben?

The human uses mark the different surface forms and geological conditions that came together here as a result of the collapse of the Upper Rhine Graben: In the southeast, man left the partly steeply rising and nutrient-poor red sandstone layers to the forest. In the north-west, on the other hand, clay-rich Tertiary deposits and, above all, loess-bearing flowing soils provide fertile soil conditions on only slightly sloping to flat surfaces. For this reason, arable and grassland use dominates here. The settlement of Waldprechtsweier can also be found here.

For a detour, follow the signpost in the direction of "Mühlrain (Waldprechtstal)" and cross the main road carefully (!). Immediately after crossing the road, you will see an old well on the left.