If you ever need a break from Munich, you can quickly find yourself in nature and recover from the hustle and bustle of city life. After all, Bavaria is home to the highest mountains and deepest gorges in the country, and we can also call Germany’s highest waterfall our own. But your journey doesn’t always have to take you to the most spectacular spots. “Strength lies in tranquility, ” as the saying goes, and this is most often found in the quieter places where few hikers venture. One such place is the Geratser Waterfall, which, despite its modest height, is an absolute natural gem that you simply can’t get enough of.
Small but beautiful
At the Geratser Waterfall, the Geratser Ach and the Kranzbergger Bach converge and merge into a single stream. This plunges over a wall just 6 meters down into a pool. Nevertheless, the Geratser Waterfall is anything but a mere trickle. On the contrary, the stream flows particularly wide down the wall, forming a beautifully expansive cascade. At its base, it strikes several rocks, flowing over them across a wide area and creating a wonderful water spectacle.
Visitors to the Geratser Waterfall appreciate the tranquility that this little idyll exudes. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to linger, and the flowing water offers a magnificent sight. Hidden in a small wooded area, the trees around the Geratser Waterfall provide shade on hot days, making it a great destination in spring and summer. But even in autumn, when the leaves turn colorful, and in winter, when the water freezes, the place is absolutely magical.
Walk to the Gerats Waterfall
The Gerats Waterfall is located in Gerats, part of the municipality of Rettenberg near Kempten. It lies in the forest between Gerats and Rieder, just 200 meters from the road. You can park your car at the nearby parking lot and take a short walk through the forest to the waterfall. If you ’re looking for a longer hike, start at Voderburg, for example, and hike through the meadow landscape to your destination.
This short hike is particularly well-suited for families, though the trail isn’t entirely stroller-friendly. Once you’ve reached the Geratser Waterfall, unpack your picnic and listen to the rush of the water while you make yourselves comfortable under the trees. Meanwhile, the children can play in the water and explore the surroundings.
