In a quiet side valley near Oppenau stand the ruins of Allerheiligen Abbey, founded in the 1190s for the Premonstratensian order, reportedly with the backing of Uta of Schauenburg. The monastery was dissolved in 1803 and, soon afterwards, gutted by fire after a lightning strike; what remains is a roofless Gothic church, open to the sky and surrounded by meadow and forest.
Just below, the Lierbach stream plunges through a narrow, mossy gorge in a chain of cascades — the Allerheiligen waterfalls. Stairways, galleries and small bridges take you right alongside the water, and the combination of ruin and falls makes this one of the most atmospheric short walks in the northern Black Forest.
Top things to do at Allerheiligen Waterfalls & Abbey
Walk down the waterfall gorge
The path from the abbey car park follows the stream down through the gorge beside the cascades. It is steep in places with many steps; allow about an hour for the round trip at a relaxed pace.
Explore the abbey ruins
The Gothic nave, tower stumps and cloister remains are free to wander. Information panels explain the monastery’s history, and the meadow around it is a lovely picnic spot.
Combine with the national park
Allerheiligen sits just below Ruhestein, so it pairs naturally with the national park centre and the Wildsee on a half-day loop from the Mummelsee.
How to get to Allerheiligen Waterfalls & Abbey
- By car from the Mummelsee: south on the B500 to Ruhestein, then down towards Oppenau — about 20 km and 25 minutes. There is parking near the abbey ruins and at the foot of the falls.
- By bus: weekend and seasonal buses link Oppenau, Allerheiligen and Ruhestein; check the current timetable.
- On a private tour: ask for Allerheiligen on a private Black Forest tour from Baden-Baden or Frankfurt.
Insider tips
- Wear shoes with grip: the stone steps beside the falls are often wet and slippery.
- The falls are most powerful after snowmelt in spring or after heavy rain.
- The gorge path can close in icy conditions in winter — check locally before you go.
Best tours & tickets for Allerheiligen Waterfalls & Abbey
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Allerheiligen Waterfalls & Abbey and the rest of the Black Forest:
Private tour from US$888 per group The Best in Baden-Baden and Blackforest
A private, flexible day for up to six people starting in the spa town itself. The guide shapes the route around your interests — thermal baths, wine cellars, Black Forest food and the forest roads above Baden-Baden — which makes it the natural choice if you want someone else to handle the driving.
- Casino, Kurhaus and Lichtentaler Allee with a private guide
- Black Forest food and historic wineries
- Forest scenery tailored to your group
Private tour from US$905 Frankfurt to Black Forest, Baden-Baden & Freiburg by Car
A private driver and a flexible itinerary through the Black Forest, Baden-Baden and Freiburg. Because the route is yours to shape, it is one of the few ways to include the Schwarzwaldhochstraße and a stop at the Mummelsee on a day out of Frankfurt — just ask when you book.
- English-speaking driver, pickup anywhere in Frankfurt
- Route tailored to you — ask for the High Road and the Mummelsee
- Baden-Baden and Freiburg on the same day
