Hiking paths accessible; persisting issue with Wieslauf Ravine.
On June 2nd, 2024, a heavy rainfall event in the Swabian Forest resulted in flood damage, particularly affecting the Welzheim forest and its hiking trails. Following extensive cleanup and restoration efforts, most hiking trails have reopened, with the exception of parts of the Wieslauf gorge that remain closed due to significant damage.
Jochen Bachers' horse Burli had a crucial role in the restoration process, dragging a heavy fir trunk to serve as a new resting bench by the Lein riverbank. The idyllic stream experienced swelling during the flood, causing structural damage to bridges, footbridges, and benches.
In the following months, many contributions from construction companies, planners, volunteers, and municipal employees helped clear the damage. The intent was to prioritize durability instead of quick, temporary fixes.
Mayor Thomas Bernlohr led a tour of the 5.6 km premium leisure hiking trail Roemerwald, one of the most scenic trails in the region. The Roemerwald trail and the Edenbach valley are now fully accessible, and many other sections of the trail network have also undergone repairs.
The renovation costs for the Roemerwald trail alone amounted to approximately 50,000 euros, with total costs for renovating hiking and leisure trails in Welzheim, Rudersberg, and Althütte estimated between 300,000 and 400,000 euros.
Cooperation among various entities, including the district office, was uncomplicated during the restoration efforts, according to nature guide Walter Hieber, who was involved in the planning and signposting of several routes.
The beauty of nature should be accessible again as soon as possible, according to Bernlohr, who promptly posted signs for detours along affected mill hiking trails, the premium hiking trail 'Three Gorges', and the railway experience trail.
However, certain challenges remain, particularly in the Wieslaufschlucht. The slope has shifted on the Hans-Dobel-Weg, necessitating a 20-meter elevation increase for the new path due to the high cost of securing the landslide. Additionally, a steep ravine below the path presents repair difficulties, with repair work not expected to start until next year.
Temporary detours and signposting are now available for the affected paths, including the Wieslaufschlucht, Hans-Dobel-Weg, and the Eselsweg to the Klingental mill. Bernlohr and his team are actively working to address remaining challenges on trails such as the Bahnerlebnispfad and the Premium Hiking trail Dreischluchten.
Despite these challenges, Bernlohr remains optimistic, announcing that "the hiking season is open!" for many of the restored trails in Welzheim.
Jochen Bachers, in his quest for outdoor-living, played a key role in the restoration process by using his horse, Burli, to position a heavy fir trunk as a new resting bench for hikers along the home-and-garden setting of the Lein riverbank. To further boost the lifestyle appeal of the region, the renovated Roemerwald trail, a premium leisure hiking trail, is now open for sports enthusiasts to enjoy the scenic views it offers.
