Morgenbachtal

The Morgenbachtal extends over a length of about five kilometers from the Jägerhaus bridge...

» Where the kingfisher fishes & spring water cascades down. A small nature reserve – also an adventure for walkers, hikers & climbers «

Wildly romantic. Lushly overgrown. It smells of moss. Ferns line the path. A fresh coolness fills the air, as it only comes from clear streams. The Morgenbachtal is of rare beauty. Since 1984, the 170-hectare area in the midst of the Binger Forest has been under nature protection.

The five-kilometer-long Morgenbach springs below the mountain Franzosenkopf. I have followed the source to the Rhine along shady paths, walking from west to east. Hence, probably also the popular name: Hikers walk along a natural stream towards the sunrise, towards the morning hours. What a beautiful picture!

A mystical play of light and shadow unfolds before me. The crowns of oak, beech, maple, lime, ash, alder, elm, and chestnut accompany me. I notice the quirky growth forms of the trunks on barren gravel and steep slopes. A truly virgin tree population. The oaks are over 100 years old. Mushrooms grow on trees and under small rock crevices. Here, quartzite soil predominates. An old bridge marks the lower course to the Morgenbachtal, the most beautiful part of the route.

The Morgenbach flows windingly and bubbling past massive rocks, forming small lakes and then cascading down several waterfalls. The stream carries water year-round. One of the most colorful forest inhabitants fishes here with a pointed beak for small fish or tadpoles: the kingfisher. The water ouzel loves to bathe at the riverbank. I take off my hiking boots, balance over damp stones, refresh myself ankle-deep in the cool water – and feel like I’m in the jungle.

An old sandstone wall, densely covered with moss, catches my eye. Such a massive fortification for such a small stream? The appearance is deceptive, the stream can become raging. It gets warmer and lighter. Blackberry bushes and elderberry line the path.

The Rhine with its warm slate rock comes closer. I slowly leave the silence and coolness of the Morgenbachtal. On a rock, surrounded by stone walls and vines, the castle Reichenstein majestically towers in the sun. The warmth of the Middle Rhine Valley surrounds me, and I feel like having a glass of wine.

Categories

Infrastructure
Contact details

Email: willkommen@bingen.de Phone: +49 6721 184200 Website: https://www.dein-bingen.de

Opening hours
Monday: 00:00 - 23:59 Uhr
Tuesday: 00:00 - 23:59 Uhr
Wednesday: 00:00 - 23:59 Uhr
Thursday: 00:00 - 23:59 Uhr
Friday: 00:00 - 23:59 Uhr
Saturday: 00:00 - 23:59 Uhr
Sunday: 00:00 - 23:59 Uhr
Address

Rheinkai 21
55411 Bingen am Rhein (DE)

Coordinates

Lat: 50.003240
Long: 7.849086

More information

The Morgenbach Valley extends for about five kilometers from the Jägerhaus Bridge to the mouth at Trechtingshausen. The deciduous forest in this romantic valley is diverse. Since 1984, the lower part, which also contains a climbing area, has been protected as a nature reserve covering around 170 hectares. Flora and fauna offer great diversity.
» Where the kingfisher fishes & spring water cascades down. A small nature reserve – also rich in experiences for walkers, hikers & climbers «

Wildly romantic. Lushly overgrown. It smells of moss. Ferns line the path. A fresh coolness hangs in the air, as it only comes from clear streams. The Morgenbach Valley is of rare beauty. Since 1984, the 170-hectare area in the midst of the Binger Forest has been under nature protection.

The five-kilometer-long Morgenbach springs below the Franzosenkopf mountain. I followed the source towards the Rhine along shady paths, walking from west to east. Hence, probably, the popular name: Hikers walk along a natural stream towards the sunrise, towards the morning hours. What a beautiful picture!

A mystical play of light and shadow unfolds before me. The canopy of oak, beech, maple, lime, ash, alder, elm, and chestnut accompanies me. I notice the quirky growth forms of the trunks on barren gravel and steep slopes. A truly primeval tree population. The oaks are over 100 years old. Mushrooms grow on trees and under small rock crevices. Here, quartzite soil predominates. An old bridge marks the lower course to the Morgenbach Valley, the most beautiful part of the route.

The Morgenbach flows windingly and bubbling past massive rocks, forming small lakes and then cascading down several waterfalls. The stream flows year-round. One of the most colorful forest inhabitants fishes here with a pointed beak for small fish or tadpoles: the kingfisher. The water ouzel loves to bathe at the riverbank. I take off my hiking boots, balance over damp stones, refresh myself ankle-deep in the cool water – and feel like I'm in the jungle.

An old sandstone wall, densely covered with moss, catches my eye. Such a massive fortification for such a small stream? The appearance is deceptive, the stream can become raging. It gets warmer and brighter. Blackberry bushes and elderberry line the path now.

The Rhine with its warm slate rock approaches. I slowly leave the silence and coolness of the Morgenbach Valley. On a rock, surrounded by stone walls and vines, the castle Reichenstein majestically towers in the sun. The warmth of the Middle Rhine Valley surrounds me and I feel like having a glass of wine.