Busenbach: Nature, History and Hotels

Busenbach offers a distinct natural and historical setting when looking for a hotel. The Busenbach Circular Route leads into the Alb Valley and offers panoramic views; at the same time, traces of rafting, the Maria Zuflucht Chapel and a historic flag tell different parts of the town’s history.

Landscape and the Busenbach Circular Route

The “Albtal and Side Valleys” nature reserve covers the Alb Valley between Busenbach and the source of the Alb south of Bad Herrenalb. Many animal and plant species live in the Alb Valley today, some of them rare and endangered. The Busenbach Circular Route leads into the Albtal nature reserve and follows the Alb to one of Busenbach’s mills, the Koch Mill. The highlight of the tour is the panoramic view of the Alb Valley from the Busenbach Wengertlen. If you choose where to stay based on a specific excursion, the route is a clear point of reference for nature and landscape in Busenbach.

Rafting history and local traditions

The town’s history can also be traced through specific details. A rafting station was located near the present-day Busenbach railway station. A Roman relief found near the historic rafting station at Busenbach railway station is considered the oldest evidence of rafting in Germany. The Maria Zuflucht Chapel in Waldbronn-Busenbach has a bell that can only be rung by hand; Friedrich Wilhelm Schilling cast it in Heidelberg in 1957. Another historic trace is the Busenbach flag from 1819. Its initials “BB” and plough symbol can also be found on historic Busenbach boundary stones dating from the same period. A municipal post dated May 7, 2026, announced that the restored flag would once again have a special place in the local history museum. The time span extends from the Roman relief to the bell cast in 1957.

Getting around the Alb Valley

When travelling in the Alb Valley, the S1 light rail line towards Bad Herrenalb and the S11 towards Ittersbach connect the towns in the valley, including Waldbronn. From Waldbronn-Busenbach, you can continue by bus 115. Transport connections may change, so check your route before travelling.

More highlights in the wider destination of Waldbronn

The wider destination of Waldbronn offers more activities and points of interest. Waldbronn’s thermal water rises from a depth of 400 metres. Waldbronn has a state-recognised healing spring, and the Albtherme Waldbronn offers bathing and swimming in genuine thermal water. The local history rooms offer insight into Waldbronn’s former village life; they are housed in a half-timbered building dating from 1702. The Waldbronn local history rooms also host popular local history evenings, whose dates may vary. Waldbronn Spa Park has a miniature golf course and a playground. Also in the wider destination of Waldbronn, the “Pilgrimage & Dowsing Rod” quality trail is an easy circular walk, 7.48 kilometres long.

For the overview of the wider destination: Waldbronn.