Nature & Ravenna Gorge

A highlight located right at the heart of the Hofgut Sternen is the Ravenna Gorge. The valley, which is very narrow in places, is almost nine kilometers long. In many places it is surrounded by rock walls up to 600 meters high, which give it its extraordinary charm. The name „Ravenna“ is throught to have come from the French word „ravin,“ meaning ravine, due to its eerie and dark nature. Meanwhile, the name „Hell’s Valley,“ (where the Black Forest Village is situated) also arrives from the French „Val d’enfer,“ likely due to the many French soldiers bewoeing their fate at having to overcome multiple narrow passages and dead ends upon crossing here. Today, the Ravenna Gorge is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Black Forest. Along the way, mills, a river, and even several waterfalls (one of which is even 16 meters high!) can be seen. Still, the most astounding view is at the end of the gorge: the Ravenna Viaduct.