Geology and the Treasure of Bad Wildbad

Red Sandstone

Red sandstone dominates the northern parts of the Black Forest. It lies above the older and deeper bedrock made of granite and gneiss. Along the fairy tale path, it can mainly be seen along the slopes.

Red sandstone formed roughly 250 million years ago. Back then, Europe was a flat basin surrounded by mountain ranges. The rivers that entered the basin brought sediments with them. These sediments mainly consisted of quartz sand which deposited at the bottom of the basin. Iron oxide in various red hues attached itself to the clear quartz sand crystals. A “red-colorful” stone, red sandstone was formed.

Red sandstone weathers to inhospitable, sour and often dry sandy soil that is not suitable for agriculture. Therefore, people in the Black Forest make their living off forestry, since trees can grow on these soils.

The Treasure of Bad Wildbad

Thermal Water
The rocks of the Northern Black Forest are full of cracks and chasms. Something accumulates here that is of exceptional value to Bad Wildbad: mineralized thermal water that has a temperature of 35-42 degrees Celsius.

Five wells continuously pump 12 liters per second. Due to these wells, it is possible to renew nearly all the water of both thermal baths within 24 hours. The warmth and minerals of the springs have a therapeutic effect on the back, joints and overall well-being.

The thermal water in Bad Wildbad is publicly accessible. It emerges out of the Rossini fountain and flows around the Kurplatz. It can be tasted out of a drinking fountain at the Forum König-Karls Bad.

A Heart of Stone

Angry, Peter stomped through the woods. “Little Glass Man, show yourself! You have betrayed me! I have lost everything, you midget!” And indeed, it appeared: “I am supposed to be responsible for your misfortune? What you are missing, silly boy, is reason. You should have wished for that!” Peter furiously seized the little spirit and shook it: “Grant me the third wish! I want 20 000 guilders and a house, immediately. Ooow!”” – suddenly glowing glass burned in Peter’s hand. But the little man had disappeared.

“What am I supposed to do now?” Peter sobbed. “The creditors will take everything from mother and me and maybe even hurt us.” “Well, well, poor Peter.” Dutch-Mike suddenly stood before him, legs apart: “You are right, the Little Glass Man is to blame for your misery. Come with me and we will see if we can come to an agreement.” I do not have anything that I could trade, thought Peter, but he did not see any other way. With weak knees and a throbbing heart Peter followed the giant.

His house was surrounded with dark, dense forest. Once inside, Dutch-Mike held out a pouch: “There, 200 000 guilders and they are yours!” “That is how much you will give me?” Peter asked incredulously and still nervous. “I will even lift your sorrows”, the giant coaxed: “I do not want anything for it, except your heart.” “What?!” Peter was on his feet. “I will die!” “You will be as fresh as a daisy.” Laughing, the giant indicated for Peter to follow him down to the cellar.

There, he opened a door to a chamber. All Peter could see were rows upon rows of shelves filled with jars. Each of the jars was filled with a bright liquid and – Peter shuddered – a bloated heart. “Go on!”, the giant urged and Peter stepped closer. All jars were labeled. He read the names: the one of Fat Ezechiel, the magistrate, the inn-keeper… “Now, are they not all alive?” “But what do they have in their chest instead?”, Peter replied. “This.” Dutch-Mike pulled out a stone. Peter swallowed: “But what if I gamble away the 200 000 guilders?” “Do not worry about that, you will easily make a million out of them.” The giant stroked his chin: “Do not be foolish, boy, what good is a heart to you if you are poor and lonely? Hand it to me. You do not need it. – Now, are we agreed?” As soon as Peter shook the giant’s hand he felt a heavy fatigue and sank to the floor. As if it happened in a dream, he watched Dutch-Mike take his heart out of his chest and replace it with the stone.

Poke your head into the hum stone. Take a deep breath and exhale while humming. Find your note that vibrates through your back, stomach and legs all the way down to your soles.