Wondering where the Mühlebach springs from? Here at Mühlebach, we’re not just observing a stream. We’re tracing a vital vein of Heidelberg’s history and nature. This 6.6 km long stream begins its journey in the Odenwald. It flows towards the Rhine plain.
The Mühlebach’s source bubbles forth from the Strangwasenbrunnen. This spring is located northeast of Handschuhsheim. It sits at an elevation of 420 meters above sea level. Imagine a reliable source that provides water even in dry seasons.
The Mühlebach carves its path through the Mühltal or Siebenmühlental. This valley gradually cuts into the Odenwald. The water flows southwest toward Handschuhsheim. It then runs into the Rhine plain.
After about half a kilometer, the Mühlebach receives water from the Hirschquelle. This spring enriches the stream. The water flows across the Hirschwiese. This is a damp clearing at the lower slope.
As we continue our journey, notice how the valley begins to open up after a forest road crossing. On the right slope, at about 275 meters above sea level, the Buchbrunnen stands. Restored in the 1980s or 1990s, this well provides ample water even in summer.
Further downstream, a wooden footbridge crosses the Mühlebach. Shortly after, the valley closes in again. A few small ponds lie within a short stretch of forest. The Mühlebach then finally emerges from the forest. It slowly turns to the right.
Before reaching the first houses of Handschuhsheim, the Mühlebach flows through a retention basin. An earth dam crosses the valley floor. On the left side, the Turnerbrunnen stands. This well is built from local sandstone.
From the retention basin, the Mühlebach runs underground for a short distance. Soon, houses line the Mühltahlstrasse. This area was once home to many mills. They harnessed the water power of the Mühlebach. Many of these mill buildings still stand. At the next street crossing, a weir can still be seen.
Below this point, before Löbinggasse, the Mühlebach disappears underground. It flows through Handschuhsheim. Its course can still be seen in the landscape. The Mühlebach flows under the Mühlthalstrasse. Near the former moated castle, its waters once fed the castle moat. The stream then flows into Dossenheimer Landstrasse.
Beyond this point, the Mühlebach’s path is only visible on maps. It follows the Dossenheimer Landstrasse. It runs west and then north. It passes under the Mühlingstrasse. Finally, it reaches the edge of Handschuhsheim.
Near the northern end of Handschuhsheim, the Höllenbach joins the Mühlebach. The Kroddeweihers lies at the confluence. After passing under the Dossenheim feeder road, the Mühlebach flows freely again. It runs west along Dossenheim’s border.
Near the Boschstrasse, the Dossenheimer Mühlebach joins. The Humpelsgraben is formed. This flows into the Losgraben. The Losgraben drains into the Kanzelbach.
The Mühlebach’s valley is a popular recreation area. It offers tranquility near the city. Paths lead up to the Strangwasenhütte. A wooden bridge and forest paths allow for circular routes. Longer hikes to the Hohen Nistler and Weissen Stein are also possible.
The Mühlebach tells a tale of water power and natural beauty. It has shaped Handschuhsheim. It flows through history. It invites us to explore its path.