Plötz

What creates the soothing roar that echoes through this tranquil valley? It is the Plötz, a magnificent waterfall cascading 25 meters into a crystalline pool. The Plötz isn’t just a visual spectacle. It’s a storybook brought to life, a tale woven from the threads of nature, history, and human endeavor. This waterfall is part of the Ebenau Mill Hiking Trail, a path that meanders along the Rettenbach, a river that has shaped this landscape for centuries. Imagine, if you will, a time when the Plötz was more than just a scenic wonder. Centuries ago, it was a lifeline for the community of Ebenau. The force of its water powered seven mills. These mills date back as far as 1336, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people who called this valley home. They served as the heart of Ebenau’s agricultural life, grinding wheat, rye, corn, barley, and oats. Farmers would transport their grain on horse-drawn carriages, a laborious journey culminating in the grinding of their harvest. The last mill to cease operation was the Hofbauermühle, which closed its doors in 1966, marking the end of an era. While no longer operational, the seven mills remain. They stand as silent guardians of the past. Today, these mills, including the Schroffenau-Mühle perched above the waterfall, undergo regular renovations, preserving their legacy as natural monuments. Take a moment, breathe in the crisp air, and listen to the symphony of nature surrounding you. The Plötz, with its thunderous roar and mesmerizing beauty, carries the echoes of generations. It is a captivating blend of nature’s grandeur and human ingenuity.