Vibrantly blue-green, the Blautopf mimics the view of an alpine lake, though on a much smaller scale. (Betsy McLaughlin)
Half-timbered houses, cobblestoned streets, a fountain in the Alstadt, charming and quaint, what really separates Blaubeuren from, well, really any other town in Germany?
It is the mystical karst spring, Blautopf. Tucked into the outskirts of town, edged along the woods, Blautopf, or “blue pot” in English, stuns visitors with its vivid shades of turquoise blue water, shifting in intensity dependent on the weather, flow of water and angle of the sun.
Sunny days seem to enhance the blue hues; however, even on a cloudy day, the spring still holds enchantment. (Betsy McLaughlin)
Vibrantly blue-green, the spring mimics the view of an alpine lake, though on a much smaller scale. Reasons for its unique color are attributed to the large distribution of nanoscale limestone sediment, creating a geological visual wonder. Visitors to the spring aim for the perfect picture; with the sun angled in the morning, a shimmering hue of blue has been captured. Although later in the day, visitors can still marvel at the sharp color of the spring. Sunny days seem to enhance the blue hues; however, even on a cloudy day, the spring still holds enchantment. Winter days allow for leafless trees, making a clearer picture facing toward the monastery, though spring and summer add a canopy of green tones for a richer and fuller feel.
Though the color of the spring resembles a blue-green Kool-Aid cocktail tempting enough to drink by the bucket full or to take a swim in, the spring itself has been considered dangerous, due to its funnel shape, with a depth of 69 ft. At the bottom of the spring lies the entrance to the Blauhöhle, the largest known cave system in the Swabian Alps. Though appealing to divers, special permission must be granted to enter.
The mermaid is the wife of the Danube King, though she is unable to have children due to her sadness. (Betsy McLaughlin)
A hammer mill on its banks, and a monastery from 1085 towering nearby, Blautopf certainly springs fairytales and folklore to mind. A lone statue of a mermaid on the edge of the water depicts one such legend of Die Schöne Lau (the beautiful Lau). The poet Edward Mörike wrote of her fate in his work entitled “The History of the Fair Lau.” In his story, the mermaid is the wife of the Danube King, though she is unable to have children due to her sadness. She is cast away to Blautopf to learn to laugh five times from the heart. Once she does, she returns home happy and is able to have children. Many other legends surrounding the spring also exist, with such a unique view inspiring writers and storytellers throughout the centuries.
Construction has limited access to the springs; however, the spring remains viewable and accessible via two footbridges that the city has installed. Construction is expected to go until 2028, though the city remains diligent in ensuring that the turquoise wonder remains visible. Simply entering “Blautopf” into a GPS will get visitors close-by and parking is readily available in the area.
Aside from a visit to Blautopf, the aforementioned monastery, Blaubeuren Abbey, is also available to tour. It remains alive with history and is well worth a visit. Blaubeuren is also home to The Urgestschichtliche Museum, which houses the famous “Venus” figure along with a multitude of other artifacts. Overall, Blaubeuren allows for a perfectly charming day visit, capturing both beauty and history, appealing to both young and old.
Visitors to the spring aim for the perfect picture; with the sun angled in the morning, a shimmering hue of blue has been captured (Betsy McLaughlin)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
