Quelle Waldkindergarten

## Overview Quelle Waldkindergarten is a public drinking spring located near the town of Meßkirch in the Sigmaringen district of Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany. Situated at an elevation typical of the Upper Swabian countryside, the spring sits close to the hamlet of Buhlen, a small settlement on the outskirts of Meßkirch. The name "Waldkindergarten" (literally "forest kindergarten") suggests the spring is associated with or located near a nature-based kindergarten — a concept deeply rooted in German outdoor education traditions, where children learn and play in woodland settings. Meßkirch itself is a historically rich town, perhaps best known as the birthplace of the philosopher Martin Heidegger and the home of the Campus Galli project, a remarkable effort to build a medieval monastery using only 9th-century construction techniques. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, mixed forests, and the gentle karst geology of the Swabian Alb foothills, which is known for producing numerous natural springs fed by limestone-filtered groundwater. Springs in this region have historically been valued for their clarity and mineral content, and many have served as community water sources for centuries. The water from Quelle Waldkindergarten has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From the center of Meßkirch, head northwest toward the settlement of Buhlen. 2. Follow the road to **In Buhlen 61, 88605 Meßkirch** — the nearest address to the spring. 3. The spring is located at GPS coordinates **47.992886, 9.131457**. Using a GPS device or smartphone navigation app with these coordinates will guide you directly to the site. 4. Look for the spring near the woodland area associated with the local Waldkindergarten (forest kindergarten). *Note: Buhlen is a small rural settlement, so roads may be narrow and signage minimal. A GPS-enabled device is recommended.* ## What to Expect Visitors can expect a quiet, rural setting surrounded by the forests and meadows typical of the Upper Swabian countryside. The spring is categorized as a public drinking spring, suggesting it is accessible and has been used by the local community. Given its proximity to a Waldkindergarten, the area is likely well-maintained and family-friendly. The surrounding terrain is gentle and should be accessible without specialized hiking gear, though sturdy footwear is advisable if the ground is wet or muddy. The forested setting provides shade in summer and a peaceful atmosphere year-round. Seasonal variations may affect water flow — springs in this karst-influenced region tend to be most robust in spring and early summer after snowmelt and rainfall. Meßkirch and its surroundings offer additional attractions for visitors, including the Campus Galli medieval construction site, the Meßkirch Castle, and scenic walking trails through the Swabian countryside.