Saur Brunnen, Birkenfeld, Germany

## Overview Saur Brunnen is a public drinking spring located near the village of Rinzenberg in the Birkenfeld district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The name "Saur Brunnen" translates to "Sour Spring" — a traditional German designation for naturally carbonated or mineral-rich springs, often indicating the presence of dissolved minerals that give the water a distinctive, slightly tart taste. Springs bearing this name are found throughout Germany's mineral-rich upland regions and have historically been valued by local communities for their unique character. What makes Saur Brunnen particularly notable is its unusually high iron content. Visitors have reported that the water has an exceptional taste — unlike typical spring water — likely due to the elevated iron and other dissolved minerals characteristic of the geology in the Hunsrück region. The iron-rich composition may also lend the water a faintly metallic or mineral quality that many find refreshing and distinctive. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, set within the rolling, forested hills of the Birkenfeld countryside. The spring makes for a wonderful destination on a day trip through the region, whether you're exploring the Hunsrück highlands or visiting the nearby Edelsteinstraße (Gemstone Road) area. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. ## Directions 1. The spring is located near **55767 Rinzenberg**, in the Birkenfeld district of Rhineland-Palatinate. 2. Travel along the **B269** (Bundesstraße 269), which passes through the area between Birkenfeld and Idar-Oberstein. 3. The GPS coordinates **49.675972, 7.132642** can be entered directly into a navigation app to reach the spring's location. 4. Look for signage or a path leading to the spring near the road — traditional "Saur Brunnen" springs in Germany are often marked with small signs or stone structures. *Note: Specific turn-by-turn directions from the B269 to the spring itself are not currently available. Using the GPS coordinates in a mapping application is recommended for the most accurate route.* ## What to Expect Saur Brunnen is a natural mineral spring with notably high iron levels, giving the water a unique taste that visitors have described as exceptional and unlike ordinary spring water. The iron content may cause reddish-orange mineral deposits around the spring outlet — a common and natural feature of iron-rich springs. The spring is set in the scenic Birkenfeld countryside, surrounded by the lush, wooded landscape of the Hunsrück region. The area is peaceful and makes for a rewarding stop, whether you're on a dedicated spring visit or passing through on a hike or drive. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. While the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source and visitors have reported the water tastes excellent, it is always wise to be aware that natural spring water is untreated. The spring is freely accessible at all hours, with no entry fees or restricted visiting times.