Zum Erlenborn, Michelau, Buedingen, Hessen, Germany

## Overview Zum Erlenborn is a natural forest spring located near the village of Michelau, part of the municipality of Büdingen in the Hessen (Hesse) region of Germany. Nestled at the edge of a wooded area along the Sommerweidstraße, this public drinking spring delivers a strong, steady flow of water from a low stone wall set roughly 30 cm (about one foot) above the ground. The water flows directly into a small brook, creating a peaceful, picturesque scene typical of the forested springs found throughout the Wetterau and Vogelsberg foothills. The name "Erlenborn" translates roughly to "alder spring" — *Erle* being the German word for alder tree, and *Born* an old German term for spring or well. This suggests the spring has long been associated with the alder trees that commonly grow along streams and wet areas in this part of Hessen. Springs like Zum Erlenborn have historically served as important freshwater sources for surrounding farming communities, and the stone-walled catchment indicates that the spring was deliberately improved at some point to make water collection easier. The spring is accessible year-round and sits at approximately 50.3239° N, 9.1675° E. ## Directions **Nearest address:** Sommerweidstraße, Michelau, Büdingen 1. Make your way to the **Bürgerhaus** (community center) in Michelau, Büdingen. There is a parking lot adjacent to the Bürgerhaus. 2. From the Bürgerhaus, continue past it on the gravel road called **Sommerweidstraße**, keeping the Bürgerhaus and its parking lot to your right. 3. Follow the gravel road **downhill** along a steep descent. You will see open pastures on both sides of the road. 4. Stay on the road as it curves to the **right**. 5. The road enters the **forest**. Shortly after entering the woods, you will see a **left-hand turn** where a smaller forest path branches off, while the main gravel road continues straight and climbs steeply uphill. 6. Stop at this junction. The spring is located approximately **10 meters (about 30 feet) to the left** of this intersection. *Note: The gravel road is passable by car, but the final stretch is a forest path. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet conditions.* ## What to Expect Zum Erlenborn is a quiet, unassuming forest spring with a reliably strong water flow. The water emerges from a **stone wall** set low to the ground and runs directly into a small brook that continues through the woods. The setting is shaded and tranquil, surrounded by the mixed forest typical of the Büdingen area. The spring is open and accessible at all times — there are no gates, fences, or restricted hours. The approach from the Bürgerhaus parking lot involves a moderately steep gravel road descent through open pastureland before entering the forest, making it a pleasant short walk or drive. While the spring has historically been used as a local drinking water source, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary with weather and season. The water has been described as clean and fresh-tasting by those who have visited, but no official water quality testing data is currently available. This is a lovely stop for hikers exploring the trails around Büdingen and the surrounding Naturpark Hoher Vogelsberg region, or for anyone interested in discovering the traditional forest springs of rural Hessen.