Hello, I'm sorry I didn't write a new blog topic for a while. Last weeks I was so busy. I worked very much and therefore I had not really time for most things.

But today I want to write a new topic about a special place. But before I should write some words for a better explanation.
My most favorite place in Ulm is a place called "Fischerviertel" (Fishermans quarter). I like it because it's a beautiful place with much old German full- or half-timbered houses, picturesque bridges and cobblestone squares and streets.
I also like it because the buidlings are very very close to the small river "Blau".
Well and the river Blau was the reason for my topic today. Because I thought why not to go to the spring of the river Blau which is located near Ulm? So last Saturday I did a short trip to a town located near Ulm called Blaubeuren. I have been there several times, but my last visit was years ago.

The famous karst environment spring there is called "Blautopf" which means "Blue pot" or "Bowl of the Blau". It's the spring that serves the source of the river Blau.
The color of the water is extremely blue and looks very remarkable. The funnel-shape of the spring is a result of very high water pressure.

Under water is a huge system of caves. The subterranean water has created the cave-system over centuries. But diving there is strictly prohibited because there happened some fatal accidents in the past.
Only experienced and well educated/trained divers (for example scientific speleologists) with special authorizations are allowed to dive in the Blautopf.
The most famous cave called "Blauhoehle" (Blue-cave) was discovered in 1985. The subterranean entrance of this cave is at the deepest point of 21m.
In the year 2006 a team discovered a new cave and named it "Apokalypse" (Apocalypse).
The special thing I read about is: In contrast to the Blauhoehle which is completely filled with water, the cave Apokalypse is dry and looks like a big hall. Very special for this area.

Beside the Blautopf there's a traditional hammermill with a water wheel on the side. I think it looks very beautiful there. Around the Blautopf is a footpath so it's a very good place for walking. And of course there are also much hiking trails.

At the same day I also visited an old cloister in Blaubeuren. It was really a great day for me I I'm glad I can share it with others here.
I also added a new photo album about the Blautopf in Blaubeuren. I hope you like it.

Best wishes,
Heiko