We want to discover the Steyr-Valley in Upper Austria, which was once the "Empire Of The Black Lord".

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Steyr-Valley became a centre of Eisenwurzen, a former industrial iron production area. In Schmiedleithen the only complete group of buildings of the hammer masters is still preserved today. They were called "The Black Lords". The water power of the Rinnerberg Stream was put to effect and the charcoal obtained from the surrounding forests.

Blooming flower meadows accompany the Klingenbach creek, which once powerfully fed the water channel of the forge. The narrow path leads further and further up, occasionally you see the torrent next to the path, sometimes it is hidden.

We have reached the Rinnerberg waterfall, whose idyll is untouched and almost unnatural. The romantic colours of nature shine so fresh. A secured path leads further up, which finally turns into a metal staircase. The waterfall can now be seen deep below...

Up here a narrow valley basin opens again and the Klingenbach Creek calmly flows along. This is followed by the Rinnenrberg-Flume. Backed by the force of the water, the stream has cut a narrow gorge to a length of about 50 meters. Another short ascent, and the "Cave of Bears" is reached...

This jewel of nature became a protected part of the „National Park Kalkalpen“. An ideal habitat for animals and plants. And once the "Realm of the Black Lord".