Filled with curiosity, Laachus leaves the Benedictine Abbey of Maria Laach behind and sets off toward Wolfsschlucht. He hasn’t been walking long when he spots a tower on a mountain. “You’re sure to have a great view from there,” Laachus thinks. He climbs the 23-meter-high Lydiaturm and enjoys the beautiful view. As he descends the stairs again, a lava rock embedded in the wall speaks to him. “Hey, who are you?” it asks. “I’m Laachus, and I’m on my way to the Wolfsschlucht, because maybe the rocks there can explain to me why I can swim,” Laachus replies. “You can swim?” asks the lava rock in amazement. “I can’t even move, and I’ve been sitting here in this spot since 1927! Say hello to the rocks in Wolfsschlucht for me. If they can’t answer your question, then try the Trass Caves. I’ve heard the echo there knows many answers.” After Laachus thanks him warmly for the tip, he follows the picturesque path over small wooden bridges, past waterfalls, deep into Wolfsschlucht. Standing before a massive rock face, he calls out: “Hello, rocks, can you explain to me why I can swim?”– “Shhhhh,” comes an indignant voice from a crevice in the rock, “We’re out in nature here; this is a place of peace!” Even when Laachus moves very close to the rocks and whispers his question, he gets no answer. “They sure are quiet,” Laachus thinks, disappointed. Gratefully, he remembers the lava rock’s advice and heads into one of the nearby Trass caves. The echo in the cave is much more talkative than the rocks. “A floating stone, … mhhhhh,” it echoes thoughtfully off the walls, “on the shore of the Rodder Maar, a great white egret strides along; he knows his way around water—you must ask him.” And so Laachus sets off again to find out why he can swim.

Location info: 

Lydia Tower, near Laacher-See-Str. 2, 56653 Wassenach

Wolfsschlucht, near Brohltalstr. 123 (Bad Tönisstein), 56626 Andernach

Trass Caves, near Brohltalstr. 123 (Bad Tönisstein), 56626 Andernach