Erlenbacher Hut
The Erlenbacher Hut () is an inn and cattle hut (Almhütte) on the Erlenbach stream (about ) in the Black Forest in Germany. History For centuries, cattle were kept over the summer near the Erlenbach stream by a grazing co-operative. Since the soils at 1,300 metres above sea level are not suitable for intensive agricultural use, it was primarily young cattle that were grazed. The pasture cooperative appointed a so-called herder who managed the cattle hut. In former times a herdsman, who was responsible for the cattle, assisted him. Today the herder manages the Erlenbacher Hut and looks after the animals. Thanks to well-developed roads and its own mains electricity, the Erlenbacher Hut can be occupied all year round by the herder and his family. The name Erlenbach could refer to a community of alder trees or it could be a person's name such as Erlebrand or Erlebrecht. It is clear from documents that the Erlenbach pasture cooperative already existed around A.D. 1000 or 1100. However, whether they were already using the Erlenbach as a highland pasture is not proven. In the 12th century, the place name "Erlibach" as a designation for a forest located under the Feldberg, first appeared