The intensively monitored Hoeglwald spruce site in southern Bavaria, Germany is located in a region with high atmospheric inputs of acidifying substances. In order to interpret the experimental data and to perform model validation, the biogeochemical model SAFE was parameterized for the site. SAFE is a dynamic, multilayer model that includes chemical weathering, cation exchange and soil solution equilibria. Reconstructed historic deposition and nutrient uptake and cycling patterns were made. To predict the general chemical characteristics of the upper part of the soil profile it was necessary to introduce two important elements in the parameterization of the model, gaseous uptake of nitrogen, and to assign a base cation uptake distribution different from fine root distribution. The model predicted the general characteristics of soil solution chemistry. Soil solution pH was well predicted for the mineral soil, but underpredicted for the O layer, due to the model assumption that nitrification is complete. The model could not reproduce high fluxes of SO 2 - 4 , Al and acidity in the A layer, while modeled base cation fluxes agree with data, since SAFE does not include SO 2 - 4 dynamics that could explain the mobilization in the A layer, or immobilization in the A/B layer. Fluxes and concentrations of SO 2 - 4 , NO - 3 , Al and base cations at the 40 cm level (A/B horizon) were all well reproduced by the model. The modeled decreasing trends in base cation concentrations are opposite to the increase shown by the data. The model clearly shows the importance of nutrient cycling for the soil chemistry in rooting zone. The SAFE model suggests that the Hoeglwald spruce stand has been subject to severe acidification due to acid inputs, and that the Hoeglwald spruce stand is showing signs of recovery from acidification. At present, model uncertainties may be too large to draw definite conclusions regarding recovery rate.