Hiking and Cycling in the Black Forest

Walks, treks and cycle rides in southern Germany

By Kat Morgenstern

Guidebook describing day walks, multi-stage treks and 5 cycle routes covering the north, central and southern regions of Germany's Black Forest. From easy routes for families to multi-day journeys, the walks and rides explore the many forests, villages, castles and hills near Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Freiburg and Basle.

Seasons

spring and autumn are the best times of the year to visit the Black Forest. But the cool forest glades and lofty hills make summer walking bearable. Some routes are even accessible in winter and make for magical winter wonderland walking

Centres

Freiburg im Breisgau Waldkirch, Hinterzarten, Baden Baden, Baiersbronn, Titisee, Bad Wildbad, Nagold, Calw, Breisach am Rhein

Difficulty

The Black Forest is a medium-height mountain range with the highest peaks around 1500m. Trails are well marked and maintained, so the terrain is not especially difficult in most parts. Good physical condition and ability to cope with sometimes steep ascends is required. Normal walking equipment will suffice

Must See

Feldberg, the highest peak of the Black Forest, Wutachschlucht, the biggest gorge in Germany, the source of the Danube, Black Forest National Park, Kaiserstuhl, the heights of Baden-Baden (Panorama Trail), sections of the Westweg, Titisee and Schluchsee, Zweribach Waterfall, Münstertal, Kinzigtal, Schauinsland (Freiburg), Belchen Long distance routes - Schluchtensteig Zweitälersteig, Seensteig, Südschwarzwald Radweg (Southern Black Forest Bicycle Route)
ISBN
9781786310217
Availability
Published
Published
19 Feb 2019
Reprinted
27 Sept 2023
Edition
Second
Pages
320
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.80cm
Weight
370g
Overview

15 day walks, 3 multi-stage treks and 5 cycle routes are described covering the north, central and southern areas of Germany's Black Forest. The walks and cycle routes are evenly distributed across all three areas and comprise both long distance routes and day walks, although each stage of every long distance walk can also be done as individual day tour.

The chosen routes include the main Black Forest destinations, such as Feldberg, Belchen Schauinsland, Hornisgrinde and Mummelsee, as well as Allerheiligen Abbey and waterfalls and the source of the Danube, to name but a few. Two of the three long distance routes are certified quality trails: Schluchtensteig (120km), which means gorge trail traverses the Wutachschlucht, one of the last untamed river systems in Germany, and Zweitälersteig (108km) a highly diverse circular route which leads through some of the most beautiful and contrasting parts of the Central Black Forest. Seensteig (71km) partially follows the central ridge of the Black Forest mountain range, offering unsurpassed views along the way.

The cycle routes (4 day rides, and the 242km Southern Black Forest Cycle Route) are mostly easy and scenic, and utilise the extensive and well-maintained bicycle trail system that criss-crosses the entire region. The walks and rides are described in detail and basic maps are provided for orientation.

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Kat Morgenstern Cicerone author morgenstern

Kat Morgenstern

As a herbalist and ethnobotanist Kat spends a lot of time walking and exploring, while smelling the herbs and flowers along the way. After spending many years living, studying and working abroad, Kat has found a special place in her heart for the Black Forest region in the southwestern corner of Germany. As a writer and nature mentor she never tires of sharing her knowledge and passion for this delightful and fascinating corner of our beautiful planet.

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