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The Westweg

Through Germany's Black Forest

Guidebook to the Westweg (Westway), a 285km walk across Germany's Black Forest from Pforzheim to Basel. This classic route, which includes Feldberg, Black Forest's highest peak, takes 13 to 14 days, each day stage ranging from 15 to 28km. Two variants are described, both well way-marked and suitable for those new to long distance walking.

Seasons

The Westweg is a Höhenweg, or 'high route', so it is best to walk this trail during the main hiking season between April and the end of October.

Centres

The Westweg starts in Pforzheim or in Basel, but it is possible to do half the route and start in Hausach

Difficulty

A medium-sized mountain range, the Black Forest's highest peaks are just under 1500m. The terrain is easy, although some of the ascents are steep. Anyone with a good level of endurance and some hill walking experience would be able to enjoy this long distance trail.

Must See

Feldberg - highest mountain in the Black Forest; Belchen - sacred mountain of the Celts; the source of the Danube; Lake Titisee; Herrenwieser See; Burg Rötteln castle; Sausenburg; Wolsfsschlucht gorge;the vineyards and orchards of the Markgräflerland; Kaltenbronn nature reserve; Mummelsee; Murgtal; Black Forest National Park; Ruhestein; Dachsberg; Herzogenhorn; Hochblauen
ISBN
9781852847753
Availability
Published
Published
7 Nov 2016
Edition
First
Pages
224
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.30cm
Weight
250g
Overview

A guidebook to walking the Westweg (Westway) between Pfozheim in Germany to Basel in Switzerland. Covering 285km (177 miles), this long-distance trek through the Black Forest takes around 2 weeks and is suitable for any reasonably fit walker.

The route is described north to south in 13 stages, each between 15 and 28km (9–17 miles) in length. Two variants between Titisee and Basel are described, the western route takes in Feldberg, the Black Forest’s highest peak, whilst the quieter eastern route summits the Herzogenhorn peak.

  • 1:100,000 mapping plus larger-scale town maps for key locations
  • GPX files available to download
  • Detailed information about refreshments and facilities along the route
  • Advice on planning and preparation

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Kat Morgenstern Cicerone author morgenstern

By 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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