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The Westweg

Through Germany's Black Forest

By Kat Morgenstern

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
This guidebook is all you need to discover The Westweg, a 285km walk along the length Germany's Black Forest from Pforzheim to Basel. This classic long-distance trail takes around two weeks to walk, in stages of 15-28km. The route is well way-marked and suitable for experienced hikers and those new to long distance walking, though some sections are steep.

Detailed descriptions and 1:100,000 maps accompany each stage of the route and the book describes options for shortening stages using public transport. There is also information on when to go, where to stay and a German-English glossary. With well-maintained and waymarked trails, an efficient public transport system and conveniently placed huts and farmhouse inns, the Black Forest is one of Germany's best-loved walking destinations.

The Westweg incorporates many of the region's highlights, such the Schwarzwald National Park, the source of the Danube and Lake Titisee. At Titisee there is a choice to make: the western route taking in the Black Forest's highest peak Feldberg and the vineyards of the Markgraflerland, or the quieter eastern route via the Herzogenhorn peak and on to Basel, with all its cultural attractions and old-world charm.
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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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