Hiking in the Black Forest: Long-Distance Trails and Gourmet Paths

The Black Forest, the most important tourism region in Baden-Württemberg, stretches across 11,100 square kilometres and offers a well-developed network of hiking trails that covers the entire low mountain range.

In total, hiking enthusiasts have around 24,000 kilometres of waymarked trails at their disposal for a varied and nature-focused hiking holiday. These paths lead through impressive natural scenery and a rich cultural landscape. 

Picturesque views, dense fir and mixed forests, deep gorges and striking peaks such as the 1,493-metre Feldberg or the Belchen, Kandel, Schliffkopf and Schauinsland as well as the Hornisgrinde are highlights on many hikes. In the Black Forest, you can explore this landscape in every season. In winter, the region invites you to go on extensive winter hikes, whether on snowshoes or on foot along numerous winter hiking trails. It is no surprise that the Black Forest is one of the most popular hiking regions in Germany. 

The long-distance trails and gourmet paths are particularly well suited for a close-to-nature break and to get a feel for the landscape and culture of the Black Forest. The three longest long-distance routes that cross the Black Forest from north to south are ideal for an extended hiking holiday. In addition, there is a whole series of other long-distance trails that can be completed in three to seven stages over a long weekend or within a week.

Westweg 

The Westweg is the longest and best-known hiking trail in the Black Forest. It was created in 1900 and is available in two variants with several different stages. Both routes are about 285 kilometres long and divided into 13 stages. Each stage roughly corresponds to a full day of hiking, so the entire Westweg can be completed in around twelve days. Of course, you can also just hike selected stages. 

In its western variant, the Westweg runs from Pforzheim to Basel and crosses the Feldberg massif at 1,493 metres. On the way to Basel, it also passes the Belchen and the Blauen. Several stages of the western variant follow ridge-top routes over these summits.

Of the three best-known and longest long-distance trails in the Black Forest, the Westweg is the most demanding. It includes the greatest differences in altitude and crosses very different regions of the mountain range.

Mittelweg 

The Mittelweg is a popular long-distance hiking trail that was created in 1903. It runs in nine stages over 233 kilometres from Pforzheim to Waldshut. Along the way, it crosses largely unspoilt areas of the Black Forest. The stages range between 13 and 31 kilometres and include only a few steep ascents and descents. This makes the Mittelweg a good choice for families who want to explore the Black Forest landscape. 

The route starts in Pforzheim and leads up to the heights between the Enz and Nagold valleys. Through dense forests, the Mittelweg passes raised bogs on its way to Freudenstadt. After that, hikers cross extensive grassland until they reach the Southern Black Forest. Here, the 1,116-metre Hochfirst marks the highest point on the Mittelweg. The route then continues into the rocky valleys of the Schwarza and Schlücht (western variant) or the Mettma (eastern variant). Finally, the trail reaches the Upper Rhine near Waldshut.   

Ostweg 

Alongside the Westweg and Mittelweg, the Ostweg is the third long-distance route that begins in Pforzheim and runs in a north-south direction. It was created in 1903 and is 245 kilometres long. The Ostweg is divided into 12 stages and leads from Pforzheim to the Upper Rhine near Schaffhausen.

From the heights east and west of the Nagold valley and the Swabian Jura, the trail continues south. Valleys, ridges and open landscapes alternate along the way. The long-distance route of moderate difficulty mainly follows the eastern slopes of the Black Forest. 

Near Geisingen, the trail crosses the Danube valley. Here, the Ostweg reaches its highest point at 920 metres on the ridge. It then continues to the Wutach valley, which the trail follows downstream to Stühlingen. After that, the route climbs up to the Schleitheimer Randenturm. From there, it descends to Schaffhausen on the Upper Rhine. The Ostweg is not particularly strenuous overall and includes only gentle ascents and descents. This gives walkers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the Black Forest’s scenery along each stage.   

Gourmet paths in the Black Forest 

In addition to long-distance routes for multi-day tours, there are now 51 gourmet paths, each dedicated to a specific theme of enjoyment. These circular routes are between six and 18 kilometres long and promise special experiences for the senses. They mostly follow natural tracks and footpaths through especially attractive landscapes and offer different levels of difficulty. 

The big advantage of these circular trails is that they can all be completed in a single day. They combine a close-up nature experience with the cultural and culinary specialties of the Black Forest. The gourmet paths have a strong trail character and avoid paved sections wherever possible. All of these circular routes are certified as premium hiking trails and carry the hiking seal of the German Hiking Institute. They have premium status because they are regularly monitored and must offer varied and nature-focused routes away from roads and built-up areas in the Black Forest. For anyone who wants to enjoy hiking in the Black Forest, a holiday home is a worthwhile option.