Mountain Railways in the Black Forest: Enjoy Summit Experiences

Mountain railways in the Black Forest are usually operated as funiculars or aerial cableways powered by electric motors.

Rack railways use cogwheels that engage with a toothed rack mounted on the track. Funiculars and aerial cableways rely on steel cables that move cabins, gondolas or chairs suspended high above the ground. All types of mountain railways have one thing in common: they bridge a sometimes considerable difference in altitude between the valley and the top station. 

The Black Forest is popular with holidaymakers and people looking to relax, thanks to its mountains and unique natural landscape. Those who want to reach the peaks do not have to rely on hiking alone. A mountain railway is a more comfortable and faster way to get to the top. After a strenuous ascent, many also choose the railway for an easy way back down.  

Feldbergbahn 

The highest mountain in the Black Forest is the Feldberg at 1,493 metres. The Feldbergbahn takes you comfortably close to the summit. Its valley station lies at 1,270 metres. This small-cabin cable car runs over 900 metres up to the Seebuck, a secondary peak of the Feldberg. In summer, enclosed cabins with eight seats are in operation and can also be used with pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. In winter, the Feldbergbahn runs as a chairlift with six-seater chairs. 

The top station of the Feldbergbahn is located at 1,450 metres, not far from the Feldberg Tower. In clear weather, visitors can enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Alps. The Feldberg is also an excellent starting point for hikes and winter sports. In winter, a total of 28 lifts and 50 kilometres of ski slopes are available in the Feldberg area.  

Belchenbahn 

The Belchenbahn is a cable car that runs up the 1,414 metre high Belchen. The valley station of the railway lies at 1,100 metres on the Multen, the top station at 1,363 metres. Each cabin offers eight seats and can also be used with wheelchairs, bicycles and pushchairs. 

Skiers and hikers glide almost silently towards the Belchen. Over a distance of 1,150 metres, the cable car overcomes a vertical difference of 263 metres.

Anyone who wants to reach what is often called the most beautiful viewpoint in the Black Forest in complete comfort can use the Belchenbahn all year round.  

Schauinslandbahn 

Since 1930, the Schauinslandbahn has been carrying visitors up the 1,284 metre high Schauinsland near Freiburg all year round in about 20 minutes. Over a distance of 3,600 metres, Germany’s longest continuous-circulation cable car climbs 746 vertical metres.

The valley station of the Schauinslandbahn is located in Horben. From here, 37 wheelchair-accessible gondolas travel to the summit and back again. The top station lies at 1,220 metres, just below the summit. 

The name of Freiburg’s local mountain says it all. Even during the ride in the gondola, passengers enjoy wide, open views. Once at the top, and in good weather, there is a magnificent panorama reaching as far as the Vosges and the Alps.

The Schauinslandbahn is popular with locals and visitors alike, as it offers a relaxed ride up to the summit in every season.  

Hasenhornbahn 

The Hasenhorn rises to almost 1,154 metres in the Upper Black Forest and is a good starting point for hikes to the Herzogenhorn or Feldberg.

The Hasenhornbahn takes about 13 minutes to reach the summit. It is a double chairlift whose valley station stands at 662 metres on the edge of Todtnau. From there, the lift travels 964 metres up the town’s local mountain and climbs almost 364 vertical metres. The top station of the double chairlift lies to the northwest of the summit at 1,026 metres. 

The Hasenhornbahn has a total of 89 chairs. A special feature is the freight carrier mounted between the chairs, which allows toboggans, mountain bikes, paragliders and other equipment to be transported. A particular attraction at the top is Germany’s longest summer toboggan run at 2.9 kilometres. In winter, a 3.5 kilometre long toboggan run is also prepared.  

Sommerbergbahn 

For over 100 years, the Sommerbergbahn has been taking passengers up to the 739 metre high Sommerberg above Bad Wildbad in around seven minutes. The valley station of the funicular is located right in the town centre at 420 metres.

Barrier-free panoramic carriages carry visitors up the town’s local mountain via the funicular route of 738 metres. The railway climbs 291 vertical metres to reach the top station. 

The Sommerberg is a popular excursion destination and starting point for hikes and bike tours. From the summit there are fine views over Bad Wildbad and the Enz valley. A popular treetop walk is also located near the top station.  

Merkurbergbahn

The Merkurbergbahn near Baden-Baden is a funicular that has been carrying visitors to the 668 metre high Merkur summit since 1913. The line is 1,192 metres long and the ride takes around five minutes, covering a vertical difference of 370 metres. From the summit of the Merkur there are wide views of Baden-Baden, the northern Black Forest, the Rhine plain and the Vosges. A holiday home in the Black Forest is well worth considering!