Hiking in the Black Forest
- The land of cuckoo clocks, cherry gateaux and charming gingerbread houses
- Panoramic views from the top of Mt Feldberg, the Black Forest's highest peak
- Bewitchingly beautiful woodland, blue mountain lakes and wildflower-covered meadows
- Stay in the traditional historic and charming lakeside spa town of Titisee
- Walk through Germany's fairytale and enchanting Black Forest landscapes
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in BlumbergWelcome to the hiker's paradise, the Black Forest! Spend the first night in Blumberg, a romantic little town above the Wutach Gorge. Embark on a short loop walk to the Wutachflühen just below Blumberg if you arrive early. Sample homemade spätzle, Schäufele or Saure Kuddle in a rustic Black Forest inn in the evening.
Please note: Availability in Blumberg is very limited. Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in Donaueschingen. If this is the case, a transfer will be arranged to the start of the walk the following day.
If you are accommodated in Achdorf, the stage on the following day will be extended by approx. 3 km
This family-run accommodation offers a warm welcome in a typical Black Forest atmosphere. The rooms offer everything you need for a comfortable stay and in the restaurant, you can enjoy regional cuisine, for example with meat from their own agriculture.
The Scheffellinde Guesthouse is located directly in the beautiful Wutach Gorge Valley. The Guesthouse has been in the same family for 19 generations and they have perfected the art of hospitality! There is an on-site restaurant that specialises in local dishes using locally produced ingredients.
After a filling breakfast, walk along the famous Schluchtensteig trail through sparse forests into the impressive Wutach Gorge. The path stays close to the river for the most part, but there are some sections that require a short, steep climb over rocky outcrops.
Once you reach Schattenmühle, take the shuttle bus (15 mins) to Löffingen; a historic market town where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Ascent/Descent: approx. 400/440m
Depending on availability, you will be accommodated in Löffingen, Göschweiler or Bonndorf.
You can expect a friendly welcome from Christina, Michael and their helpful team. Relax in your modern and bright room after a fantastic dinner at the popular in-house restaurant.
The family-run Black Forest Guest house Zum Kranz welcomes you in the heart of Bonndorf, on the edge of the Wutachschlucht nature reserve.
Der frisch renovierte Landgasthof begrüßt Sie in herrlich ländlicher Atmosphäre im Ortsteil Göschweiler.
Start the day with a short bus journey back to Schattenmühle to pick up where you finished yesterday. The terrain is particularly undulating today, and your legs may feel the strain! Luckily there are plenty of picturesque places to stop and rest, for example, the ’Räubeschlössle’, a vast rock canyon, the striking Höllach and Rechen rocks, and the Wutach spring, the Haslach Gorge leads you to Lenzkirch. Finally, the trail leads over the Hochfirst (1,092m), from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Feldberg and Lake Titisee, to beautiful Saig at 1,000m.
Ascent/Descent: approx. 760/430 m
Stay at Hotel Hochfirst, with its bright country-style rooms; it has a large garden and a sunny terrace to relax on after your hike. The cosy, family-run Hotel Hochfirst Garni in Saig is n the middle of the picturesque Black Forest. Be rejuvenated by the clear mountain air at 1000m above sea level.
This quaint hotel in the style of a typical 19th-century Black Forest farmhouse is located directly in the centre of the high-altitude health resort of Saig above Lake Titisee.
Descend along the babbling Haslach river, passing farms to reach the Bärental valley, and follow the West trail along the shore of Lake Titisee to the beautiful village of the same name. The trail leads you up through the dense forest to the high-altitude health resort of Hinterzarten. Why not take a break and sample some Black Forest kirsch halfway up at the Bärentaler Schnaps museum?
Today’s walk can be shortened by bus or train, allowing you to spend more time at Lake Titisee or explore the town centre and its beach promenade – known as the "Gold Coast".
Ascent/Descent: approx. 520/620m
The modern restaurant of the Hotel Imbery combines down-to-earth Black Forest home cooking and Baden tradition. The family-run hotel is only a few minutes from the village's centre. Relax on the hotel's outdoor sun terrace or in its Finnish sauna.
Stay at the historic Hotel Schwarzwaldhof, with its characteristic Black Forest architecture, built over 130 years ago. Be welcomed by warm german hospitality and take advantage of the hotel's sauna, a perfect way to relax after today's hike.
The family-run Hotel Zartenbach welcomes you to Hinterzarten in a rural Black Forest style. It offers the ideal starting point for all explorations in and around Hinterzarten.
Start the day ascending to the quiet clearing "Am Feldberg", with beautiful views of Lake Titisee. Wander through farms nestled deep in the forest, providing picture-perfect Black Forest scenery. Cross the Feldberg mountain, known as the "King of the Black Forest", it is undoubtedly the highlight of this tour. The summit (1,493m) offers a fantastic 360-degree view and provides an alpine feeling. If you want to go even higher, take the lift up to the Feldbergtrum on the neighbouring Seebuck peak. Walk via the Stübenwasen (1,389m) to descend to the mountain village of Todtnauberg.
Ascent/Descent: approx. 790/680 m
This traditional, family-run country hotel enjoys a quiet location in Todtnauberg. Nestled in the high mountain ridges, you can enjoy the idyllic nature of the Black Forest here.
The small, quaint Bed & Breakfast sits just above Todtnauberg; enjoy sweeping views of the Black Forest from here.
This family-run guesthouse awaits you in Todtnauberg; expect warm Black Forest hospitality and magnificent views.
Today is a challenging day filled with ascents and descents; however, as you have warmed up your hiking legs, you are well prepared, and today will be no problem. There are also several options to shortcut todays walk if needed. Shortly after the start of the stage, reach the Todtnau waterfalls, one of the most beautiful natural monuments in Germany. Continue on to Todtnau via the wild Wasserfallsteig, where the trail joins the Turmsteig trail. Hike below the Hasenhorn peak as you continue through the dreamlike alpine landscape to the Gisiboden Alm mountain inn. Ascend the Herzogenhorn mountain(1,415m) , the second highest peak in the Black Forest, which provides magnificent views of the Feldberg, Belchen and, in good weather, spot the Alps in the distance. Finally, the trail continues via the rustic Krunkelbach Hut and along the Bernauer Hochtal Steig trail to Menzenschwand.
Ascent/Descent: approx. 1070/1210m
There are several shortcut options for this stage. For example, skip the Bernauer Hochtal Steig, the stage is shortened to approx. 20.5 km (ascent/descent approx. 940/1070m). You will receive further information on the shortcut options in your information pack.
Depending on availability in Menzenschwand, you may be accommodated in the "Hof" district of Bernau today. If this is the case, today's stage is shortened to approx. 21 km (ascent/descent approx. 1070/1130m).
The Land-gut-Hotel Großbach is a family-run hotel with a restaurant in the picturesque village of Menzenschwand at the foot of the Feldberg, in the immediate vicinity of Schluchsee and Titisee.
The guesthouse was built in 1965 on the foundation walls of a sawmill built more than 200 years ago. The guesthouse in the "Hof" district is situated at approx. 950 m above sea level at the foot of the Herzogenhorn. The idyllic and quiet location makes it the ideal place to spend the night for all nature-loving guests who enjoy hiking.
In einem der schönsten Hochtäler des Schwarzwaldes liegt das familiengeführte Naturparkhotel Schwarzwaldhaus. Das traditionelle Hotel bietet Ihnen Gastlichkeit, Gemütlichkeit und Genuss auf hohem Niveau.
Bitte beachten Sie, dass im Schwarzwaldhaus ab 2022 ein Mindestaufenthalt von zwei Nächten notwendig ist.
Shortly after leaving your accommodation, the trail leads you through a gorge with rock walls up to 30m high to the Menzenschwander waterfalls. Behind them, the trail climbs to the Bärhalde forest peak (1,317m) and to Zweiseenblick, from where you can see Lake Titisee on your left and Schluchsee on your right. At Aha reach the shore of the Schluchsee and have the opportunity to let your legs dangle in the water. From here, choose between two variants:
Strenuous variant with a view: a final climb to the magnificent vantage point of Bildstein, from which the Schluchsee spreads out before you. Finally, descend via the Jägersteig gourmet trail to the hiking destination in the village of the same name. Route: 20 km in total, ascent/descent: approx. 680/600m
Easier variant – Walk along the lake: On the Schluchsee Uferweg hike leisurely along the glistening lake Distance: 18 km in total, ascent/descent: approx. 450/370m
If you spent the previous night in Bernau "Hof", today's stage is extended to approx. 5 km (ascent/descent: approx. 930/920m). Take the easier option along the lake: 23 km (ascent/descent: approx. 710/710 hm).
The Wochner family has been running the Wochners Hotel Sternen since 1952. In an ideal location in Schluchsee, it awaits you and is barely 1 km from the shore of Schluchsee.
The Hotel Schiff is centrally located in Schluchsee. As early as 1562, the "Untere Stube" was mentioned in the old history books as the first and only taproom in Schluchsee.
In the upscale ambience of the Vier Jahreszeiten you will find everything you need to relax after your hikes through the fairytale Black Forest.
This hotel can be booked as an UPGRADE. A surcharge will apply.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your onward travel arrangements.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The Upper Black Forest has long been known as a hiker's paradise with some of the first official long-distance trails in Germany. The varied route takes you from highlight to highlight of the region. This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a well sign-posted long-distance trail through wild and rugged terrain. Rated moderate, be prepared to work up an appetite from the continuous ups and downs of the trail. You should be sure-footed and have a head for heights, as there are some narrow and steep paths. You’ll quickly see that the Black Forest has so much more to offer than just cuckoo clocks and cake!
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This tour involves some easy and sometimes more difficult sections, which is why we have classified it as moderate overall. There are narrow paths which are rocky, with exposed tree roots in some parts. There is a lot of undulating terrain which can be tiring and demanding. Some of the paths are precipitous so you should be sure-footed and have a head for heights. On the other hand, you will encounter many easy sections on wide forest tracks and trails.
You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour. Each day is undulating, with many sections of consistent ascent and descent. Some trails are rocky and narrow, and a sure foot is required. The stages are between 20-23 km long (max. 25 depending on the accommodation in Bernau). The daily differences in altitude vary between +410/+1070 and -430/-1210 m. Day 6 is the longest stage, with more than 1000 m of altitude difference, and is the most strenuous of the whole trekking tour - there are several possibilities to shorten this stage, and some of the other stages can also be shortened as well.
Stay 7 nights in high-quality, friendly 3* standard hotels and guesthouses in private ensuite rooms. Some examples of accommodations we typically use are listed below. These accommodations are subject to availability; therefore, alternatives of an equal standard may be offered. It is important to us to find exceptional accommodation, with warm hosts and a unique atmosphere, so that you can fully enjoy every moment of your adventure.
Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Germany (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows. You can add on extra nights in any of the overnight locations on this tour.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room, and again, a single supplement is payable.
Meals
7 continental breakfasts are included. This is usually in buffet form and many filling breakfast items are available which are perfect for hikers; e.g. boiled eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread and muesli. Lunch is not included and can be picked up at local supermarkets or ‘Backerei’ along the way. If you are staying in a remote area, most accommodations will also be able to provide you with a packed lunch for the day, ask upon arrival (payable locally). Dinners are not included, leaving you free to choose from the various options each day. There are restaurant choices at each overnight location, and most hotels will also have an on-site restaurant. In Germany, traditional food is hearty and filling. In the region of the Black Forest, you will likely find the following ubiquitous food everywhere you go! ‘Käsespätzle’ is a kind of eggy pasta (made from flour, eggs, water and salt) topped with melted cheese and sometimes crispy fried onion– it’s the ultimate comfort food! April to June is asparagus season and you will find this vegetable on just about every menu during this time. It is often served with Kartoffeln (potatoes), Schnitzel and/or a rich cheesy sauce. Schwarzwälder Schinken is the locally produced smoked ham and is matured usually for at least 3 months, leading to its rich and strong flavour. Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) has to be the food that is most associated with the Black Forest. This delicious moist cake is made up of layers of chocolate sponge, spread with whipped cream and cherries between each layer, topped with even more cream, cherries and chocolate. The recipe varies from café to café ensuring you’ll never get bored of it.
Hike on well-signposted hiking trails and forest paths and partly follow the long-distance trails of the Schluchtensteig, the Westweg, the Mittelweg, the Querweg and the Schwarzwald Albsteig. Together with our maps, route notes and the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS, you will have no problems finding the way.
- Breakfasts
- Daily door-to-door baggage transfer
- Route notes, maps, GPX tracks, access to our navigation app and info pack
- 24/7 telephone support from our German and UK office
- 7 nights in comfortable 3* hotels and guesthouses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
- Flights and travel to Blumberg and from Schluchsee
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Additional nights during the holiday
This walk is available to start on any day of the week from May to the end of October. Any period within this time is ideal for walking.
The weather in the Black Forest is changeable. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms. Therefore, you should be prepared for all weather eventualities. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.
Due to bad weather, flooding risks, fell works and towards the end of the walking season, the narrow paths sometimes become slippery and impassable. It would be best if you informed yourself before departure regarding the current conditions.
By Air: Fly into Basel Euro Airport, Zurich, or Stuttgart, from each Blumberg is reachable via train/bus. Check www.bahn.de for the timetable.
By Train: Blumberg can be reached by train from the larger cities in Germany. You can find more information and connections on the railway website. Direct trains are not common so you will most likely have to change train or onto a bus.
By Car: Travelling by car is usually via Freiburg (A5) or Donaueschingen (A81). In Blumberg there are a number of public car parks which you can use free of charge for the duration of your journey. The best place is the large car park at the sports field. We will be happy to arrange a private transfer back to Blumberg at the end of your trip for an additional charge. This usually departs from Schluchsee at 09:30. Please contact us for details.
By train: There are regular trains from Schluchsee station to Freiburg and from there on to all major cities in Germany. Check train and bus timetables at the following website: www.bahn.de
By car: Departure by car is usually via Freiburg (A5) or Donaueschingen (A81). To get back to Blumberg, take the train to Titisee at Schluchsee station. From there, continue by train to Hüfingen and take the bus to Blumberg-Zollhaus. The journey takes approx. 3.5 hours. Alternatively, we will be happy to arrange a private return transfer for you. This usually departs from Schluchsee at 09:30. Please contact us for more information.
Your luggage will be transferred from your current accommodation to the next, so you only need to take your daypack on the hike and your luggage will usually be waiting for you on arrival.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with suppliers and luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person and the weight of your luggage allowed is specific to the destination you will be travelling to. This is why it is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags and/or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
On this tour there is a limit of 20kg and one bag per person.
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