Hike Germany’s first long-distance trail through the Black Forest – Westweg

The Westweg is one of the great classics of long-distance hiking trails in Germany. Established in 1900 by the Black Forest Association, the route is also the first long-distance trail to be created in Germany. For over 120 years, the trail has guided hikers 285 kilometres (177 miles) from the city of Pforzheim in the north to Basel in the south. As the name suggests, the Westweg runs mostly through the western side of the mountains, leading through the entire Black Forest.

The Westweg reveals the diverse landscapes of Germany’s largest low mountain range: the dense fir and spruce forests that give the Black Forest its name, the treeless ridges in the northern Black Forest, quiet mountain lakes, rocky peaks with great views, and glacial valleys and mountains in the southern Black Forest. In between, you climb many of the region’s highest peaks. You hike across the Hornisgrinde plateau, experience the Belchen and Hochblauen peaks, admire the view from the Schliffkopf, and roam the high moor around the Hohloh. A highlight is the ascent of the Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest.

We have divided the Westweg into twelve stages for you. The 285-kilometre (177 mile) route take you up almost 8,000 metres (26,246 feet) in altitude – quite a lot for a hike outside the Alps. Due to the elevation gain and long distances, the Westweg is not a beginner hike. Experienced hikers, however, will lvoe the remoteness of the forests and mountains. The Westweg leads away from tourist hotspots through quiet forests and across lonely high plateaus. The Way is signposted by the red rhombus, the symbol of the Black Forest Association. We planned each stage to end in a place where you can easily find a hotel or a guest house. It’s still worth reserving in advance, however, as sometimes there are only a few rooms available. With your accommodation booked and komoot in your pocket, you are will be ready for your adventure on the Westweg.

From Titisee lake onwards, the Westweg splits into two variants: West and East. In this Collection, we show you the western route. Both variants end in Basel. If you prefer to take the eastern route, you need one more day. You can find the individual stages, here:

Stage 9 (east): komoot.de/tour/161040978,
Stage 10 (east): komoot.de/tour/161041479,
Stage 11 (east): komoot.de/tour/161041794,
Stage 12 (east): komoot.de/tour/161042251,
Stage 13 (east): komoot.de/tour/161042468.

If you don't have time to walk the Westweg in one go, then you can hike the entire route bit by bit. It’s easy to reach the starting and finishing points of the stages with public transport. This way, you can plan your hiking adventure how you like.

If you want to hike even more comfortably, you can arrange a luggage service. Your suitcase (up to 20 kilograms per person) will then be delivered to your destination. You can book additional luggage if you would like too. Whilst you enjoy the beauty of the Black Forest, your luggage is dropped off at your accommodation by 6pm. There are also various packages that include accommodation and detail Tour description for the Westweg – whether you choose the East of West variant or just plan a short trip. If your dog enjoys hiking as much as you do, then you can also book a dog Tour that is specially adapted to hikers and their four-legged friends.

Along the Westweg, you’ll spot 12 gates where you can collect stamps and also take a great photo. You can pick up a stamp card in the tourist information in Pforzheim before you set off. Once you’ve collected nine stamps, you can pick up a small gift. Although your journey through the wonderful Black Forest is a gift in itself.



The Top Trails of Germany are a collection of 12 unique trails that lead more than 3,700 kilometres (2,299 miles) through some of Germany’s most spectacular landscapes. Each trail has its own ecxting story and special character. No matter which trail you choose, you can expect a great adventure. Take a look at the trails here: komoot.de/user/toptrailsofgermany/collections