To the Swabian Sea — the Querweg Freiburg–Lake Constance

Hiking Collection by komoot

days

5-7 h

/ day

112 mi

12,975 ft

12,625 ft

The Querweg from Freiburg to Lake Constance has been considered an insider tip among German long-distance hiking trails since it first opened in 1934. And it should come as no surprise, especially considering that few other long-distance hiking trails offer such a varied experience of nature. When you hike the Querweg, you'll cross the wooded mountain ridges of the Black Forest and enjoy some summit-satisfaction up on the Hochfirst. In the Wutach Gorge, you'll hike in one of the most exciting river valleys in Germany and you'll visit the wide hilly landscape of the 'Swabian Sea' with its volcanic cones and exciting castle ruins. At the end of your hike, the lively Konstanz awaits you with its unique southern charm.

The starting point of the trail is Freiburg im Breisgau, the unofficial capital of the Black Forest. From here, you will cover about 111 miles (180 kilometers) on your journey through the Black Forest and Hegau in eight days. As the crosswalk winds its way through picturesque valleys and gorges, you'll ascend a total of over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) — making the Querweg also suitable for ambitious beginners.

If you want something a little more strenuous, you can also combine the first three stages into two Tours and plan an overnight stay in Hinterzarten. Then, you'll have a total of seven stages.

Both Freiburg and Konstanz can easily be reached with the trains of the Deutsche Bahn or with the long-distance bus. In each of the eight stage-destinations, you will find a good selection of cozy hotels and guesthouses. Nevertheless, it's worth booking your accommodation in advance, so you can relax properly after each individual stage.

On The Map

Do it yourself

Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.

Querweg Freiburg-Bodensee

111 mi

13,750 ft

13,425 ft

Last updated: November 23, 2021

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

Learn more

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 1: Von Freiburg nach Buchenbach – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
05:07
11.3 mi
2.2 mph
1,350 ft
800 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The first stage of the Querweg Freiburg-Bodensee takes you from Freiburg, the unofficial capital of the Black Forest, through wide valleys to the tranquil Buchenbach. Today there are still some kilometers on paved roads and dirt roads - a perfect start for a multi-day hike.

Your trip to the Swabian Sea…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 2: Von Buchenbach zum Titisee – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
06:25
12.8 mi
2.0 mph
2,950 ft
1,600 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
With just under 900 meters in the climb, the second day tour is a real mountain stage. In return, some first-class panoramic views await you on the ridge above the Höllenbachtal.

Freshly rested and full of energy, you start your second stage in Buchenbach. Right at the beginning is the ascent to Nesselachen…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View
Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 3: Vom Titisee zur Schattenmühle in der Wutachschlucht – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
06:04
12.8 mi
2.1 mph
1,400 ft
2,025 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Only a moderate ascent and yet a real summit feeling: the third stage on the crossroads leads you up to Hochfirst, the highest point of the entire hike. Thanks to the 25-meter-high observation tower, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the Black Forest up here. The second highlight of today's stage is…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 4: Durch die Wutachschlucht bis nach Blumberg – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
06:21
13.4 mi
2.1 mph
1,500 ft
1,425 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The Wutachschlucht is a real gem among the natural landscapes in the Black Forest and therefore runs the fourth stage through the wild and romantic river valley. Only at the end of the stage do you leave the gorge and head for your stage destination Blumberg.

At the Gasthaus Schattenmühle in the middle…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 5: Von Blumberg nach Engen – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
07:13
15.9 mi
2.2 mph
1,550 ft
2,100 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The fifth stage on the crossroad takes you out of the Black Forest and into neighboring Hegau. Its landscape was significantly influenced by volcanism. The cones of extinct volcanoes still stand out prominently from wide meadow landscapes, and exciting rocks of volcanic rock can be found along the way…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 6: Von Engen nach Singen – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
07:25
16.2 mi
2.2 mph
1,750 ft
2,100 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
On the sixth stage, the landscape of the Hegau shows its most beautiful side. Not only do you hike over rolling meadow hills, but also visit two castles on steep volcanic cones.

In Engen begins your sixth tour on the crossroads Freiburg - Lake Constance. You follow the path out of the city and then wander…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 7: Von Singen nach Möggingen – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
05:14
11.5 mi
2.2 mph
1,275 ft
1,275 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
It is getting closer and closer to Lake Constance. You wander over wooded hills and through small tranquil towns. From the wall of the castle ruins Hornburg you then have a fantastic view of Lake Constance. From the ruin, there are only a few kilometers to today's milestone.

You leave singing to the northwest…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 8: Von Möggingen nach Konstanz – Querweg Freiburg–Bodensee
Expert
07:37
17.5 mi
2.3 mph
1,200 ft
1,300 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
On the eighth stage, the grand finale is now on. After wandering through dense forests for the first half of the stage, you can already see Lake Constance north of you. In picturesque Konstanz you finally stand on the shores of the Swabian Sea and reward yourself at the end of your hike with the view…
translated by•View Original
by komoot
View