The best walks and hikes in the Black Forest

Quintessential Black Forest charm

Walks in the Black Forest are as delectable as its famous cherry gâteaux. Stretching 100 miles (160 km) from Karlsruhe in the north to Switzerland in the south and bounded by the beautiful Rhine to the west, the region’s unique culture and heritage is as much French and Swiss as it is German.

In its densely forested centre, the Kinzig and Gutach Valleys are often cited as the quintessential vision of the Black Forest. Picturesque medieval villages abound and there are many scenic delights. Tumbling 535 feet (163 m) over several stages, Triberg Falls is Germany’s highest waterfall: it is a magical sight after heavy snowfall.

The higher Southern Black Forest

Many of the best hiking trails in the Black Forest have you exploring the spectacular sights in the higher south. The attractive and vibrant streets of Freiburg are a great base and there are many charming smaller villages dotted along the trails.

Titisee is one of the forest’s most scenic lakes, especially when frozen over in winter. Its waters carve out the deep, overgrown gorge of Wutachschlucht. A hike beneath its craggy, granite cliffs and alongside its wispy waterfalls rank amongst the most exquisite found in the region.

Further south, the bald, domed summit of Feldberg is the highest point in the Black Forest at 4,898 feet (1,493 m). Its massive bulk is home to a large ski resort in winter and offers great walking all year round with stupendous alpine views.

Summer sunshine or a winter wonderland

Walks in the Black Forest are an utter delight all year round. Summer sees plenty of blue skies and warm sunshine, though rain is not uncommon. As a general rule, the western reaches are wetter, so waterproofs are always a good idea.

Winter sees a generous duvet of snow blanket the region, making it a wonderful time to experience its delights. Temperature inversions are common, when hill summits bask in bright sunshine above an ocean of cloud, always an awesome sight. As if such a spectacle was not reward enough, when the mist clears, you can descend for a hard-earned glühwein or a traditional gingerbread man. Delicious.