The Westweg trail (Trans Schwarzwald): 14 stages through the Black Forest in Germany
A 285 km classic route along the Black Forest of Germany from Pforzheim to Basel. This classic long-distance route lasts about two weeks, in 13-14 stages of 15 to 28 km on average. The route is well signposted and is suitable for experienced hikers and those new to long-distance walking.
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With well-maintained and signposted trails, a public transport system that allows convenient access and movement around the area, conveniently located huts and lodges, the Black Forest is one of Germany's and Europe's most famous trekking destinations. Gentle forest-covered hills interspersed with pastures and picturesque villages combine with far-reaching views across the entire alpine chain.
The Westweg runs through the Schwarzwald National Park, the source of the Danube and Lake Titisee. Lake Titisee can be explored in two ways: either the western route, which takes you to the highest peak of the Black Forest, Feldberg, and the Markgräflerland vineyards, or the quieter eastern route, via the Herzogenhorn peak, to Basel, with all its cultural attractions.
Practical guide
When to go?
The Westweg is a mountain trail to be tackled in the main hiking season between April and the end of October.
Entry and exit
The Westweg starts in Pforzheim or Basel, but it is possible to do half of the route and start in Hausach.
Difficulty
The terrain is easy, although some of the climbs are demanding. Anyone with a good level of endurance and experience in mountain hiking will enjoy this long-distance trail. The highest peaks of the Black Forest, a medium-sized mountain range, are below 1,500 metres.
Not to be missed
- Black Forest National Park
- Feldberg - the highest mountain in the Black Forest
- Belchen - the sacred mountain of the Celts
- The sources of the Danube
- Lake Titisee
- Lake Herrenwieser
- Burg Rötteln Castle
- Sausenburg
- The Wolsfsschlucht Gorge
- The Markgräflerland's vineyards and orchards
- Kaltenbronn Nature Reserve
- Mummelsee
- Murgtal
- Ruhestein
- Dachsberg
- Herzogenhorn
- Hochblauen.
Stages
A 285km trek through Germany's Black Forest from Pforzheim to Basel. This 13 to 14 day, 15 to 28 km per day classic route, which includes Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest. Two variants are described, both of which are well signposted.
- Stage 1 Pforzheim to Dobel
- Stage 2 Dobel to Forbach
- Stage 3 Forbach to Unterstmatt
- Stage 4 Unterstmatt to Alexanderschanze
- Stage 5 Alexanderschanze to Hark
- Stage 6 Hark to Hausach
- Stage 7 Hausach to Wilhelmshöhe
- Stage 8 Wilhelmshöhe to Kalte Herberge
- Stage 9 Kalte Herberge to Titisee
Western Route: Titisee in Basel
- Stage 10A Titisee to Notschrei
- Stage 11A Notschrei to Haldenhof
- Stage 12A Haldenhof to Kandern
- Stage 13A Kandern to Basel
Eastern Route: Titisee in Basel
- Stage 10B Titisee to Feldbergpass
- Stage 11B Feldbergpass to Weißenbachsattel
- Stage 12B Weißenbachsattel to Hasel
- Stage 13B Hasel to Degerfelden
- Stage 14B Degerfelden to Basel
