Schwarzwald
Description
The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald, is named after the huge firs that cover vast contiguous areas. If you don't like pine, then the Black Forest might not be the best destination for you. The west of Germany's most impressive mountain range – next to the Alps - is the most forested. Here you will find the highest tops and the best views. Highest mountain is the Feldberg, 1493m. The Westweg links the best parts together.
To the east, the terrain become flatter, and there is more alternation with farmland. The Ostweg introduces you to this lesser known part of the Black Forest. Here you will walk closer to the Danube than to the Rhine, and the views extend to the Swabian Jura.
Above we already mentioned two of the most famous hiking trails: the Westweg, founded in 1900, and the Ostweg. In between is the Mittelweg. All three long distance paths start in Pforzheim and fan southward to finish at river Rhine near the Swiss border.
There are also about 20 other fantastic long distance footpaths. These follow beautiful valleys, have certain themes, or cross the mountains from west to east. The best place to start your search for information is the website of the Schwarzwaldvereins.
Day hikers will be happy too. Everywhere they will find well documented and marked hiking trails.
Tourism – including walking tourism - has a long history in the Black Forest. Hotels and Gasthäuser have been in existence for often more than a century, handed over from one generation to the next. In every village and on every mountain you'll find something, usually opan all year. There are also some 30 Wanderheime, uncostly and pleasant accommodations.
Opinions

- David August 2011
- Rate 7
- Positive paisajes, naturaleza, gastronomia y precios.
- Negative en algunas zonas y sobre todo en verano, mucho turismo

- Hendrik Legemate January 2008
- Rate 6
- Negative the planted forests, no very small hiking trails

- Joke ter Weele October 2001
- Rate 7
- Positive Pleasant towns with a wide choice of inns after long forest walks
- Negative Forests are all planted, and sometimes monotonous

- Henk Nouws February 2000
- Rate 8
- Positive Special atmosphere. It has the ambiance of tourism of the start of the 20th century.
Trails in this region
- Breisgauer WeinwegGPX
- E1GPX
- E8GPX
- GäurandwegGPX
- Gernsbacher RundeGPX
- Hansjakobweg I (Kleiner Hansjakobweg)GPX
- Hansjakobweg II (Großer Hansjakobweg)GPX
- Hochrhein HöhenwegGPX
- Hotzenwald QuerwegGPX
- Jakobsweg Breisach - Cluny
- Jakobsweg Waldshut-Vézelay
- Kandel HöhenwegGPX
- Main-Neckar-RheinwegGPX
- Markgräfler Wiwegli
- MittelwegGPX
- MurgleiterGPX
- Ortenauer WeinpfadGPX
- OstwegGPX
- Panoramaweg Baden-BadenGPX
- Querweg Freiburg-BodenseeGPX
- Querweg Gengenbach-Alpirsbach
- Querweg Lahr-RottweilGPX
- Querweg Schwarzwald-Kaiserstuhl-RheinGPX
- RenchtalsteigGPX
- RheinauenwegGPX
- SchluchtensteigGPX
- Schwarzwald Nordrand WegGPX
- Schwarzwald-Jura-Bodensee-WegGPX
- Schwarzwald-Schwäbische Alb-Allgäu-WegGPX
- WestwegGPX
- ZweitälersteigGPX
Links
Facts
- Wanderservice Schwarzwald (German)
The Westweg and other trails in the Black Forest can be seen here on Google maps including loding, info, public transport etc.
Reports
- Albsteig Schwarzwald - HappyHiker Wanderbericht (German)
Basisinformationen und ausführlicher Wanderbericht mit zahlreichen Fotos zu dieser 83,3 Kilometer langen Wanderung von Albbruck am Hochrhein zum Feldberg-Pass.
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
- Schwarzwaldverein e.V.
The Schwarzwaldverein is the second largest hiking organisation of Germany. This is their homepage.
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books

United Kingdom
- Schwarzwald - St. Georgen Triberg 2012
- Furtwangen-Wolfach. Wanderwege, Radwanderwege, Nordic Walking, Skilanglauf, Skitouren Kümmerly und Frey Deutschland Outdoorkarte. 1. Auflage. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Black Forest: Triberg 35K Kümmerly + Frey Map No. 40
- Black Forest: Triberg area at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour interval varies from 10m... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 40 Outdoorkarte Schwarzwald St. Georgen-Triberg | Kümmerly & Frey
- Furtwangen-Wolfach. Wanderwege, Radwanderwege, Nordic Walking, Skilanglauf, Skitouren Kümmerly und Frey Deutschland Outdoorkarte. 1. Auflage. Read more

United Kingdom
- Hiking and Cycling in the Black Forest
- Walks, treks and cycle rides in southern Germany Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Hiking and Cycling in the Black Forest: Walks, treks and cycle rides in southern Germany
- 15 day walks, 3 multi-stage treks and 5 cycle routes are described covering the north, central and southern areas of Germany`s Black Forest. The walks and cycle routes are evenly distributed across all three areas and comprise both long distance routes and day walks, although each stage of every long distance walk can also be done as individual... Read more

Netherlands
- Coast When YA Kin
- Join me on my bicycle travels in this recollection of my 30 years of long-distance cycling. Climb some of Americas highest mountain ranges, turn the pedals along North Americas coasts and rivers, battle the relentless heat and mosquitoes of the western plains. Don't stop there. Ride the Danube River from Black Forest to Black Sea. Visit the... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
- Coast When YA Kin
- Join me on my bicycle travels in this recollection of my 30 years of long-distance cycling. Climb some of Americas highest mountain ranges, turn the pedals along North Americas coasts and rivers, battle the relentless heat and mosquitoes of the western plains. Don't stop there. Ride the Danube River from Black Forest to Black Sea. Visit the... Read more

Netherlands
2018
- Wandelgids Nationalpark Schwarzwald - Zwarte Woud | Rother
- De ‘Rother Wanderbücher’ behandelen telkens de 40 mooiste wandelingen, die variëren van eenvoudige kindvriendelijke wandelingen tot routes die aanzienlijk meer ervaring vereisen. Uitvoerige routebeschrijvingen, een aantrekkelijke lay-out met vele kleurenfoto’s; niets aan duidelijkheid te wensen gelaten hoogteprofielen, kaartjes met de... Read more

Netherlands
2020
- Wandelgids Schwarzwald Nord - Zwarte Woud noord | Rother
- Uitstekende wandelgids met een groot aantal dagtochten in dal en hooggebergte. Met praktische informatie en beperkt kaartmateriaal! Wandelingen in verschillende zwaarte weergegeven in rood/blauw/zwart. Dieser Führer präsentiert in 50 Wanderungen die aussichtsreichsten und markantesten Berge, Kämme und Felsen des Nord- und Mittelschwarzwalds,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Kinzigtal - Schramberg - Haslach - Wolfach - Schiltach - Hornberg Kompass 880
- Kinzigtal - Schramberg - Haslach - Wolfach - Schiltach - Hornberg area of central Black Forest on a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS: this title is... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 880 Kinzigtal - Schramberg | Kompass
- Die 3in1 Wanderkarte ist jetzt noch übersichtlicher und besser lesbar. Der Aktiv Guide informiert Sie rund um das Thema Outdoor und die kostenlose App für unterwegs gibt es auch noch dazu. Das bildet die perfekte Grundlage für die Planung einer Wandertour. Die präzise Kartografie zeigt alle begehbaren Wanderwege inklusive Klassifizierung.... Read more

Netherlands
2019
- Wandelgids Rund um Freiburg | Rother
- Zwischen Kaiserstuhl und Hochschwarzwald. 60 Touren. Mit GPS-Daten Rother Wanderbuch. 2., aktualisierte Auflage. Read more

Netherlands
2016
- Wandelgids Slowakije - Weg der Helden E8 | Conrad Stein Verlag
- OutdoorHandbuch. 1. Auflage. Read more

Netherlands
- Marco Polo FZK31 Zwarte Woud Noord
- Een kaart en een reisgids in een handige omslag van stevig plastic, Op de kaart worden bezienswaardigheden aangegeven en heel kort beschreven met een afbeelding erbij, In de gids is de gedetailleerde informatie te vinden, Ook de op de kaart gemarkeerde wandel- en fietstochten worden in de gids beschreven, Door de gebruikte kleuren is alle... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
- Marco Polo FZK31 Zwarte Woud Noord
- Een kaart en een reisgids in een handige omslag van stevig plastic, Op de kaart worden bezienswaardigheden aangegeven en heel kort beschreven met een afbeelding erbij, In de gids is de gedetailleerde informatie te vinden, Ook de op de kaart gemarkeerde wandel- en fietstochten worden in de gids beschreven, Door de gebruikte kleuren is alle... Read more

Netherlands
- Frommer's Germany
- Features color photos of the dazzling baroque architecture, picturesque villages, and beer gardens in Germany. This title covers the country's highlights - music festivals, hiking in the Black Forest, Oktoberfest, cafes, castles, and Berlin's vibrant, and cultural scene. Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
- Frommer's Germany
- Features color photos of the dazzling baroque architecture, picturesque villages, and beer gardens in Germany. This title covers the country's highlights - music festivals, hiking in the Black Forest, Oktoberfest, cafes, castles, and Berlin's vibrant, and cultural scene. Read more

Netherlands
- Switzerland
- From the middle of the 18th century onward, Switzerland was a compulsory port of call for the cultured traveller. Artists and travellers competed with each other to portray its remarkable mountain landscapes, interwoven in heroic, silent atmospheres of damp woods, alternating with roaring waterfalls. Still it is not too late to encounter the... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
- Switzerland
- From the middle of the 18th century onward, Switzerland was a compulsory port of call for the cultured traveller. Artists and travellers competed with each other to portray its remarkable mountain landscapes, interwoven in heroic, silent atmospheres of damp woods, alternating with roaring waterfalls. Still it is not too late to encounter the... Read more

United Kingdom
- Bad Liebenzell - Bad Wildbad - Pforzheim - Calw - Wildberg Kompass 873
- Bad Liebenzell - Wildbad area of northern Black Forest on a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS: this title is part of an extensive series covering... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 873 Bad Liebenzell - Bad Wildbad | Kompass
- Die GPS-genauen KOMPASS Karten sind ideal für Ihre nächste Tour! Der lesefreundliche Maßstab und nützliche Informationen über die Region erleichtern Ihre Planung.IT Read more

Netherlands
2014
- ANWB actief & anders - Zwarte Woud
- ANWB Actief onderscheidt zich van andere reisgidsen door 30 dagtochten. Bij elke dagtocht worden de moeilijkheidsgraad, duur, lengte en horeca vermeld. Alle tochten zijn voorzien van duidelijke, gedetailleerde kaarten. Bovendien kunnen van alle wandel- en fietsroutes GPS-tracks worden gedownload. De beginpunten van de routes zijn voorzien van... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
2014
- ANWB actief & anders - Zwarte Woud
- ANWB Actief onderscheidt zich van andere reisgidsen door 30 dagtochten. Bij elke dagtocht worden de moeilijkheidsgraad, duur, lengte en horeca vermeld. Alle tochten zijn voorzien van duidelijke, gedetailleerde kaarten. Bovendien kunnen van alle wandel- en fietsroutes GPS-tracks worden gedownload. De beginpunten van de routes zijn voorzien van... Read more
Maps

United Kingdom
- Feldberg / Hochschwarzwald 2018
- Black Forest: Feldberg - Hochschwarzwald area at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Feldberg - Upper Black Forest - Titisee K+F Outdoor Map 26
- Black Forest: Feldberg - Hochschwarzwald area at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 26 Outdoorkarte Feldberg - Hochschwarzwald | Kümmerly & Frey
- Black Forest: Feldberg - Hochschwarzwald area at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour... Read more

United Kingdom
- Schwarzwald - Freudenstadt 2012
- Black Forest: Freudenstadt area at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour interval varies from... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Black Forest: Freudenstadt 35K Kümmerly + Frey Map No. 39
- Black Forest: Freudenstadt area at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour interval varies from... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 39 Outdoorkarte Schwarzwald Freudenstadt | Kümmerly & Frey
- Black Forest: Freudenstadt area at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour interval varies from... Read more

United Kingdom
- Alsace / Mulhouse - Basel 2013
- The southern part of Alsace around Mulhouse and Guebwiller on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from K Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Alsace - Mulhouse - Basel - Altkirch K+F Outdoor Map 2
- The southern part of Alsace around Mulhouse and Guebwiller on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 02 Outdoorkarte FR Elsass, Vogesen - Alsace / Elsass - Mulhouse - Basel | Kümmerly & Frey
- The southern part of Alsace around Mulhouse and Guebwiller on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from K Read more

United Kingdom
- Alsace - Colmar - Selestat 2013
- The central part of Alsace around Colmar and Sélestat on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge locations,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Alsace - Colmar - Sélestat - Freiburg im Breisgau - Lahr K+F Outdoor Map 5
- The central part of Alsace around Colmar and Sélestat on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge locations,... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 05 Outdoorkarte FR Elsass - Colmar - Sélestat - Elzas | Kümmerly & Frey
- The central part of Alsace around Colmar and Sélestat on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge locations,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Alsace - Strasbourg 2013
- The central part of Alsace around Strasbourg and Saverne on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from K Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Alsace - Strasbourg - Saverne - Barr - Offenburg K+F Outdoor Map 7
- The central part of Alsace around Strasbourg and Saverne on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 07 Outdoorkarte FR Elsass, Vogesen - Alsace, Strasbourg Elzas - Vogezen | Kümmerly & Frey
- The central part of Alsace around Strasbourg and Saverne on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from K Read more

United Kingdom
- Bagno di Romagna Monti Editore 19
- Map No. 19, Bagno di Romagna, in series of contoured, GPS compatible hiking maps at 1:25,000 from the Istituto Geografico Adriatico, covering mainly the spine of the Apennines along the borders of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and the Marches.The maps have contours at 25m intervals with additional shading and numerous Map in this series have... Read more

United Kingdom
- Riviera Cesenate - San Marino
- Map No. 128, Riviera Cesenate - San Marino, in a series of GPS compatible hiking maps at 1:50,000 from the Istituto Geografico Adriatico, covering parts of central Italy: eastern Tuscany, with northern Umbria and the Marches, plus the south-eastern of part of Emilia-Romagna.The maps have contours at 50m intervals with additional shading and... Read more

United Kingdom
- Alta Val Marecchia
- Map No. 126, Alta Val Marecchia, in a series of GPS compatible hiking maps at 1:50,000 from the Istituto Geografico Adriatico, covering parts of central Italy: eastern Tuscany, with northern Umbria and the Marches, plus the south-eastern of part of Emilia-Romagna.The maps have contours at 50m intervals with additional shading and numerous spot... Read more

United Kingdom
- Lahr –Rheinauen – Taubergießen - Kinzigtal
- Lahr –Rheinauen – Taubergießen – Kinzigtal area of central Black Forest on a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS: this title is part of an extensive... Read more

United Kingdom
- Monte Carpegna - Sasso di Simone
- Map No. 16, Monte Carpegna - Sasso di Simone, in series of contoured, GPS compatible hiking maps at 1:25,000 from the Istituto Geografico Adriatico, covering mainly the spine of the Apennines along the borders of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and the Marches.Map in this series have contours at 25m intervals with additional shading and... Read more

United Kingdom
- Alta Valle del Metauro: Valle del Candigliano, Monte Nerone, Monte Catria
- Map No. 122, Alta Valle del Metauro: Valle del Candigliano, Monte Nerone, Monte Catria, in a series of GPS compatible hiking maps at 1:50,000 from the Istituto Geografico Adriatico, covering parts of central Italy: eastern Tuscany, with northern Umbria and the Marches, plus the south-eastern of part of Emilia-Romagna.The maps have contours at... Read more

United Kingdom
- Black Forest: Central and Northern Black Forest Cycle Tour (260km) Bikeline Map/Guide
- Northern and Central Black Forest Cycle Tour, a 260-km long route, presented by Verlag Esterbauer in a guide with maps at 1:50,000. The route nests between the Rhine in the west and the Neckar in the east, and extends from the Kinzig Valley in the south northwards to just short of Karlsruhe and Pforzheim. Extensive information is conveyed by... Read more

United Kingdom
- Transrhodopi - Long distance hiking and biking trail From Trigrad to Ivaylovgrad
- Western Rhodope Mountains at 1:100,000 on a contoured GPS compatible map from Domino extending from just west of the Pirin National Park to Asenovgrad in the north-east. The map is double-sided with a good overlap between the sides. Topography is shown by contours at 50m intervals with relief shading and spot heights, plus colouring for... Read more

United Kingdom
- Middle Black Forest - Strasbourg
- Black Forest Middle – Strasbourg on a waterproof, tear-resistant, GPS compatible cycling map at 1:75,000 from the ADFC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club - the official German cycling federation), in a series of maps with extensive overprint for long-distance and local cycling routes. GPS waypoints, route profiles, details of online links for... Read more

United Kingdom
- Neckar Valley Cycle Route - Source to Rhine
- Neckar Cycle Route, a 367-km long cycle route from the source of the Neckar in the Black Forest across Stuttgart and Heidelberg to the Rhine at Mannheim, presented by the Verlag Esterbauer in a guide with maps at 1:50,000 showing the route and its variants. Extensive information is conveyed by symbols, indicating road surface, campsites and... Read more
Walking holidays
Netherlands
- Duitsland - Zwarte Woud
- Bekijk de mooie gevels in het Kinzigtal en strijk neer op een terrasje. Overnacht in zeer verschillende, maar altijd mooi gelegen en comfortabele hotels. Wandel over goed gemarkeerde, afwisselende wandelpaden en geniet onderweg van Kaffee mit Kuchen. Klim en draai met de rode Schwarzwaldbahn door oneindige tunnels en over hoge viaducten. Loop... Read more
- Also available from:
- Snp Wandelreizen, Netherlands
Netherlands
- Duitsland - Zwarte Woud
- Het zuidelijke Zwarte Woud verrast met wilde natuur rondom de imposante Wutachschlucht. Deze korte, maar uitdagende trektocht volgt het mooiste deel van de Schluchtensteig, een van Duitslands ‘Top Trails’. Hikend van hoogvlakten met vergezichten tot mysterieuze diepten van ruige kloven, eindig je met een blik op de fraaie Schluchsee. Kleine... Read more