Distance: approx. 27 km | 760 m ascent | 320 m descent.

From Pforzheim to Dobel. Distance: approx. 27 km | 760 m ascent | 320 m descent

The Westweg trail starts off gently, taking you through the river valleys of the Enz and Nagold. A small highlight is crossing the Grösselbach stream using stepping stones. After reaching Neuenbürg Castle, high above the mining town of the same name, you’ll start ascending through deep forests with the characteristic tall fir trees typical of the Black Forest.

Distance: approx. 26 km | 530 m ascent | 930 m descent.

From the sunny plateau of Dobel, you’ll immerse yourself in the densely wooded Northern Black Forest, leaving it from time to time to enjoy magnificent views. Kaltenbronn offers a wild and romantic experience as you walk on a boardwalk through the high moor. The highlight of today, quite literally, is the Hohlohturm tower, which offers panoramic views from the Vosges to the Swabian Alps, Odenwald, and even the Swiss Alps.

Distance: approx. 19 km | 1,010 m ascent | 390 m descent | short cut option*

Today’s route is challenging, with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain. You’ll cross the first two of a total of ten peaks above 1,000 meters along the Westweg. Steep ascents, beautiful views, and deep blue waters in the Schwarzenbach Reservoir and the idyllic Herrenwieser Karsee lake await you. Hochkopf is particularly beautiful, with cotton grass blooming in spring and vibrant heather in late summer.

Distance: approx. 28 km | 740 m ascent | 710 m descent | short cut option*

This stage features the highlights of the Northern Black Forest: the Hornisgrinde as the highest mountain, the legendary Mummelsee, and the protected Schliffkopf with its high moor-like summit. The flora and fauna in the Grindenschwarzwald are also impressive: with a bit of luck, you might encounter a European adder or catch a glimpse of a sand lizard.

Distance: approx. 17 km | 280 m ascent | 570 m descent

After the challenging stages of the past days, you can take it a bit easier today. „Forest bathing“ could be the motto of this day. Right from the start, you’ll immerse yourself deep into the forest and won’t emerge until shortly before your destination, the very idyllic Harkhof. Dense forests, tall trees, deep shadows, and lush greenery will accompany you throughout the entire stage.

Distance: approx. 15 km | 360 m ascent | 790 m descent

One of the shortest stages on the Westweg gives you the opportunity for a little detour today: up to the Brandenkopf Tower, which, as you might guess, rewards you with a great view over the Kinzigtal. But a visit to the Käppelehof is also a tempting option. The challenge comes towards the end of the stage when the trail descends steeply in switchbacks from the viewpoint of Spitzfelsen down into the Kinzigtal.

Distance: approx. 21 km | 1,110 m ascent | 370 m descent

Some refer to it as the devil’s stage of the Westweg: almost 1,300 meters of elevation await you today. However, after the first steep climb up to Farrenkopf, you will have completed half of the altitude gain. Two more ascents later, you can relax at Karlstein and take in the view of seemingly endless fir forests. From here, you will gently ascend and descend to Wilhelmshöhe.

Distance: approx. 22 km | 440 m ascent | 390 m descent

Right at the beginning, you’ll encounter the Hochmoor-Blindensee, an especially idyllic spot. It’s so beautiful here that you might feel like whispering. Next, you’ll reach the Martinskapelle, where you can find the source of the Danube nearby. While it may not look particularly spectacular, it’s still impressive when you consider how this small stream eventually becomes a mighty river.

Distance: approx. 27 km | 520 m ascent | 650 m descent | short cut option*

The Feldberg is calling. Although the highest peak of the Black Forest is not on your itinerary today, it will gradually come into view as you progress, building your anticipation. The highlight of this stage is undoubtedly Lake Titisee, the largest and most famous natural lake in the Black Forest. It’s worth taking in the local atmosphere while enjoying a slice of Black Forest cake.

Distance: approx. 21 km | 720 m ascent | 490 m descent

The queen stage awaits you, with the ascent of the Feldberg. Needless to say, the view from up here is absolutely breathtaking. But continuing your journey is also worthwhile. At Stübenwasen, a beautiful pass below the Feldberg, things are a bit more peaceful. On Germany’s largest tree trunk lounger, you can enjoy the view in complete tranquility and let the sun pamper you.

Distance: approx. 19 km | 530 m ascent | 730 m descent

After the highest peak, today you ascend to arguably the most beautiful summit in the Black Forest, the Belchen at 1,414 meters. An alpine path winds its way beautifully up the steep north side from Wiedener Eck. When you arrive at the barren mountain top, you’ll enjoy an indescribable panoramic view over the entire Southern Black Forest to the Alps. But be careful not to be carried away by the wind.

Distance: approx. 20 kms | 440 meters uphill | 1,050 meters downhill.

Slowly, the end of the Westweg is approaching. With the Blauen, you have the last of the ten 1,000-meter peaks in front of you today. One last steep ascent, one last panoramic view with a glimpse of your final destination, Weil am Rhein. Descend along small forest paths, passing through Hexenplatz (Witches‘ Square) and Sausenburg, leaving the Black Forest behind and entering the historic town of Kandern. It almost feels a bit Mediterranean here.

Distance: approx. 20 km | 440 m ascent | 1010 m descent

On the last stage, you finally leave the Black Forest behind. Green meadows, charming vineyards, and open deciduous forests in the Markgräflerland region contrast with the deep Black Forest of the past few days. Weil am Rhein marks the end of your journey on the Westweg. From there, the Swiss city of Basel is just a stone’s throw away and definitely worth a visit.