Hike through the Black Forest
Follow shaded spruce and fir trails over high moor ridges along the Black Forest High Road, breathing in mountain air before stopping at a timber inn for Black Forest Kirschtorte.
At a glance
May to October for lush green forest walks and high moor hiking; January to February for cross-country skiing
Morning when mountain mists rise through the firs, leaving crisp panoramic views across the Rhine Plain
3 to 5 hours of scenic hiking, plus time for a traditional mountain inn lunch
National park hiking & upland moor nature conservation · Self-guided
Moderate (well-marked trails with gentle rolling mountain ridges and boardwalks)
Drop-in possible (national park trails are freely accessible year-round)
Ancient woodlands, peat moors, and mountain legends
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is Germany's most mythic wilderness. Named 'Silva Nigra' by Roman legions who dreaded its dense, sunless canopy of Norway spruce and silver fir, this ancient granite mountain range rises along the eastern flank of the Upper Rhine Valley. On the high windswept ridges (Grinden), glaciers of the last ice age carved deep bowl-shaped cirques that hold dark, peat-stained mountain tarns surrounded by carnivorous sundew and bog bilberries.
Hiking the 100-year-old Westweg trail along the ridgeline, the forest opens onto sweeping panoramic vistas stretching across the vineyards of the Baden wine country to the cathedral spire of Strasbourg and the blue silhouette of the French Vosges mountains. The journey is made complete by the distinct warmth of Black Forest hospitality: stopping at an authentic timber gasthaus with shingled eaves to indulge in traditional smoked Schwarzwälder Schinken and authentic Black Forest gateau infused with tart sour cherries and local cherry schnapps.
A day on the High Black Forest trails
Ascend along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße
Ride bus 245 from Baden-Baden or drive up the famous scenic B500 highway to the glacial bowl of the Mummelsee.
Hike the wooden boardwalks of Hornisgrinde
Ascend the trail to the Hornisgrinde plateau (1,164m), walking along raised wooden planks over fragile peat bogs and climbing the lookout tower for views to the French Vosges.
Savour Black Forest Kirschtorte at a mountain inn
Rest your legs at a timber-framed gasthaus, ordering a generous slice of authentic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte layered with fresh cream, dark chocolate shavings, and local Kirschwasser.
Plan your experience
When to go
Late spring through October offers optimal trail conditions. June brings blooming mountain heaths; autumn brings crisp air, golden larch needles, and clear views over the cloud inversions filling the Rhine Valley.
Getting there
Baden-Baden is on the main Deutsche Bahn ICE line. Regional bus 245 connects Baden-Baden station with the high ridge stops along the B500 (Mummelsee, Ruhestein, Schliffkopf). Guests staying at participating Black Forest hotels receive the free 'KONUS' guest card for unlimited public transit.
Booking & permits
Trails are freely accessible year-round. Weekend parking at the Mummelsee fills early in summer; take the public bus or arrive before 09:30 to secure a spot.
What to bring
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with supportive ankle collars for rocky forest tracks
- Light fleece or windbreaker (ridge temperatures can be 6–8°C cooler than the Rhine valley below)
- Refillable water bottle and daypack for nature trail exploration
Before you go
- Stick strictly to marked trails and wooden boardwalks on the Grinden: the upland peat moors take centuries to recover from foot erosion.
- Check weather conditions at the Ruhestein visitor centre before attempting long ridgeline walks during summer thunderstorms.
Official information
Always verify permits, seasonal weather conditions and access directly with public authorities:
Official regional tourism portal covering certified hiking trails, wellness spas, and KONUS transit cards.
Official national park conservation portal providing trail conditions, ranger tours, and visitor center exhibits.
Ways to experience it
Take bus 245 from Baden-Baden to Mummelsee, hike the 3-hour panoramic Hornisgrinde loop, and enjoy a traditional slice of Kirschtorte before returning.
Join an official national park ranger at the Ruhestein Visitor Centre for a guided ecological walk discovering primeval forest regeneration and rare boreal owls.
Certified providers & operators
Nationalparkzentrum Ruhestein
Official ranger-led hikes & educational ecology tours
Modern architectural visitor hub coordinating daily guided nature walks through protected primeval zones
Schwarzwaldverein e.V.
Historic trail maintenance & hiking waymarking
Germany's oldest hiking association, managing the iconic red-diamond Westweg trail network since 1864