Black Forest Hiking

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Want to escape the crowds of tourists or just get out of the city on your vacation? Maybe, you want more of an adventure or to get back to nature. Or maybe, you have kids and the idea of trying to keep track of them for hours on end in a large metropolis sounds horrifying. No matter what your reasoning, hiking is a great answer. The Black Forest provides an all-encompassing experience.

Getting it's name from the expanse of tall evergreens which grow throughout the forest, the Black Forest has a multitude of trails and industries. It may be best known for cuckoo clocks and cake, but it also boasts wonderful wineries, dairy products, and easy to walk trails. Our video takes place along the Oostal-Rundweg trail which connects into the Panoramaweg.


Signs are posted frequently to point you in the right direction, along with distances and often is accompanied by typical travel times.  The trails are well up kept and relatively easy to transverse.


For an interactive trail map, visit: Black Forest Hiking or for more information on hikes near Baden-Baden visit: Baden-Baden Hiking

Black Forest Highlights

Hiking Tips

  • Check the weather! While not as crucial as when hiking through mountains (i.e. Alps), weather may still change and leave you soaking or sweating. Plan accordingly.
  • Wear layers. Unless the weather is forecast to be extremely warm all day, a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt is a great addition. The tall, old growth trees provide shade making even a warm day cooler.
  • Wear shoes with good treads. The path can get semi-steep in some areas and regular walking shoes may not be enough to prevent you from slipping. Most importantly, watch where you're walking.
  • Be prepared (See Things to Bring below). Review your route ahead of time.
Things to Bring
  • Water - Try for 0.5 Liters/hour of hiking. If it is extremely warm or sunny, up that amount accordingly. While you may consume less on a cold, rainy day, it is always better to be prepared. You'd be surprised how much water your body needs while hiking even if it is cool out.
  • Food - Always bring snacks even if you only plan a short hike. You never know what will happen on the trails. Perhaps you'll see something interesting and get sucked into a longer hike or maybe you will lose the trail. It never hurts to bring extra snacks. If you plan to hike all day, bring lunch and plenty of snacks. You'll be burning a lot of calories hiking than you typically do.
  • Sunscreen and Sunglasses - While sunglasses might not be necessary on a cloudy day, sunscreen is still a must. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than a bad sunburn. Bring extra along if you plan to hike more than an hour or two.
  • Maps/GPS - Paper maps may seem a thing of the past, but can come in handy when traveling without cell service. Another option is to bring a handheld GPS or download a map app on your phone. If using your phone, bring an extra portable charger along to ensure your phone doesn't die and leave you stranded half-way. My favorite app is Maps.me. You can download all the maps for areas you'll be traveling and my phone GPS still worked even without cell service or wifi. This app also shows all the trails and can give directions offline.
  • Layers - The temperature can change drastically over the course of a few hours. Layer with a t-shirt, long-sleeves, and possibly a rain jacket depending on the weather. You'll be glad you did.
  • Fire-aid kit - Mainly Band-Aids and pain reliever, though other first aid items may also come in handy. Blisters can ruin even the most perfect trail.

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