Germany’s diverse landscapes offer a lot of hiking opportunities, but few are as beautiful as the Schluchtensteig. This five-day hiking trail takes you through the heart of the Black Forest, showcasing pristine nature, rugged gorges, and charming villages. If you’re looking for a perfect outdoor experience in Germany, the Schluchtensteig may be your trail.
Find a full day to day recap of the Schluchtensteig on our Instagram.
The Schluchtensteig, which translates to “Gorge Trail,” is named due to the many gorges you’ll encounter throughout this hike. The Wutachschlucht will be the longest from them all and you’ll hike directly on the first day through this “Schlucht”.
The trail winds through dense, ancient forests, featuring a mix of fir and beech trees. Every day you’ll hike through typical charming German villages along the route, such as St. Blasien, Lenzkirch, Todtmoos and Blumberg. These idyllic stops allow you to dive into the local culture and sample traditional “Schwarzwalder” cuisine.
As you ascend through the Black Forest, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. The summit of the Feldberg, the highest mountain in the region, offers a nice vista of the surrounding landscapes. From some higher points you may even see the Swiss mountain peaks.
Stages
Stage 1: Stühlingen to Ewattingen
Your journey begins in the charming town of Stühlingen. Small hiking trails, lush vegetation, and a perfect stretch to begin the Schluchtensteig with. You’ll end your day at Ewattingen, a very small town with one Gasthof.
Stage 2: Ewattingen to Lenzkirch
Hiking deeper into the Black Forest, you’ll explore deep green forest and some waterfalls. The trail leads you through the Wutachschlucht to the picturesque town of Lenzkirch. Halfway you can stop for a lunch break at the nice Schattenmülhe for a traditional dish.
Stage 3: Lenzkirch to St. Blasien
The journey continues through dense forests and new schlucht. You’ll eventually reach St. Blasien, home to the grand St. Blasien Cathedral, an architectural and a serene place to explore. Also on this day you’ll climb the Bildstein with amazing views on the Schluchsee.
Stage 4: St. Blasien to Todtmoos
This day brings you to the Feldberg region, where you can ascend the Feldberg mountain for panoramic views upon the Swiss mountains. The trail then descends to Todtmoos, a nice village with one of the best bakery’s in Germany.
Stage 5: Todtmoos to Wehr
The final day of the Schluchtensteig leads you to Wehr, completing this hiking trail in the Black Forest. You can take your time as this day is a bit shorter and mostly descending towards the town. You’ll hike through the Wehraschlucht deep in the Black Forest to end after 119 kilometer in Wehr.
You can also hike this trail in 6 or 7 stages. Find out more about the itinerary at the official trail website.
Practical Information
Accommodation: There are various lodging options along the Schluchtensteig, including guesthouses, hotels, and campgrounds. It’s advisable to book accommodations in advance during peak hiking seasons.
Trail Markings: The Schluchtensteig is well-marked with signposts and red diamond symbols. Detailed maps and GPS devices are also helpful.
Useful links
Trail organisation: Schluchtensteig
Black Forest: information
