Schluchtensteig

Gnarled trees, gigantic ferns, and precipitous cliffs are frequent sights along the hiking tour of the Schluchtensteig in the southern Black Forest. Moreover, you will encounter lofty heights and enigmatic depths, often in close proximity to each other. The southern part of the Black Forest reveals its rugged and untamed nature during the hike. Completing the entire Wutach Gorge will culminate in a rewarding panorama of the nearby Schluchsee.

The trail is approximately 119 km in length and wides through a variety of natural features. You'll also see inspiring waterfalls, rugged cliffs and diverse plant life all at the heart of the popular Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region.

Details about the walking holiday in the Black Forest and the Schluchtensteig

Here the name says it all. The hiking week in the Black Forest does not fall under the category of mountain hiking for nothing. On eight days, you explore narrow paths and trails on this tour, where it's steep downhill left and right, and you are right in the middle of the action.

On day four, you pass the ruins of the "Räuberschlössle" (Robber's Castle) and hike through the Haslach Gorge. From here, a steep path leads up serpentine after serpentine until you finally arrive in Lenzkirch.

In the middle of the week, you reach the highest point of the hiking tour as you head towards St. Blasien. From Krummenkreuz, always downhill to the Bannwald gorge, where small bridges and stony paths line the way.

The highlights of the Black Forest and the Schluchtensteig holiday at a glance:

• Schluchsee: The reservoir in the municipality of the same name is an original glacial lake that was around 30 metres below that of today's lake. It was only when the Schwarza was dammed that the Schluchsee was formed.

• St. Blasien Cathedral: With a diameter of 36 metres and a height of 62 metres, the dome is the third largest of its kind in Europe.

Interesting facts about hiking holidays through the Black Forest and the Schluchtensteig

The Schluchtensteig leads you over eight days along marked hiking and forest trails through the most beautiful areas along the trail. For some descents, such as through the Wutach Gorge, you need surefootedness and good shoes.

If your basic fitness level is not yet the best, we recommend an endurance programme or a few training sessions before you start your journey. This way, you will manage every ascent and descent with ease!

The Schluchtensteig is a Quality Hiking Trail in Germany and ranks alongside the Rheinsteig, Rennsteig and Eifelsteig in terms of hiking routes.

This tour has been graded as Trekking. Find out more about our walking holiday difficulty levels.