Schluchtensteig

The southern part of the Black Forest is a region of remarkable diversity. Numerous rivers originate here, carving out countless gorges that define its landscape. This area seamlessly blends idyllic and romantic scenery with rugged and adventurous terrain.

Your journey begins with the Wutach Gorge, where the initial kilometres offer a challenging and intense experience, gradually transitioning into a more serene and welcoming natural environment. As you ascend from the canyon, you'll climb a small ridge that offers breathtaking views of the nearby Lake Schluchsee. Your hike then takes you through the Wehra Valley, where each leg introduces you to new gorges and canyons, making your week of hiking in the Black Forest both demanding and diverse.

Along the Schluchtensteig hiking trail in the southern Black Forest, you'll encounter gnarled trees, colossal ferns, and steep cliffs. This trail leads you through lofty heights and mysterious depths, often in close proximity to each other, revealing the rugged and untamed nature of the southern Black Forest. Completing the entire Wutach Gorge portion rewards you with a panoramic view of the nearby Schluchsee.

The trail covers a distance of approximately 119 kilometres and meanders through a variety of natural wonders. You'll witness awe-inspiring waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and diverse plant life, all amidst the picturesque landscape of the beloved Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region.

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

The name truly encapsulates the essence of this hiking week in the Black Forest – it's an experience that firmly belongs in the category of mountain hiking. Over the course of eight days, you'll traverse narrow paths and trails where steep descents loom on either side, immersing you right in the heart of the action.

On the fourth day, you'll pass by the ruins of the "Räuberschlössle" or "Robber's Castle" and journey through the Haslach Gorge. From there, a winding path leads you uphill, serpentining its way until you eventually arrive in Lenzkirch.

Midway through the week, you'll reach the pinnacle of the hiking tour as you make your way to St. Blasien. From Krummenkreuz, it's a downhill journey all the way to the Bannwald Gorge, where charming small bridges and rocky paths guide your 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.