Black Forest Westweg

The Westweg is one of Germany's oldest and most celebrated long-distance trails, running south through the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) from Pforzheim to Basel. It moves through dense spruce and fir forests, climbs onto open high moorland with sweeping views across the Rhine Valley and, on clear days, the Alps, and passes through quintessential Black Forest villages with their broad, low-slung farmhouse roofs and rolling pastures. The route reaches deep into the region's quiet interior, far from the resort towns clustered along the forest's edges. The surface is mostly compacted dirt and forest track, broken by short paved stretches through settlements; the trail repeatedly climbs and drops between the main ridge and lateral valleys, so cumulative elevation gain deserves respect. Navigation is straightforward throughout — the Schwarzwaldverein's red diamond (Rote Raute) is stenciled on trees and signposts at every junction. Water is reliable in villages but sparse on long ridgeline sections, so carry a reserve when leaving inhabited areas. Late May through June and September into October offer the most stable conditions; the high ground around Feldberg can hold deep snow well into winter. Accommodation — Gasthäuser, small inns, and the occasional youth hostel — is well distributed along the route, though advance booking is advisable in peak season.

Distances, elevation and times are approximate; follow waymarks and local conditions on the trail.