Off to Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest!
At 1.493 meters it is Feldberg Not only an impressive peak, but also a true hiking paradise. Every year, almost 80.000 hikers lace up their boots here and discover the fantastic views. On a clear day, the view stretches from Mont Blanc to Lake Constance!
Around the Feldberg, nine excellent Black Forest hiking trails await you, each awarded the “Premium Hiking Trails” seal by the German Hiking Institute. The twelve-kilometer-long Feldberg trail is one of the absolute highlights – narrow paths and magnificent views included! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, everyone will find the perfect route here. Romantics will love the picturesque Feldsee lake or marvel at the 97-meter-high Todtnau Waterfall.
At the top of the summit, the 36-meter-high Feldberg Tower with its panoramic view of you. Incidentally, it also houses the highest wedding room in Germany! In this route guide, we show you the most beautiful hiking trails and provide practical tips for your Feldberg adventure.
The most beautiful Feldberg hiking trails
Around the Feldberg, you'll find some of the region's most impressive hiking trails. Whether challenging climbs or accessible circular routes, every nature lover will find something to their liking. These five routes reward you with magnificent views and unforgettable nature experiences.
Feldbergsteig – The Premium Trail
This 12,4 km long premium trail is one of the absolute highlights of the Black Forest. Starting at the Haus der Natur (House of Nature), the trail climbs up to the Feldberg Tower. The narrow path leads you through one of Germany's most beautiful nature reserves.
We continue over the summit (1493 m) and then down to the St. Wilhelmer Hut, Zastler Hut and Baldenweger Hut – perfect places for a refreshment. Particularly impressive is the narrow path by the picturesque Feldsee lake, where you hike between 300-meter-high cliffs.
Waterfall Trail – Nature and Adventure
The approximately 12-kilometer-long waterfall trail delights with its impressive natural waterfalls. This refreshing tour starts at the Feldberg Pass and leads to the Wiesequelle spring, then to the Fahler Waterfall and finally to the impressive Todtnau waterfall – at 97 meters, it's Germany's highest natural waterfall. Along the way, you'll cross several bridges, traverse the mystical Wolfsschlucht (Wolf's Gorge), and hike along beautiful paths past blooming meadows. If you're traveling with sure-footed children, this is a great family hike.
Summit tour – barrier-free access to the view
People with disabilities can experience an unforgettable Feldberg adventure here. The circular trail begins at the valley station of the Feldbergbahn cable car, which comfortably takes you to the mountain station. At the top, a 5,78-km paved path awaits, passing the Bismarck Monument with magnificent views of Lake Feldsee and reaching the 1.493-meter-high Feldberg summit. The barrier-free viewing platform on the 11th floor of the Feldberg Tower can be reached by elevator and offers a magnificent panorama. The trail is also ideally suited for strollers.
Feldsee Circular Trail – Romance by the Lake
The almost circular Feldsee is picturesquely situated at 1.109 metres above sea level at the foot of the Feldberg – the highest lake in Germany outside the AlpsThe circular hike offers a unique natural setting, as the lake, which is only nine hectares in size, is surrounded on three sides by cliffs up to 300 meters high. From the House of Nature, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the lake via rocky switchbacks. Swimming is prohibited, however – rare aquatic plants such as breamweed grow in the clear water.
Herzogenhorn Circular Trail – For Advanced Hikers
The Herzogenhorn At 1415 meters, it is the second-highest peak in the Black Forest and offers a challenging hike for experienced mountaineers. This challenging trail starts at the Feldberg Pass (1230 meters) and leads via the Grafenmatt up to the treeless summit. The circular trail impresses with its "alpine" qualities and rewards with fantastic panoramic views stretching all the way to the Swiss Alps.
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Hiking with children and family
The Feldberg is perfect for families. With child-friendly themed trails and special activities, the hike becomes an adventure for all ages.
Gnome Trail – Fairytale Experiences
For families with children between 4 and 8 years, the Gnome Trail on the Feldberg The 1,8 to 2,1 km long path leads the Feldberg gnomes Velt and the gnome postman Ferdinand on their search for the Auerhahn Anton. The path winds through the enchanted Capercaillie Forest past lovingly designed stations such as the "Wichteltanne" (Witch Fir Tree), the "Blueberry Inn," and the "Wichtelapotheke" (Witch Pharmacy). Along the way, children learn interesting facts about capercaillie in a playful way – for example, that in addition to their food, they also swallow small stones to break down the food in their stomachs. A beautiful forest playground awaits at the end.
Stamp points and hiking pass
With the "Resi Hiking Pass," children can collect stamps at stamp stations around the Feldberg. From the third stamp in the High Black Forest Hiking Pass, they receive a small souvenir from one of the tourist information centers. There's also the "Forest Fox Collector's Pass," which includes the Wichtelpfad (Witch Trail).
Tips for child-friendly routes
To ensure that little hikers don't get bored on the go, these tricks will help:
- Tell stories about children's favorite characters
- Singing hiking songs and observing nature with binoculars
- Include spontaneous scavenger hunts with small collecting tasks
As an alternative to the Wichtelpfad (Witch Trail), the circular trail around Lake Feldsee is suitable for children ages 6 and up. The accessible summit trail is also accessible with a stroller.
Instructions for strollers and back carriers
Many paths on the Feldberg are not suitable for strollers. The Wichtelpfad (Witch Trail), for example, is not suitable for strollers. Families with small children who cannot yet walk can House of nature Rent a backpack carrier. For trails marked as stroller-friendly, you should still wear sturdy shoes and use an off-road stroller. A stroller with a brake is helpful for steeper terrain.
Conclusion
The Feldberg truly offers something for everyone. Whether it's the challenging Feldbergsteig with its magnificent panoramic views or the accessible summit circular trail – the selection is impressive. The mix of first-class, premium trails, enchanting natural scenery, and excellent infrastructure makes the area a true hiking paradise.
Families will also find something to enjoy here. The enchanting Gnome Trail delights little hikers with its charming stations, and the Resi Hiking Pass provides extra motivation for explorers. However, for family outings, you should check beforehand which paths are suitable for strollers – not all routes are stroller-friendly.
I'd say, in all honesty, that a hike in the Feldberg is more than just exercise. It's a journey through one of Germany's most beautiful natural landscapes that will stay with you for a long time. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and discover the magic of the Black Forest's highest peak for yourself.
