There are places in the Black Forest that captivate you from the very first steps. The Ravenna Gorge is one of them. As soon as you leave the edge of the forest behind, it becomes cool, damp, and shady; fir trees and rock faces close in above you, the Ravenna stream rushes over granite steps below – and then suddenly this enormous stone viaduct appears above you, over which a train rolls every few minutes. You won't find this blend of wild nature and 19th- and 20th-century engineering anywhere else in the Black Forest.
This guide gives you everything you need for your visit: the exact route, hard facts about the viaduct, tips on how to get there and parking, the best time of year to go, and an honest look at the famous Christmas market.
Where is the Ravenna Gorge located?
The Ravenna Gorge is a side valley of the Höllental (Hell Valley), roughly four kilometers long , and belongs to the municipality of Breitnau in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district. The hamlet is called Höllsteig – if you enter that into your GPS, you're in the right place.
For orientation:
- From Freiburg in Breisgau It is approximately 18 kilometers to the southeast.
- To hind tenders From the entrance to the gorge, it takes about 45 to 60 minutes to walk uphill.
- The Hell Valley It stretches for approximately nine kilometers between Buchenbach-Himmelreich and Hinterzarten.
Right in this narrow valley basin, the Ravennabach stream leaves the high plateau and plunges down in several stages. Those who are fascinated by more landscapes like this will find further ideas for their next excursions in our overview of the most beautiful valleys in the Black Forest .
The Ravenna Viaduct: 224 meters of history above the gorge
The landmark of the gorge is the Ravenna Bridge , usually called the Ravenna Viaduct. The raw figures are impressive:
- Length: 224 Meters
- Height: 36 meters above the valley floor
- Sheets: nine openings, each with a span of 20 meters
- Building material: Granite masonry
The history is fascinating. The first bridge at this location was built starting in 1885 according to plans by the Baden railway pioneer Robert Gerwig – at that time still a steel truss structure on sandstone piers. Because the trains became increasingly heavier, it was replaced by the current stone viaduct: construction began on August 26, 1926 , and the inauguration followed on December 14, 1927.
During World War II, the bridge was blown up by German engineers on April 21/22, 1945 ; over 100 meters of the structure collapsed into the gorge. Reconstruction began in October 1946, and trains once again crossed the valley on December 22, 1947 .
And one more detail that hardly anyone knows: The Ravenna Bridge is considered the only heated bridge of the German railway system . A heating system inside the structure prevents dangerous icicles from forming in winter and falling onto the path below.
The hike through the Ravenna Gorge
A marked trail through the gorge has existed since 1875 – the Black Forest Association created it when tourism in the Upper Black Forest was just beginning to take off. Today, the path leads you along the stream, following wooden walkways, stairs, small bridges, and rock galleries.
Highlights along the way:
- The Great Ravenna Falls with 16 meters drop height – the most spectacular point of the gorge
- The Little Ravenna Falls with approximately 6 meters
- Numerous cascades, pools and moss-covered boulders
- The view from below looking up at the nine viaduct arches
Practical information: The ascent through the gorge takes approximately 45 to 75 minutes, depending on your pace. Technically, the path is not difficult, but it is not a leisurely stroll : it is a steady uphill climb, involves many steps, and the wooden structures are slippery when wet. The gorge is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
The circular route via the Löffeltal valley – the most beautiful option
Those who only hike up and down through the gorge miss half the experience. The classic and far more rewarding route combines the gorge and the plateau:
- Starting at Hofgut Sternen in Höllsteig, right at the entrance to the gorge.
- Ascent through the Ravenna Gorge passing both waterfalls.
- Once you reach the top, you switch to the sunny plateau towards hind tenders.
- The return journey is via the Löffeltal – a quiet side valley with wide meadows, old farms and a completely different landscape character.
- Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Löffeltalweg You will reach the viaduct and your starting point again.
Depending on the route, this loop is around 7 to 9 kilometers long with an elevation gain of approximately 200 to 300 meters , so you'll be out for a good two to three hours. For families with older children, this is one of the most beautiful half-day hikes in the Black Forest.
Alternatively, you can follow the Hochschwarzwald heritage trail (around 7,2 kilometers, about 2,5 hours, approximately 174 meters of elevation gain), which connects the old mills and sawmills of the region.
Mills, sawmills and a chapel dating from 1148
The Ravenna Gorge was never truly wild. For centuries, the water power of the Ravenna stream drove mills and sawmills. Among the structures preserved and partially restored are the Großjockenmühle (Great Jocken Mill ) from 1883, a historic hand-operated sawmill , and the Löffelschmiede (Spoon Forge) , which gave the Löffeltal (Spoon Valley) its name. These small buildings along the way tell of how hard and resourceful life once was up here.
Right at the entrance to the gorge stands the St. Oswald Chapel , consecrated in 1148 and thus the oldest preserved church in the Black Forest . It was founded by the Bishop of Constance and served as the first parish church in the region. Today, concerts, weddings, and Christmas services are held here.
Next door is the Hofgut Sternen , an inn with an extraordinary guest list. Marie Antoinette stopped here in 1770 on her journey from Vienna to Paris, where she married the future King Louis XVI – accompanied by a retinue of carriages, wagons, and several hundred horses. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also stayed here during his travels through the Black Forest. Today, the Hofgut offers a hotel, restaurants, a glassblowing workshop, and parking – more information is available directly from the Hofgut Sternen.
The Höllental Railway: Germany's steepest main railway
The trains that cross the viaduct belong to the Höllentalbahn (Höllental Railway ). The Freiburg–Neustadt section was opened on May 21, 1887 , and the extension to Donaueschingen followed in 1901. The line was also planned by Robert Gerwig, who died in 1885 before its completion.
Why the route is a technical monument:
- Between Hirschsprung and Hinterzarten It reaches a gradient of 57,8 per mille – that is the Germany's steepest main railway line.
- From Freiburg (268 meters above sea level) to Hinterzarten (885 meters), it overcomes over 600 meters in altitude.
- From 1887 to 1933, a Rack and pinion according to the Bissinger-Klose system after, until more powerful locomotives made them obsolete.
- The route passes through a total of 15 tunnel.
Today, the Breisgau S-Bahn lines operate here. This makes the Ravenna Gorge one of the very few top excursion destinations in the Black Forest that you can reach completely easily without a car . You can find current timetables on the Deutsche Bahn website.
Deer Leap: Nine meters of narrowness and a legend
Just a few minutes' drive down the valley lies the Hirschsprung , the narrowest point of the Höllental (Hell Valley). At its base, the passage was originally only about nine meters wide ; the rock walls rise up to 130 meters high.
Legend has it that a knight from Falkenstein Castle was hunting a magnificent stag. In dire straits, the animal leaped across the ravine and escaped – the hunter jumped after it and plunged to his death. Since 1907, a bronze stag has commemorated the story: roughly 2,50 meters tall and weighing about 350 kilograms , it sits perched on a rock high above the road. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive by; it's easy to miss.
When is best for you to come?
Spring (April to June): The meltwater has receded, the stream is full of water, and the fresh greenery is vibrant. For many, the most beautiful time of year.
Summer (July to September): Even on hot days, the gorge remains pleasantly cool and shady – a perfect plan B when the air in the valley is stagnant. However, the water level can drop significantly during dry summers.
Autumn (October and November): Beeches and maples change color, the light becomes soft, and the large crowds of visitors are gone. Our personal favorite.
Winter: Hiking through the gorge is strongly discouraged in snow and ice . The footbridges and stairs become dangerous, and the path may be closed due to weather conditions. The exception is the Advent season with the Christmas market, for which a separate, prepared area is set up. For ideas for the colder months, see our list of Black Forest destinations without snow.
The Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge
Since 2010, the entrance to the gorge has been transformed into one of Germany's most atmospheric Christmas markets on Advent weekends . The stalls stand directly beneath the illuminated viaduct, offering regional crafts, mulled wine, and Black Forest specialties.
Important to know:
- The visit is Ticket required, a Time slot system.
- Tickets are only available online, and they sell out within a few hours of going on sale: In 2026, all approximately 100.000 tickets were sold out on the first day of sale.Advance ticket sales usually start in mid-October.
- Didn't get tickets? Christmas markets without tickets – from the Gengenbach Advent Calendar to Freiburg – can be found in our overview. most beautiful Christmas markets in the Black Forest.
- Traveling by Höllentalbahn is the much less stressful option; parking spaces are strictly limited.
- Dress warmly: It's noticeably colder in the gorge than in the valley.
If you're generally planning a trip to the region over Christmas, it's worth taking a look at our article on Christmas holidays in the Black Forest.
Arrival and parking
By car: Take the B31 between Freiburg and Titisee-Neustadt to the Höllsteig exit. Parking is available at Hofgut Sternen (fees apply). On sunny summer and autumn weekends, it's often full by midday – arrive early.
By train and bus: Take the Höllentalbahn (Höllental Railway) to Hinterzarten and from there walk downhill for about 20 to 30 minutes via Freiburger Straße and Löffeltalweg to the viaduct. This way you can hike downhill through the gorge or make it a pleasant one-way trip. If you're staying overnight in the Black Forest, public transport is often included with your guest card – ask at your accommodation.
Admission: The path through the gorge is freely accessible and free of charge outside of the Christmas market season . Only parking is charged.
Equipment: what belongs in your backpack
- Sturdy hiking boots with good tread – most importantly, sneakers are not enough here
- A light jacket, even in the height of summer, because it is significantly cooler in the gorge
- Drinking water and a little something to eat
- RaincoverThe weather in the Black Forest changes quickly
- Dogs are allowed, but due to the walkways and stairs, dogs should be sure-footed and on a leash.
Vacation in Breitnau
Breitnau lies at an altitude of around 1.000 meters between the Höllental valley and Hinterzarten – a quiet, spacious holiday resort with classic Black Forest farmhouses, panoramic meadows, and easy access to all the region's highlights. Those staying here have the Ravenna Gorge practically on their doorstep, can reach Lake Titisee in just a few minutes , and Freiburg in under half an hour. Especially in autumn and during Advent, local accommodation is invaluable, as it completely eliminates the hassle of travel and parking.
Accommodation in Breitnau
118 accommodations in Breitnau are being searched!
What else you can discover in the area
The Ravenna Gorge can be perfectly combined with other destinations:
- hind tenders – the traditional health resort directly above the gorge
- Titisee – just a few minutes away, ideal for a relaxing afternoon
- Freiburg old town – Streams, cathedral and alleyways, about a 25-minute drive down the valley
- Rötenbach Gorge – the significantly quieter sister for all those seeking peace and quiet
- The most beautiful lakes in the Black Forest – Titisee, Feldsee and Mummelsee at a glance
- Family outings in the Black Forest – more ideas for days out with children
- Gertelbach Waterfalls – a completely different, wildly romantic gorge in the Northern Black Forest
- Overview of the waterfalls in the Black Forest – all other waterfalls in the region at a glance
Frequently asked questions about the Ravenna Gorge
How long does the hike through the Ravenna Gorge take?
You should allow 45 to 75 minutes for the ascent through the gorge. The popular round trip with the return via the Löffeltal valley takes about two to three hours, depending on the route, and covers approximately 7 to 9 kilometers.
Does the Ravenna Gorge charge admission?
No. The path through the gorge is free of charge all year round. You only need a ticket for the Christmas market during Advent, and there is a parking fee at the Hofgut Sternen.
How high is the Ravenna Falls?
The Great Ravenna Falls plunge 16 meters into the depths, the Little Ravenna Falls about 6 meters.
How high and how long is the Ravenna Viaduct?
The bridge is 224 meters long and 36 meters high, resting on nine arches, each with a span of 20 meters. It was built between 1926 and 1927.
Is the Ravenna Gorge accessible with a stroller?
No. Due to the many stairs, walkways, and narrow passages, the gorge is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. However, it works well with a child carrier.
Can I visit the Ravenna Gorge in winter?
Hiking through the gorge is not recommended in snow and ice, as the walkways and steps become very slippery. The path may be closed due to weather conditions. The Christmas market will take place in a specially prepared area.
Are dogs allowed in the Ravenna Gorge?
Yes, dogs are allowed. Due to the stairs and wooden walkways, they should be sure-footed and kept on a leash.
How do I get to the Ravenna Gorge without a car?
Take the Höllentalbahn train to Hinterzarten, then walk down to the viaduct in 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can get off at the bottom of the valley and hike uphill through the gorge.
