The Sommerberg in Bad Wildbad is simply fantastic! Thousands of visitors flock here every year, all looking for the same thing: adventure, nature, and lots of fun for the whole family. No wonder this place has become the region's most popular destination.
The heart of the mountain is the 1.250-meter-long treetop walkway with its 40-meter-high observation tower. From up there, you have a breathtaking 360-degree view of the northern Black Forest – even Black Forest connoisseurs will be amazed! The trail leads through the treetops and past five educational stations that provide interesting facts about nature, wood, and the Black Forest.
Since 2018 there is another highlight: The WILDLINE suspension bridge! At 380 meters long and swaying at a height of 60 meters, it's sure to give you butterflies in your stomach. Next door, the Sommerberg Adventure Forest attracts visitors – 8.000 play structures await you across 25 square meters. Impressive: Shortly after its opening in August 2019, the 200.000th visitor was welcomed!
The “Active Experience Sommerberg” has something to offer for every taste. Mountain bikers will be delighted with the Bad Wildbad bike park With over 8 kilometers of trails, it's one of Germany's largest mountain bike parks! After so much exercise, you can relax and unwind in Bad Wildbad's two thermal baths.
In the next sections, I'll show you what makes Sommerberg so special and why a visit is worthwhile at any time of year. So pack your backpack and let's go on your Sommerberg adventure!
Take the cable car up to the Sommerberg adventure
Already the How to reach it The hike to the Sommerberg is a real highlight! Whether by historic funicular, your own car, or on foot, the journey up promises a wonderful first impression of the Black Forest idyll.
Upwards with the Sommerbergbahn
The Summer mountain railway is one of the most modern funicular railways in Germany and has been transporting visitors from the center of Bad Wildbad (100 m) up to the Sommerberg (420 m) for over 750 years. On the 738-meter-long route, the cable car overcomes an elevation gain of 291 meters with a steep gradient of between 37 and 53 percent. The nearly 10-minute ride in the state-of-the-art panoramic carriage offers magnificent views of the town and the surrounding forests – a great photo opportunity!
The cable car runs every half hour, at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Super convenient: The valley station is located right in the city center near the Uhlandplatz S-Bahn station, ideal for those arriving by public transport.
Current information and prices can be found on the homepage: https://www.bad-wildbad.de/de/sommerbergbahn/
By the way, with the Enztal Guest Card, KVV/VPE tickets or the Baden-Württemberg Ticket you get discounted tickets for the mountain railway.
By car to Sommerberg
Those arriving by car have several parking options. There's a parking lot with 167 spaces directly on the Sommerberg.
I usually park downtown and then take the cable car up—it couldn't be more relaxing! Bad Wildbad has four centrally located parking garages:
- P1: Parking garage Stadtmitte/Sommerbergbahn
- P2: Vital Therme parking garage
- P3: Palais Thermal car park
- P4: Kurzentrum car park
There is also the Stadtmitte/Bergbahn car park on Ladestraße, the Marienruhe car park and the free car park at the sports field – there is something for everyone!
For people with disabilities, special disabled parking spaces are available both in the city center and on the Sommerberg, including four spaces near the Rodelhütte and others at the Hotel Restaurant Auerhahn.
Arrived – what now?
Once you reach the top of the Sommerberg, a true recreational paradise opens up! From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Enz Valley and Bad Wildbad. The mountain is a starting point for countless nature experiences, adventures, walks, and hikes.
The top attractions are the treetop walk with its 40-meter-high observation tower, the spectacular WILDLINE suspension bridge and the Sommerberg Adventure Forest. Families with children in particular will find plenty of space here to romp, marvel, and explore. Mountain bike enthusiasts will enjoy the Bad Wildbad Bike Park, which is also accessible from Sommerberg.
I'd estimate that a total of 235 km of hiking trails await you! If you'd like to learn more about Bad Wildbad's history and culture, you can go on a trail with the "Grübelhörnchen" (Grübelhorn). You'll learn fascinating facts about the technology of the Sommerbergbahn cable car, a robber's mountain, and Bad Wildbad's musical tradition.
The Bad Wildbad Treetop Walk: A bird's-eye view of the forest
In the heart of the magnificent Black Forest, a special highlight winds through the treetops – the Bad Wildbad Treetop Walk! With a total length of 1.250 meters (including the ramp in the tower), this fascinating path floats up to 20 meters above the forest floor and leads through beautiful beech, fir, and spruce trees. I was amazed at how different the forest looks from above!
Play and excitement at lofty heights
The path through the treetops offers more than just great views. Along the way, plenty of interactive stations await you! Here you can climb, balance, or even walk across the abyss—all without the danger of falling, of course. The little ones (and the big ones too!) are thrilled by the exciting learning stations that teach interesting facts about:
- The native animals and plants
- Special forest dwellers such as wolves and capercaillie
- The unique nature of the Black Forest
A particularly cool feature: Using a self-operating water pump, you'll learn how water is transported from the roots to the tips of the trees. Be sure to try out the balancing elements! Here, you can walk 20 meters above the forest floor—a butterflies in your stomach is guaranteed.
The entire trail is barrier-free. With a maximum gradient of 6% and no steps, it's easily accessible even with a stroller or wheelchair. There are rest areas along the way for a break.
High up: The 40-meter tower
The absolute highlight of the treetop walk is the 40-meter-high observation tower! A spiral ramp winds its way ever higher. With each lap, the view over the forests of the Northern Black Forest becomes more spectacular.
From the very top you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of:
- The endless green forests of the Black Forest
- The impressive valleys of the surrounding area
- In clear weather you can even see the Alps!
My tip: Pack a jacket, even in summer! It can get quite windy on the 40-meter-high observation deck. The tower is completely barrier-free—so it's easily accessible for visitors with strollers or wheelchairs.
Coming down has never been so fun!
After the panoramic experience, my personal favorite highlight awaits: a 55-meter-long tunnel slide inside the observation tower! The entry is at a height of 25 meters, and then it's a rapid descent. In just seven seconds, you'll whizz back down to the ground at around 25 to 30 km/h – that's a real thrill!
What you should know about the slide:
- Allowed for children 6 years and older
- Adults can slide too!
- You slide on a special mat in supine position
- Light falls into the slide through portholes – so no fear of darkness
- In rainy weather the slide remains closed
As you slide, your feet rest in a kind of foot warmer, while you hold onto the mat handle between your thighs. At the end, a long, open exit ensures safe exit. A traffic light at the slide entrance ensures no collision.
This spectacular stainless steel slide cost around €150.000! With its funnel-shaped slope, which creates ever-increasing centrifugal force, it's an absolute adrenaline thrill for the whole family. On my last visit, I went down it three times – that's what makes going downhill so much fun!
Further highlights: Wildline suspension bridge and Sommerberg adventure forest
Sommerberg has more to offer than just the treetop walk! Two other attractions have made this place a magnet for excursions: the adventurous WILDLINE suspension bridge and the child-friendly Sommerberg Adventure Forest.
The Wildline Suspension Bridge – Swaying at a height of 60 meters
Since July 2018, brave souls have been able to cross the WILDLINE suspension bridge. At 380 meters long and up to 60 meters high, it's sure to give you butterflies in your stomach! What's special about this bridge: It's the only one of its kind in Europe with an upward arch.
The 1,20-meter-wide bridge allows enough space for oncoming traffic. Although the bridge is designed for 600 people, a maximum of 300 visitors are admitted at a time for comfort reasons—so everyone can truly enjoy the ride. Convenient for families and people with disabilities: The WILDLINE is barrier-free and therefore accessible with a wheelchair or stroller.
If you want to visit the WILDLINE, please note the different opening hours: https://wildline.de/
Sommerberg Adventure Forest – romping on 8.000 square meters
Right next to the observation tower of the Treetop Walk is the Sommerberg Adventure Forest. Spanning 8.000 square meters, over 20 wooden play and learning stations await adventurers of all ages.
The highlights in the adventure forest are something special:
- A large cable car with four tracks for exciting family races
- A giant air trampoline (15 x 11 meters) to let off steam
- A multi-story climbing castle with two large slides
- Extra play areas for the little ones
Amidst all the action, there's also plenty of time to relax: Plenty of seating and picnic areas invite you to linger. Feeling hungry? Between the Treetop Walk and the Adventure Forest, you'll find the "Futterkrippe" kiosk with snacks, ice cream, and drinks.
Save cleverly with combination tickets
If you want to visit multiple attractions, you should look for combination offers. While there isn't yet a single combined ticket for all attractions on the Sommerberg (the different opening hours and fare systems of the operators make it complicated), there are still ways to save!
The "Action Package" is particularly recommended. It includes:
- 1x entry to the WILDLINE suspension bridge
- 1x entry to the Black Forest Treetop Walk
- 1x entrance to the Himmelsglück Schömberg observation tower
If you visit the Treetop Walk and Adventure Forest on the same day, you'll also save one euro. If you're staying for several days, it's worth checking out Bad Wildbad's adventure packages, which cleverly combine overnight stays and attractions.
Tickets for all attractions are available on-site or in advance from Bad Wildbad Tourist Office. So nothing stands in the way of your adventure on the Sommerberg!
Experience nature: hiking, delicious pancakes and relaxing views
In addition to its exciting attractions, Sommerberg is a true paradise for nature lovers! With a total of 235 km of hiking trails, there's enough to explore to keep you busy for days. Here, you can simply take a deep breath, enjoy the forest air, and leave everyday life behind.
The Fairytale Trail “The Cold Heart”
A special experience for the whole family is the 3,2 km long Fairytale Trail, which starts and ends directly at the Treetop Walk tower. You can walk the entire loop in about an hour. The great thing about it: The gravel path is barrier-free and therefore easily accessible for strollers and wheelchair users.
At nine of the ten stops, an audio play tells the story of Peter Munk based on Wilhelm Hauff. Hikers of all ages learn a lot about:
- The old Black Forest charcoal kiln tradition
- The typical trees of our Black Forest
- Exciting legends and Black Forest specialties
The trail crosses the WILDLINE suspension bridge—but don't worry, you don't have to cross if you want to continue hiking. Perfect for those with a bit of a head for heights!
Blueberry pancakes at the Grünhütte – a must!
I would say that the hike to legendary forest restaurant Grünhütte is the most popular excursion from Sommerberg. The hut is located between Sommerberg and Kaltenbronn and is only accessible on foot or by bike – that's what makes a visit there so special!
Depending on your starting point, you'll walk between 5 and 7 km. From Sommerberg, it takes about 1-1,5 hours along beautiful forest paths. And believe me, it's worth it! The Grünhütte is famous for its blueberry pancakes, for which people actually walk miles.
The secret? They use only wild blueberries from the surrounding forests. On a really good summer day, the kitchen prepares about 90 liters of batter for the pancakes. I've had a lot of blueberry pancakes, but these taste just different – you have to try it for yourself!
Nature park view and great circular hiking trails
On the panoramic terrace of the mountain station, you'll find the so-called Nature Park Viewpoint. These special viewing points in the Central/Northern Black Forest Nature Park consist of a comfortable bench, a small table, and an inscribed panoramic panel. This allows you to see exactly what you're seeing in the distance.
My favorite trail, the AugenBlick Loop, starts from here. The approximately 4,5 km long circular trail is marked with the Nature Park Eye and the yellow diamond symbol—making it impossible to get lost! With a gentle incline, it leads all the way around the Sommerberg and offers stunning views along the way, especially at the viewpoint at Auchhalder Kopf.
If the cable car ride up is too easy for you, you can take various signposted trails. Several routes of varying difficulty lead up from the village center or the Marienruhe – such as the Walter Speer Trail (6 km), the Sommersteige (4 km), or, for the more athletic, the Walter Schmauder Trail (3,5 km).
The most important things for your perfect day trip
To make your day on the Sommerberg truly amazing, I've compiled all the important information for you here. Be sure to read it before your trip!
Hunger & thirst – where can I find something to eat?
After all that climbing and exploring, your stomach is sure to be rumbling! The Sommerberg Hotel Café & Viewing Restaurant serves delicious Swabian cuisine, tarte flambée, coffee, and cake. The self-service restaurant seats 100 inside and 140 on the terrace with stunning panoramic views.
Right at the entrance to the Adventure Forest, you'll find the "Futterkrippe" kiosk with snacks, ice cream, and drinks. But don't worry—you're welcome to bring your own picnic and enjoy it in one of the many cozy spots! I always pack a few sandwiches and extra water, because all that running around makes you pretty thirsty.
Staying overnight in Bad Wildbad – more than just a day trip
For a truly memorable vacation, Bad Wildbad offers a wide range of accommodation options in every price range. From chic 4-star wellness hotels with infinity outdoor pools to cozy guesthouses, there's something for everyone.
In my estimation, I'd say the experience packages are the most worthwhile – for example, "Fir Trees & Thermal Baths" (3 nights from €177) or "Discover the Wild Within" (2 nights from €123). These include the attractions right away! Many hotels also offer special packages like "Recharge Your Black Forest" with a visit to the Treetop Walk included.
Also easy to travel with a stroller and wheelchair
Fortunately, the Sommerberg is almost entirely barrier-free. The Sommerberg cable car is 99,9% accessible. A particularly useful feature: companions of people with disabilities (with a B symbol on their ID card) even ride for free!
The treetop walk and observation tower are fully accessible for wheelchair users and strollers thanks to a maximum gradient of 6% and no steps. However, the ramps require a bit of strength and stamina – it's best to eat spinach beforehand!
The Wildline Suspension Bridge is also wheelchair accessible. However, you have to enter via the visitor center, and the path between the cable car and the bridge is partially graveled and steep—it can be a bit strenuous. Group visits with wheelchair users should be registered in advance, and a team leader will be assigned to assist you.
Something for everyone – whatever the season!
The Sommerberg in Bad Wildbad has become the most popular tourist destination in the Northern Black Forest for good reason. Where else can you find so many attractions on one mountain? The unique combination of a treetop walkway, WILDLINE suspension bridge, and adventure forest ensures that no one will be left with a long face here.
What particularly impresses me is that almost all of the attractions are barrier-free! People with limited mobility and families with strollers can explore most of the highlights without any problems. This is by no means a given everywhere.
No matter what time of year you visit Sommerberg, it's always worth it. In spring, when everything begins to sprout; in summer, when you enjoy pleasant temperatures in the shade of the forest; in autumn, when the trees glow in their most vibrant colors; or in winter, when the snow transforms the landscape into a fairytale scene.
After a day full of adventure and hiking, you will surely be looking forward to relaxation. Thermal baths in Bad Wildbad are the perfect place to rejuvenate tired muscles. And for those who want to stay longer, there are numerous accommodation options – from cozy inns to wellness hotels, there's something for every taste and budget.
Getting there is delightfully straightforward, whether by car or public transport. And on site, you'll find everything you need for a perfect getaway: adventure, nature, and relaxation.
My tip: Take your time! A single day is barely enough to discover all of Sommerberg's treasures. It's best to plan at least two days—you won't regret it. Sommerberg in Bad Wildbad is definitely a place you'll want to return to again and again!
The Sommerberg in Bad Wildbad reaches an elevation of 746 meters above sea level. The Sommerbergbahn cable car overcomes an elevation difference of 291 meters from the town center (420 m) to the mountain station (750 m).
A visit to the 1.250-meter-long treetop walk typically takes between 1 and 2 hours. The exact duration depends on how much time you want to spend at the interactive stations and on the observation tower.
The WILDLINE suspension bridge is 380 meters long and stretches over the Enz Valley at a height of up to 60 meters. It is the only suspension bridge in Europe built in an arched shape.
Yes, the Sommerberg is largely barrier-free. The Sommerberg cable car, the treetop walk, and the observation tower are accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Yes, the WILDLINE suspension bridge is wheelchair accessible and can be accessed via the visitor center.
