The most famous long-distance hiking trail in the Black Forest: the Westweg
In 1900 the Black Forest Association created the Westweg as the first long-distance hiking trail.
This 285-kilometer long-distance hiking trail leads through the beautiful Black Forest. The route begins in Pforzheim, in the northern Black Forest the route runs through Black Forest National Park and forks on Titisee. The goal of the long-distance hiking trail is Basel. In 2007, the quality trail was adapted to the needs of modern hikers and has been one of the best long-distance hiking trails in Germany ever since.
The popular Westweg impresses with its challenging route. The hike leads through a varied natural landscape and the cultural landscape also offers impressive moments for hikers in the Black Forest. You can recognize the Westweg by the red diamond. The The hike takes place on the main ridge of the Black Forest, where you can see the highest peaks such as the Feldberg and the Hornisgrind can marvel at. Belchen and Blauen give you a breathtaking view on the snow-covered Alps. The Westweg is a well-maintained long-distance hiking trail and is coordinated and kept clean by volunteer stewards from the Black Forest Association.
Directions
The long-distance hiking trail begins in Pforzheim and goes uphill between Enz and Murg. You cross the Murgtal and continue hiking alongside it Mummelsee down to the Kinzigtal. After this steep climb you will see the European watershed on the Westweg between the Danube and the Rhine. Then it goes Hike on to the Titisee and to the Feldberg, which is the highest peak in the Black Forest. During the high-altitude hike over the Belchen and through the Markgräflerland, a wonderful view is guaranteed until you reach Basel in the three-country corner.
The 11 stages of the Westweg at a glance
- Stage 1: Pforzheim - Dobel - 23,5 kilometers
- Stage 2: Dobel - Forbach - 25 kilometers
- Stage 3: Forbach - Unterstmatt - 19 kilometers
- Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze - 28 kilometers
- Stage 5: Alexanderschanze - Hausach - 34,5 kilometers
- Stage 6: Hausach - Wilhelmshöhe - 22,5 kilometers
- Stage 7: Wilhelmshöhe - Kalte Herberge - 23,5 kilometers
Western stages and Eastern stages
- Stage 8: Cold hostel - Hinterzarten
- Stage 9: Hinterzarten – Wiedener Eck – 24,5 kilometers
- Stage 10: Wiedener Eck - Kandern - 31 kilometers
- Stage 11: Kandern - Basel - 22,5 kilometers
- Stage 8: Kalte Herberge - Bärental
- Stage 9: Bärental - Weißenbachsattel - 26,5 km
- Stage 10: Weißenbachsattel - Hasel - 21 km
- Stage 11: Hasel - Basel - 35 kilometers
Nature of the long-distance hiking trail
The nature of the Westweg is varied and offers hikers a variety of challenges. The route leads along well-marked paths that include both paved routes and narrow natural paths.
At higher altitudes, such as the Hornisgrinde or the Feldberg, you will come across rocky and sometimes steep passages that require surefootedness. The hills and valleys of the Black Forest provide varying elevation profiles that include both ascents and gentle descents. Some sections can be slippery, especially after rain, which is why waterproof hiking boots with a good profile are recommended.
The Westweg offers a successful mix of relaxed stages and more demanding challenges, which are perfect for hikers with moderate fitness.
Helpful information for the hiker
If you have not yet done such a hike, you should prepare yourself for a few things beforehand: you definitely need high-quality trekking equipment, a good physical condition and a lot of motivation to tackle something like this effectively. Preparing for the trip is also a lot of fun, and the internet now offers great opportunities to read through the experiences of others - this way you start better prepared and ultimately increase the anticipation. Especially with the Westweg, however, there are special features that make this Make hiking even more tasty:
- On the Westweg there is an east and a west variant that can be used. The routes are predetermined, but if you are a little more adventurous, you can combine the two by walking two day stages on one path and then crossing to the other variant and continuing on the dirt road. From here you can then take the train to Freiburg - and be driven back to the starting point.
- In summer it is also relatively warm and comfortable at night, so that you don't have to burden yourself with heavy luggage. One Summer or hut sleeping bag or a thin fleece blanket in your backpack is absolutely sufficient to get through the nights without freezing.
- There are also opportunities to spend the night in shelters along the route. Booking overnight stays in advance makes the trip a lot more relaxed and is even more fun. Unfortunately, there is currently no possibility to spend the night at the Sausenburg, this was something very special for hikers at the time - but it is still worth a visit today.
Overnight stay on the Westweg
There are numerous guest houses, hotels and youth hostels along the popular long-distance hiking trail. On our page “Accommodations on the Westweg“ we have specifically addressed this topic.
Questions and Answers about the Westweg
How long does the hike on the Westweg take?
The hike along the entire Westweg takes about 12 to 14 days, depending on your pace and breaks. However, it is possible to hike individual stages and adjust the duration accordingly.
Can I walk the Westweg without making overnight reservations?
It is strongly recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, as many guesthouses, huts and trekking sites can quickly become fully booked.
Which season is best for the Westweg?
The best time to hike the Westweg is from May to October. In spring and autumn you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and beautiful nature, while it can be warmer in midsummer.
Are dogs allowed on the Westweg?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Westweg, but you should check in advance whether the accommodation you have booked accepts pets.
How challenging is the Westweg?
The Westweg is classified as moderately difficult. There are some challenging climbs and longer stages, but with a good level of fitness and the right equipment, it is easily doable for experienced hikers.
Do I need special equipment for the Westweg?
In addition to the basic equipment such as hiking boots and a backpack, you should make sure you have weatherproof clothing, enough water and provisions, as well as a hiking map or a GPS device.
Is there public transport along the Westweg?
Yes, many of the start and end points of the stages can be reached by public transport. This makes planning easier if you only want to hike individual stages.
Can I hike the Westweg alone?
Yes, the Westweg is well marked and suitable for solo hikers, but it is important to take safety precautions and inform someone of your route and plans.
For more information, visit www.westweg.de
