A fantastic panorama
At 1.284 meters, it is one of the highest mountains in the Black Forest. Located south of Freiburg im Breisgau, it offers magnificent views in all directions. The fantastic panorama, stretching over Freiburg im Breisgau and the surrounding Black Forest mountains to the Vosges and the Swiss Alps, is picture-perfect. Even mountain giants like the Eiger or Mont Blanc are visible on a clear day. The Schauinsland truly lives up to its name.
The untouched nature within reach
On sunny days, it is a good idea to climb the mountain on foot. Hikers literally make a pilgrimage to the Schauinsland, because it is known nationwide for its unique view from the Schauinsland tower. However, for nature lovers, the path is the goal here, because enjoying untouched nature in its purest form is fantastic. You can also climb the mountain almost to the top by car.
For environmentally conscious visitors to Schauinsland, the Schauinslandbahn, Germany's longest gondola lift , is also available. It departs from the valley station in Horben. From there, a 20-minute gondola ride takes you up the mountain. Once you reach the mountain station, you're almost there. Only about 700 meters separate nature lovers from the summit and the Schauinsland Tower.
The top on the summit
The Eugen-Keidel Tower, as the Schauinsland Tower is also called, is located on the top of the mountain and is 31 meters high. Seen from the mountain station of the gondola lift, a hiking trail of around 700m leads to the tower. This tower quickly moves into the focus of hikers due to its conspicuous triangular construction, so you always have your goal clearly in mind. From there there are only 85 steps. Each one is worth climbing up thanks to the gigantic view.
Research on the Schauinsland
It comes as a surprise to many visitors that an observatory for solar research was built on the mountain. It was completed in 1943 and from that point onwards research was carried out in it for a long time. After several renovations, it is now mainly used for training new students and testing equipment. The Kiepenheuer Institute also offers guided tours. However, those interested should find out when the tours take place, as they are not offered all the time.
Impressive windbreaks
As already mentioned, the partially untouched nature on the Schausinsland is impressive. In this picture of nature, windbeams should not be missing. Here, amateur photographers can take pictures that can otherwise only be seen in professional calendars or wall paintings. This type of tree is too beautiful to be simply passed by. It should also be mentioned here that especially in stormy times, i.e. on autumnal days, the sight is a pleasure that can best be captured with a camera.
Even hurricane-like gusts of wind cannot harm these powerful trees, due to their large roots, which are mostly directed towards the west. When strong gusts from the west set in, the trees, also known as weather beeches, can withstand. Where other tree species could not withstand the storms, it bends smoothly. From a distance, some philosophers have already dared to say that the weather beeches dance with the wind. Surely this is a fitting description of this particular phenomenon.
Part of the story
For centuries, silver, zinc, and lead were mined on the Schauinsland mountain. The silver, in particular, was minted in Freiburg im Breisgau and then sold. When mining operations had to be halted for economic reasons in the last century, the Federal Office of Civil Protection used the empty coal seams as an archive. Various documents are still stored there today.
Schauinsland Hill Climb
The legendary Schauinsland hill climb is an absolute myth of motorsport. For decades, international racing history has been written on the extremely winding, twelve-kilometer-long track from Freiburg-Günterstal up to Freiburg's local mountain.
The race began in 1925. The challenging track, with its 173 curves and 780 meters of elevation gain, quickly attracted widespread attention. In the 1930s, the era of the Silver Arrows, featuring legends like Rudolf Caracciola, drew tens of thousands of enthusiastic spectators to the dangerously unguarded mountain road.
Winter in paradise
Even in the cold season, when the snow-covered peaks entice skiers to grab their equipment , the Schauinsland mountain invites cross-country skiers, downhill skiers or tobogganers.
Photographers are also drawn here again to see the nature that was admired in summer and captured with a camera in the snow. You don't recognize them again. It's hard to tell from where you took this or that picture in the summer. The mountain has completely changed.
The Schauinsland is therefore worth a visit in every season.
