When the Murg River rushes over the broad stones in its riverbed and the morning sun bathes the magnificent, centuries-old half-timbered houses on the banks in golden light, the full magic of the Northern Black Forest is revealed. You stand on the old town bridge, gaze upon a historic market square reminiscent of Italian piazzas, and see a majestic castle perched high above you, framed by steep, sun-drenched vineyards.
Welcome to Gernsbach , the undisputed "Pearl of the Murg Valley"!
This charming small town is a place where the rugged, untamed nature of the deep Murg Valley seamlessly blends into Baden joie de vivre, excellent wine culture, and a proud tradition of craftsmanship. The Murg River once brought wealth to the town: log drivers transported enormous Black Forest fir trees down its banks as far as the Netherlands, and clattering mills laid the foundation for Gernsbach's reputation as a world-famous "papermaking town."
Today, Gernsbach is a paradise for hikers, culture enthusiasts, and gourmets. Whether you climb the densely wooded ridges on the premium "Gernsbacher Runde" hiking trail, sample one of the region's finest wines at Eberstein Castle, or stroll through the exotic Katz's Garden – Gernsbach offers an intense and unforgettable vacation experience. In this guide, we'll show you the town's absolute highlights and reveal our best insider tips.
A journey through time in the city center: The historic old town of Gernsbach
The best starting point for your exploration is the heart of the town. Unlike many other towns in the region, which were destroyed by wars or fires over the centuries, Gernsbach has preserved its historical buildings almost completely. The winding, cobblestone streets invite you on a true journey back in time.
The Old Town Hall: A Renaissance masterpiece
The undisputed center of the old town is the historic market square. Here stands the Old Town Hall , built in 1617. It is arguably the most photographed subject in the Murg Valley and is considered one of the most magnificent Weser Renaissance buildings in all of southern Germany.
With its striking, curved gables, angular bay window, and ornate red stonework, it's an architectural gem. On the ground floor, you can still see the old archways where merchants once hawked their wares. Sitting on a bench in the market square with a coffee, you'll instantly feel transported back to the prosperous era of the raftsmen and merchants.
The tithe barns and the city wall
Following the narrow lanes uphill, you'll come across remnants of the old city fortifications and the fortified tithe barns. In these massive stone buildings, farmers in the Middle Ages had to deliver the "tithe" (ten percent of their harvest) as taxes to the authorities. Narrow staircases and hidden passageways between the half-timbered houses make the walk a true journey of discovery.
Katz's Garden: An exotic paradise on the riverbank
Just a few minutes' walk from the town hall, directly on the banks of the Murg river, lies a botanical gem that many visitors often overlook: the Katz'sche Garten.
This beautiful sculpture and plant garden was created in the 19th century by the wealthy timber merchant and Murg riverboat captain Casimir Katz. Katz traveled the world and brought back rare and exotic plants to Gernsbach from his journeys.
Today, the freely accessible park is a romantic oasis of tranquility. You stroll beneath gigantic, ancient sequoia trees, discover blooming rhododendrons, delicate ginkgo trees, and artistic, neoclassical sculptures hidden in the lush greenery. Sitting on one of the park benches overlooking the gently flowing Murg River, you experience pure relaxation.
High above the Murg Valley: Eberstein Castle and the vineyards
Anyone who is in Gernsbach will notice it immediately: the steep mountain spur that rises protectively above the valley and on which the imposing Eberstein Castle sits.
Built in the 13th century by the Counts of Eberstein, the fortress was a strategically important military outpost for centuries. Later, it became the residence of the Margraves of Baden.
A walk in the vineyards
The path from Gernsbach's old town up to the castle is a short, sporty hike (especially due to the steep castle hill), but absolutely worthwhile. The higher you climb, the more impressive the panorama becomes. Once you reach the top, you won't find yourself in a dense pine forest, but rather amidst steep, perfectly manicured terraced vineyards!
The microclimate on the Schlossberg hill is so mild that excellent grapes for Pinot Noir and Riesling grow here. The castle winery still cultivates the slopes.
Michelin-starred cuisine and panoramic terrace
Today, the castle houses a renowned hotel and a top-class restaurant. Even if you're not staying overnight, a visit to the castle tavern or the plane tree terrace is an absolute must. Enjoying a cool glass of Gutedel wine and a freshly baked tarte flambée while gazing down into the wildly romantic Murg Valley and across to the peaks of the Northern Black Forest is one of the most beautiful moments you can experience here.
Lace up your hiking boots: The Gernsbach loop and the Murgleiter trail
The landscape around Gernsbach is rugged, wild, and characterized by steep climbs – ideal conditions for ambitious hikers and nature lovers. The region is crisscrossed by a network of top-quality, premium hiking trails.
The premium trail: The Gernsbach loop
This nearly 42-kilometer -long circular hiking trail (which bears the "German Hiking Seal Premium Trail" label) encircles the city and its districts like a green ring. The tour is usually completed in two to three relaxed day stages.
The route leads you out of the valley, up historic sunken lanes to the region's most spectacular viewpoints, such as the Rockert or the Lautenbachfelsen . You'll traverse quiet, shady coniferous forests, stroll across sunny orchards, and pass old hay barns. The Gernsbach Loop is a fantastic way to appreciate the valley's enormous scenic diversity in all its facets.
On the legendary Murgleiter
Gernsbach is also an essential stop on one of Germany's most spectacular long-distance hiking trails. The Murgleiter trail follows the course of the Murg River for over 110 kilometers from Gaggenau all the way up to its source at the Schliffkopf (Black Forest High Road). The section that passes through Gernsbach is particularly captivating, featuring narrow gorges and the ascent to Eberstein Castle. If you're planning this epic hiking adventure and want to learn more about the elevation gain, highlights, and stage planning, be sure to read our detailed guide to the Murgleiter trail.
The topography of the Murg Valley is a fascinating phenomenon. To understand how these deep gullies in the landscape were formed, take a look at our comprehensive guide to the most picturesque valleys in the Black Forest.
The City of Papermakers: Industrial History on the River
The abundant water of the Murg River and the endless timber resources of the surrounding mountains made Gernsbach the undisputed "papermaking town" in the 19th and 20th centuries. Countless sawmills and paper mills were established along its banks.
Although many of the old factories have given way to modern businesses, the legacy of papermaking is still omnipresent in the town. This history is particularly palpable in the neighboring district of Obertsrot . For those interested in technology and history, the tourist information office offers special themed tours that vividly illustrate the hard work of the papermakers and timber raftsmen.
Vacation in Gernsbach
Would you like to wake up to the sound of the Murg River in the morning, climb the rugged cliffs of the Gernsbach Circuit during the day, and relax in the historic lanes of the old town with a glass of castle wine in the evening? Gernsbach offers a wonderful selection of welcoming hosts, from modern holiday apartments right in the half-timbered old town to stately castle hotels:
147 accommodations in Gernsbach are being searched!
Excursion destinations in the immediate vicinity
Due to its central location in the lower Murg valley, Gernsbach is a perfect starting point for excursions to the highlights of the northern Black Forest.
Reach for the sky in Bad Wildbad : Just a 30-minute drive east (via the winding mountain roads to Kaltenbronn) you'll reach the idyllic Enz Valley. Here, in the spa town of Bad Wildbad, you can not only relax in royal thermal baths, but also literally stroll through the treetops of the Black Forest fir trees on the Sommerberg . You can find all the information about the 40-meter observation tower and the spectacular slide in our report on the Black Forest treetop walk.
Sophisticated Baden-Baden : Are you drawn to the city instead? In less than 20 minutes, you can drive over the mountain ridge down to the world-famous spa and casino town of Baden-Baden. Strolling along the Lichtentaler Allee or visiting the renowned Frieder Burda Museum offers the perfect cultural contrast to the wilderness of the Murg Valley.
Arrival, parking and the Murgtalbahn railway
Gernsbach's transport connections are excellent thanks to its proximity to the Rhine plain.
| Transportation | Practical information & insider tips for Gernsbach |
|---|---|
| By car | The easiest way to get there is via the A5 motorway (exit). RastattFrom there, the very well-developed federal highway B462 leads directly to Gernsbach in just 15 minutes. |
| Parking | The narrow streets of the historic old town are mostly pedestrianized or reserved for residents. Use the large, central parking lots on the banks of the Murg River (e.g., Bleichstraße or at the train station), from which you can reach the Old Town Hall in two minutes on foot. |
| By S-Bahn (Murgtalbahn) | An extremely comfortable and scenic option! The Murgtalbahn (S8 / S81) runs from Karlsruhe/Rastatt at frequent intervals directly through the Murgtal valley and stops in Gernsbach-Mitte as well as in the outlying districts. |
| Free with KONUS | The best travel hack: If you stay overnight in Gernsbach, you automatically receive the KONUS guest cardThis allows you to use the Murgtalbahn railway and all buses within the entire Black Forest fare zone during your stay. completely freeThis is perfect for a comfortable and free return to the starting point after a strenuous stage on the Murgleiter trail! |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Gernsbach
Is the path to Eberstein Castle suitable for strollers?
The shortest, direct footpath from Gernsbach's old town (the Schlossbergweg) is extremely steep and often involves uneven steps, making it completely unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, there is a convenient road that leads directly to the castle, where designated parking spaces are available.
Is it possible to have a picnic in Katz's garden?
Katz's Garden is a quiet, well-maintained area and invites visitors to relax on its many benches. Enjoying a light snack or a sandwich on a bench is perfectly fine. However, large barbecues, ball games, or camping on the lawns are not permitted due to the need to protect the historic plants.
Where does the Gernsbach round start?
The premium hiking trail is a circular route, meaning you can theoretically join it anywhere. However, the official start and finish point is at the portal structure directly at Gernsbach train station, where there is also ample parking and a connection to the Murgtalbahn railway.
Are there any paper mills left that can be visited?
Although many old mills no longer exist, paper (and cardboard) is still produced on a large industrial scale in Gernsbach. Regular, freely accessible tours of the production halls are usually not possible in modern factories for safety reasons. However, the tourist information office regularly offers excellent city tours that explore historical sites and the topic of "papermaking" in detail.
