As you drive up the winding country road into the southern Black Forest, and the dense, dark fir forest suddenly opens up, a sight unfolds that inevitably takes your breath away. A wide, high valley, enclosed by steep mountain ridges, stretches out before you. Goats and cows graze peacefully in the lush green meadows. Along the bubbling river, imposing, centuries-old Black Forest farmhouses with their steeply pitched shingle roofs stand side by side. The air is filled with the scent of freshly cut hay, damp moss, and pure, untouched nature.
Welcome to Menzenschwand!
This idyllic village, which politically belongs to the well-known cathedral city of St. Blasien , is a true hidden gem for anyone seeking the authentic, unspoiled character of the Black Forest. Situated at an altitude of 850 to over 1.300 meters at the foot of the Feldberg massif, Menzenschwand was shaped by Ice Age glaciers and today offers a landscape of dramatic beauty.
Whether you hike through the wildly romantic gorge of the Menzenschwand Waterfalls, encounter the animal landscape managers on the award-winning Goat Trail, or immerse yourself in the healing thermal waters of the Radon Revital Bath after an active day – Menzenschwand is a place where time noticeably slows down. In this comprehensive guide, we take you on a journey of discovery through what is arguably the most beautiful valley in the Southern Black Forest.
A village like an open-air museum: The architecture of Menzenschwand
Menzenschwand is divided into three picturesque districts: Vorderdorf, Mitteldorf, and Hinterdorf. A stroll, especially through Hinterdorf, is like a journey into a bygone era. The valley as a whole is a protected landscape and historical monument – and it shows immediately.
You won't find any modern concrete buildings here. The streetscape is dominated by classic Black Forest houses , many of which are over 300 years old . These architectural masterpieces have been perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of the high valley.
- The hipped roof: The roofs are enormous, with steep slopes at the sides, and often still completely covered with traditional wooden shingles. They withstand the enormous snowdrifts in winter and the stormy autumn winds.
- Living tradition: The colorful flower boxes on the wooden balconies glow a vibrant red in summer, while firewood is stacked against the sunny wooden walls for the winter. The preservation of this architectural heritage is thanks in part to the village's most famous son: the painter Franz Xaver Winterhalter. His art made the valley famous in the 19th century, and to this day the "Winterhalter Society" ensures that the village's authentic appearance remains strictly protected.
Wild water at the head of the valley: The Menzenschwand waterfalls
Following the small road to the very end of the valley, where the mountains rise seemingly impenetrably into the sky, you reach the noisy heart of the region: the Menzenschwand Waterfalls.
Here, the Menzenschwand Alb has carved its way through the rock-hard granite over millennia, creating a small but incredibly impressive gorge. The water doesn't plunge down in a single fall, but instead cascades over countless steep rock steps, through small channels and swirling pools, roaring into the depths below.
A lovingly designed and well-secured footpath leads you directly into this damp, cool gorge. From a small footbridge, you stand directly above the rushing waters and feel the refreshing spray on your face. Especially on hot summer days, the microclimate in the narrow gorge, overgrown with dense mosses and giant ferns, is an absolute blessing.
A magical play of lights in the evening
A very special insider tip for your holiday: During the summer months (from May to October), the Menzenschwand waterfalls are illuminated every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evening after nightfall! Colorful, hidden spotlights shine on the cascading water and the rock faces, giving the gorge an almost fairytale-like, mysterious atmosphere.
The Goat Trail: Hiking in the footsteps of the goats
To admire the valley in all its facets from above, there is hardly a better hike than the Menzenschwand Goat Trail . This premium hiking trail, awarded the title of "Black Forest Gourmet Trail," is a feast for all the senses.
Route profile of the Geißenpfad trail:
- Start finish: Mösle parking lot (or directly at the Kurhaus Menzenschwand)
- Length: approx. 10,4 kilometers
- Altitude: Approximately 300 meters of ascent and descent
- Duration: about 3,5 hours
Why "Goat Path," you might ask? Over the decades, the steep grassy slopes of the valley were threatened with becoming overgrown by encroaching undergrowth, as mechanical mowing was impossible in this terrain. The community's solution was ingenious: they introduced herds of hardy Black Forest goats. These goats systematically graze the slopes, keeping the valuable, flower-rich pastures open.
During the hike, you'll walk along narrow, soft paths and almost always pass one of those bleating herds of goats – an absolute highlight if you have children with you! The trail leads past the idyllic rock labyrinth , across lush alpine pastures, and repeatedly offers fantastic views of the historic Black Forest farmhouses in the valley below.
Vacation in Menzenschwand
Would you like to wake up in the morning to a view of dew-kissed mountain pastures, listen to the rushing waterfalls during the day, and experience genuine, honest hospitality in a historic Black Forest farmhouse in the evening? Menzenschwand offers fantastic accommodations far away from noisy through traffic:
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Accommodation in Menzenschwand
Are you planning your entire hiking holiday around relaxation and water? Besides the Radon Revital Bath, the region offers many other oases of tranquility. Let our comprehensive guide inspire you and help you find your perfect wellness hotel in the Black Forest for maximum rejuvenation.
A place to stop for refreshments with panoramic views: The Krunkelbachhütte
If you hike the Geißenpfad trail or undertake an ambitious tour towards the Feldberg summit, you will reach the rustic Krunkelbachhütte at an altitude of almost 1.300 meters.
It's one of the highest-altitude, working alpine huts in the Black Forest. On the large, sun-drenched wooden terrace, you can enjoy a hearty Baden-style snack. A true classic up here is the rich, homemade hut stew or a large portion of cheese spaetzle, accompanied by a freshly tapped wheat beer.
In winter, the Krunkelbachhütte transforms into a true adventure center: One of the longest and fastest toboggan runs (almost 3,5 kilometers long!) in the entire region starts here, leading you down into the valley to Menzenschwand via numerous curves. You can rent a toboggan right at the hut.
Excursion destinations in the immediate vicinity
Due to its convenient location in the southern Black Forest, you can reach the region's absolute tourist highlights from Menzenschwand in just a few minutes by car.
The imposing dome in St. Blasien :
Leaving the Menzenschwand Valley, you'll reach the main town of St. Blasien in less than 10 kilometers. In the heart of this small town, a gigantic, pure white building rises unexpectedly: St. Blasien Cathedral . Its dome is the third largest of its kind in Europe (north of the Alps). A visit to this early Classical architectural masterpiece is an absolute must. You can find all the essential information in our comprehensive guide to St. Blasien.
A day of swimming at the largest lake in the Black Forest:
If you continue northeast from Menzenschwand, you'll reach the shores of the deep blue Schluchsee in just 20 minutes. Whether you enjoy paddle boating, sailing, or relaxing in the aqua fun outdoor pool, the lake offers the perfect contrast to the tranquil high valley. Discover hidden coves and the best parking spots in our comprehensive guide for a day at the Schluchsee.
Arrival, parking and the clever guest card
Although Menzenschwand is a quiet side valley, it can be reached in a completely stress-free manner in terms of traffic.
| Transportation | Practical information & insider tips for Menzenschwand |
| By car | The best way to get there is via the B500 (from the direction of Schluchsee or Waldshut). At the village of St. Blasien, simply turn onto the L146, which leads you directly into the Menzenschwand valley. |
| Parking | To visit the waterfalls, it is best to use the "Mösle" parking lot or the hiking parking lot directly at the end of Hinterdorfstraße (fee required, but cheap). |
| By bus & train | The How to Arrive The train journey takes you to the station. Seebrugg (Final stop at Schluchsee). From there, the regional bus line 7322 runs directly to St. Blasien and on to the districts of Menzenschwand. |
| Free travel with KONUS | The ultimate holiday bonus: If you stay overnight in Menzenschwand, your landlord will give you the KONUS guest cardThis allows you to use all buses (like the line to Seebrugg) and regional trains throughout the Black Forest. completely freeThis is brilliant for comfortably returning to the starting point after a strenuous hike! |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Menzenschwand
Are the Menzenschwand waterfalls accessible for people with disabilities?
Unfortunately not. The direct footpath into the small gorge and up to the bridge over the waterfalls is narrow, partly uneven, and interspersed with steps. The path directly in the gorge is unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers. However, from the flat end of the valley (near the café), you can already catch a very nice view of the lower cascades.
Is Menzenschwand worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely! Menzenschwand is considered a very snow-sure "snow hole" in the southern Black Forest. The valley is home to the family-friendly ski village of Menzenschwand with three ski lifts. In addition, excellently groomed cross-country ski trails wind through the flat high valley, and the snow-covered winter hiking trails are a dream for nature lovers.
Is my dog allowed on the goat trail?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Menzenschwand Goat Trail and in the nature reserve around the waterfalls. However, since free-roaming herds of goats or cows often graze in the meadows and the trail leads through a protected area, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
