Deceleration in the Black Forest
The city, located on the German Clock Route , aims to offer locals and tourists alike a sense of peace, a slower pace of life, and a more measured approach to time. To this end, it is a member of Cittaslow, a movement founded in Italy in 1999 that strives to improve quality of life. Cultural diversity and a focus on one's own values are further cornerstones of this work.
Looking for accommodation in Waldkirch? Ask the AI assistantDistrict town of Waldkirch
The large district town of Waldkirch, comprising Buchholz, Kollnau, and Waldkirch itself, lies near the towns of Emmendingen and Freiburg im Breisgau. Situated on the Elz River in the southwestern Black Forest, near the Simonswald Valley, the town stretches along the foot of the 1241-meter-high Kandel, the highest peak in the central Black Forest. Within the town's boundaries, there is an elevation difference of almost 1.000 meters.
The Kandel - local mountain of Waldkirch
The city's local mountain, the Kandel , offers sweeping views across the Black Forest and towards the Vosges Mountains, as well as the Alps. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports and traditional restaurants.
The upper part of the mountain, the so-called Teufelskanzel, broke off on Walpurgis Night in 1981 and is now below the Kandelfelsen. There are many launch sites for hang-gliders and paragliders who want to land in the Waldkirch district of Heimeck on the mountain. There is also a cross-country ski run and ski lifts. The Kandel-Berg-Lauf is a popular annual event in the city. And if you want to experience the view particularly well, visit the Thomashütte, which stands on a rock that overhangs more than 50 meters.
Treetop path with giant tube slide
The treetop walkway is a nature adventure park with a 190-meter-long giant tube slide, offering fun for all ages. The 1.200-meter-long sensory trail provides magnificent views of the Black Forest. Nearby, you'll find an exceptional miniature golf course. And the interactive garden, located along the sensory trail in Waldkirch, offers a unique nature experience.
You can do a lot as a local as well as a tourist in Waldkirch. One such example is the pedal boat rental, which invites you to the Stadtrainsee lake and also offers kayaks. The lake terrace offers space to linger.
Vacation in Waldkirch
Would you like to be woken in the morning by the chimes of St. Margaret's Church, spend the day on the heights of the Kandel mountain, and relax in the evening with a glass of Baden wine in the alleys of the old town? Waldkirch offers you a wonderful selection of welcoming hosts – from family-run country inns and stylish holiday apartments on the mountainside to excellent hotels:
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Accommodation in Waldkirch
Are you planning to round off your hikes with soothing massages and warm steam baths? Discover top-notch wellness oases in the region in our guide to excellent spa hotels in the Black Forest. Are you traveling by campervan or would you prefer to pitch your tent in the idyllic Elz Valley? Then you'll find valuable tips in our article about campsites in the picturesque Black Forest.
Waldkirch – for organ builders and music lovers
Waldkirch is known as the “center of organ building”. For 200 years, church and carousel organs, orchestras, barrel organs and organ organs have been shipped worldwide, bringing music from Waldkirch to dance salons and fairs.
Barrel organ building and church organ building are still a living craft here. Five organ builders have workshops in Waldkirch or live there. The church organs are also worth seeing and hearing.
Every three years an international organ festival is celebrated in Waldkirch, where music lovers come from all over the world. Barrel organs, church and carousel organs, barrel organs, barrel organs and orchestras play music and enchant visitors. Further information is available on the Organ Festival website.
With prior registration, it is possible to visit an exhibition with a guided tour in the organ hall .
Stroll and shop
The market square in Waldkirch invites you... to marvel and experience. Many beautifully restored houses are always worth a look and can be admired in a particularly relaxed manner over a coffee or an ice cream. The gemstone cutting shop Wintermantel and the glass art BonVitro also invite you.
The landmark of the city
... is the Kastelburg. To get to the ruins, you have to walk along the Knights' Path, which is a special feature in itself with man-high knight statutes along the way. The castle was already destroyed in the 17th century, but the view from here is fantastic. The initiative "Kastelburg in Not", which was founded by the citizens of the city, should continue to ensure the preservation of the landmark.
Is the ascent to Kastelburg suitable for strollers?
The direct "Knights' Path" to Kastelburg Castle leads along partly very steep, natural forest and root-covered paths. This path is not suitable for ordinary strollers. It is recommended to transport small children in a backpack carrier (child carrier).
Is it possible to stop for refreshments on the Kandel mountain?
Yes, right on the summit plateau (at the pass) you'll find traditional mountain restaurants that serve hearty Baden specialties, hot soups, and cakes. On sunny summer days, a kiosk often opens right next to the large hiking parking areas.
Is there an organ festival taking place in Waldkirch?
Absolutely! Waldkirch celebrates its historical heritage every few years with a gigantic, international organ festival. Dozens of enormous fairground and barrel organs are scattered throughout the old town, organ grinders from all over Europe travel to the event, and the town transforms into a resounding open-air museum. You can find the exact dates on the town's website.
