The name of the path is not only due to its special shape, but also to the local residents of the Black Forest. Along the path, visitors can, with a bit of luck, spot the five species of woodpeckers native to the Black Forest: the great spotted woodpecker, gray woodpecker, black woodpecker, wryneck and three-toed woodpecker. The birds, which prefer to live in areas rich in dead wood, can be spotted by small woodpeckers on the railing of the path.
The route and its special features
The woodpecker path starts in the same parking lot as the Lotharpfad and extends over a length of around 1,2 kilometers. It leads through the different habitats of the national park and allows visitors to get their own idea of the various protection zones. From open spruce areas in the management zone to closed spruce stands in the development zone to structures rich in dead wood and young, wild forest in the core zone - the woodpecker path runs entirely on wooden planks.
Information available on the Spechtpfad
The Woodpecker Trail offers its visitors the opportunity to find out about the different native species of woodpeckers using a QR code placed along the path. Thanks to this additional information offering, hikers have the chance to learn more about the birds' lifestyle and special features. In addition, the experience is rounded off by a special offer for children, which makes the Spechtpfad an ideal excursion destination for families.
Unfortunately, there was no “normal” signage during our visit and the QR codes occasionally led to error messages. Interesting facts about the different species of woodpeckers therefore remained largely hidden from us.
With a careful eye, various species of woodpeckers could be spotted along the way. One of the most well-known woodpeckers found in this region is the great spotted woodpecker. It is easy to recognize due to its striking black, white and red coloring. The great spotted woodpecker is a common resident of the forest and its drumming can often be heard, especially in the morning hours.
Another species of woodpecker is the green woodpecker. It is characterized by its green plumage and laughing call. The green woodpecker prefers open landscapes with old trees in which it searches for ants, which are its main diet.
The lesser spotted woodpecker can also be observed along the path. It is the smallest species of woodpecker in Central Europe and stands out due to its reddish-brown plumage and black spots. The lesser spotted woodpecker is a skilled climber and is often found in deciduous and mixed forests.
Last but not least, you can spot the black woodpecker. It is the largest and rarest species of woodpecker in Germany and is characterized by its completely black plumage. The black woodpecker prefers old beech forests and its loud drumming can be heard from far away.
Location and parking options
The woodpecker path is located directly on the B500, also known by its name Black Forest Hochstrasse. The starting point is in the same place as that of the Lotharpad. There is also a large parking lot here to park your vehicle.
A gift for an anniversary
The official opening of the woodpecker path took place on May 14, 2024 and was celebrated to coincide with Hiking Day. The Black Forest National Park celebrated its tenth anniversary and gave itself a new attraction - the woodpecker path. This boardwalk was designed in the shape of a woodpecker and therefore offers unique hiking pleasure for guests of all ages and mobility levels.
Conclusion
The Woodpecker Trail in the Black Forest is a welcome addition to the existing hiking trails in the national park. Unfortunately, we lacked helpful signs with child-friendly information. The QR code was perhaps meant to be nice, but it didn't help us.
At the start of the trail we also lacked an introductory board with information about the QR code or a simple overview map.
Overall, the path offers a unique opportunity to discover the diversity of local woodpecker species and to get to know their way of life better.
It is a 1,2km long boardwalk. It has hardly any incline and is also accessible with a wheelchair.
It is a hiking trail that stretches around 1,2 kilometers in length and leads through various habitats in the national park. Visitors have the opportunity to discover the five species of woodpeckers native to the Black Forest along the path. The path also offers information about the birds and is barrier-free.
With a bit of luck, the five species of woodpecker native to the Black Forest can be spotted: the great spotted woodpecker, gray woodpecker, black woodpecker, wryneck and three-toed woodpecker. Each species of woodpecker has its own characteristics and habitats.
The path is designed in the shape of a woodpecker, which gives it a unique and attractive look. This creative design makes the path a special experience for visitors.
The official opening took place on May 14, 2024. The tenth anniversary of the Black Forest National Park was celebrated and the path was opened as a gift on the occasion of Hiking Day.
There is a QR code along the route that allows visitors to find out about the different native species of woodpeckers. This additional information offers hikers the opportunity to learn more about the birds' lifestyle and special features.
The path offers special activities for children and is barrier-free, making it an ideal excursion destination for families. Children can discover nature and learn more about the local woodpecker species.
The woodpecker prefers areas rich in dead wood because they find ideal conditions for living and nesting there. Deadwood-rich structures are important habitats for many animal species, including woodpeckers.
