Extended Intermediate Schluchtensteig

From Bonndorf im Schwarzwald, this route heads back into the Wutach area before continuing to Lenzkirch. It is a varied walk through forest, gorge terrain and quieter valley sections, with a steady mix of descending and climbing along the way. The route can be shortened by taking the bus from Bonndorf im Schwarzwald town center to the Gündelwangen Lothenbachklamm bus stop. Bus times can be checked at bahn.de.

If you walk from Bonndorf, the route first leaves town on a quiet approach through open ground and forest edges, heading north towards the Wutach side valley. From the bus stop, you follow the Lotenbach Gorge trail back down towards the Wutach river. The route then continues through wooded slopes, narrow valley paths and several marked points of interest. Along the way, you pass highlights such as wooden bridges, waterfalls in the Lotenbachklamm, Wutach Gorge, Rötenbach Confluence and Rötenbach Waterfall. The walking stays engaging, with gorge sections, forest tracks and riverside passages close together.

After the Wutach section, the route turns towards Lenzkirch and gradually leaves the tighter gorge landscape behind. The final part brings you into the town, where you reach the end point and your accommodation.

From Lenzkirch, this is a compact but hilly walk to Schluchsee, with 550 m of ascent over 12.4 km. The route quickly leaves town and climbs through forest and open slopes above the valley, giving the stage a steady mountain feel without becoming too long. After the higher middle section, the trail gradually works its way towards Schluchsee, combining woodland paths, viewpoints and a final approach above the lake.

The route starts in Lenzkirch and climbs past the Lenzkirch viewpoint and geopark area before continuing to a higher area with views of the Lenzkirch valley. You then pass St. Cyriak Chapel near Schwende and keep moving through quiet forest terrain towards Fischbach. Shortly after Fischbach, you turn towards the southeast and follow the Jägersteig trail to Schluchsee, with viewpoints over the Schluchsee Lake.

The final stretch descends gradually towards Schluchsee, with the lake coming into view more often as you approach the town. You finish in Schluchsee, where you reach the end point and your accommodation.

From Schluchsee, this is a long stage of 21.7 km to St. Blasien, but the climbing is moderate compared with the distance. You begin on the lower half of the Jägersteig, walking close to the lakeshore before rejoining the Schluchtensteig on the westernmost side of the lake. The route then leaves Schluchsee behind and continues through forested hills, with a longer descent saved for the approach to St. Blasien.

The first section follows the Schluchsee Jägersteig Trail along the lake, with several views over Schluchsee and the surrounding slopes. After the western end of the lake, the route turns south and climbs steadily through woodland towards the higher ground around Unterer Habsberg and Bötzberg. This middle part is quieter, with forest tracks and open viewpoints, including views towards the Black Forest.

Further on, the trail continues south through the forest before descending towards St. Blasien. Near the end, you pass Windberg Waterfall and a panoramic viewpoint before entering the town. You finish in St. Blasien, where you reach the end point and your accommodation.

Leaving St. Blasien behind, the route starts with a rewarding climb that quickly opens up to wide views over the valley and the cathedral dome, a landmark that seems to follow you as you gain height. Forest paths lead you deeper into the Black Forest, where the air is cool, the trees stand tall, and small clearings invite you to pause and take in the scenery.

The trail is full of variety: stretches of shaded woodland, open pastures dotted with farmhouses, and gentle ridges where the horizon suddenly expands. It’s never monotonous—the landscape shifts just often enough to keep every kilometer engaging. Before long, the route passes Wittenschwand, a quiet mountain village, before descending toward Todtmoos. Tucked into a sheltered valley, this spa town offers a warm welcome at the end of the hike. Whether you stop for a meal, explore the pilgrimage church, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting, Todtmoos is the perfect spot to wrap up this stage of the journey.

This last stage of the Schluchtensteig sets off from Todtmoos and quickly leads you into a wilder side of the Black Forest. Forest paths wind through quiet valleys, with bubbling streams and little bridges adding charm along the way. The route feels adventurous, with a mix of climbs, twists, and descents that keep the hike exciting from the very start.

Every so often the trees open up and reward you with wide views across the hills and even glimpses of the Rhine plain in the distance. The closer you get to Wehr, the more the trail begins to drop, carrying you deeper into the gorge before finally reaching the valley floor. After just over 23 kilometers, you step into Wehr — a lively town that marks the proud finish of the Schluchtensteig. It’s the perfect ending to a journey full of forest, rivers, and unforgettable scenery.

It’s time to say goodbye to Wehr, the lively little town that marked the end of your journey. With the Schluchtensteig behind you, you carry memories of deep gorges, quiet forests, and the ever-changing beauty of the Black Forest.