> Hike a shorter version of the Schluchtensteig in 5 days
> Stay in cozy Gasthöfe along the way
> From Stühlingen to Fischbach-Schluchsee through gorges and woods
If you’re looking for a great weekend hike in the Black Forest, this one’s got your name on it. In just three days, you’ll walk the most exciting part of the Schluchtensteig trail — crossing narrow bridges, following forest paths, and winding through the wild Wutach Gorge. It's dramatic, beautiful, and surprisingly peaceful.
This version is perfect if you don’t have a full week but still want a real hiking adventure. You’ll start in Stühlingen and finish in Fischbach near Schluchsee, covering around 40 kilometers in total. Along the way, you’ll stay at Gasthof Hotel Krone in Stühlingen and Hotel-Gasthof Hirschen in Blumberg. We book the places, you bring the hiking boots. Let’s go.
Stühlingen is a charming border town in the southern Black Forest, known for its half-timbered houses, scenic surroundings, and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled near the German-Swiss border, it’s the perfect place to explore local culture, enjoy regional cuisine, and prepare for your trek along the Schluchtensteig.
The Schluchtensteig begins in the quiet town of Stühlingen on the German-Swiss border. From the very first steps, the trail leads you out of the village and into open fields and forest tracks, with wide views across the Wutach Valley. The path climbs steadily, with a few steeper sections, but rewards you with a mix of rolling farmland, woodland, and the first hints of the gorges to come.
Along the way, you pass through Weizen and Grimmelshofen, cross streams over wooden bridges, and follow narrow forest paths where sure-footedness is needed. A highlight of the stage is the historic Lausheim-Blumegg Station, a charming reminder of the region’s railway history. As you get closer to Blumberg, small waterfalls, mossy cliffs, and rocky ravines give a taste of the wilder Black Forest landscapes ahead. After 18.6 kilometers and around 550 meters of climbing, you arrive in Blumberg, the perfect place to rest and prepare for the next stage.
The second stage of the Schluchtensteig begins with a spectacular highlight: the Schleifenbach Waterfalls near Blumberg. From here, the trail dives straight into the wild beauty of the Black Forest gorges. Narrow paths wind along steep slopes, through shady woodland and past tumbling streams. The terrain is varied, with rocky passages where you’ll need steady footing, but also peaceful stretches where the sound of water guides you deeper into the valley.
As you follow the Wutach River, the landscape becomes more dramatic with every kilometer—towering cliffs, mossy rocks, and hidden clearings that feel far away from the modern world. The mix of rushing water and dense forest creates a magical atmosphere that makes this one of the most memorable sections of the trek. After about 20 kilometers and 6 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the legendary Schattenmühle, a historic mill and guesthouse tucked deep in the gorge. It’s the perfect place to rest, enjoy a meal, and reflect on an adventurous day in the heart of the Schluchtensteig.
This stage of the Schluchtensteig takes you right into the heart of the famous Wutach Gorge, one of the highlights of the entire Black Forest. Starting from the Schattenmühle, the trail follows narrow paths along the wild Wutach River. Steep cliffs, roaring streams, and moss-covered rocks create a dramatic backdrop as you make your way deeper into the gorge. The Räuberschlössle rock formation offers breathtaking views of the valley below and is one of the most striking spots of the day.
The hike is demanding, with rocky passages, exposed sections, and plenty of ups and downs—good balance and fitness are a must. But the rewards are constant: waterfalls, fern-filled ravines, and quiet forest clearings where time seems to stand still. The Wutach Gorge feels like a world apart, wild and untamed, and every turn brings a new surprise. After around 18 kilometers, the trail climbs out of the gorge and leads you towards Fischbach, close to the Schluchsee, where you can rest and enjoy the peaceful lake atmosphere after a day full of adventure.
It’s time to leave Fischbach, the peaceful village where your adventure began. Ahead lies the promise of gorges, forests, and the first steps into the wild beauty of the Schluchtensteig.
