> Hike the Black Forest’s famous Schluchtensteig in 8 days
> Stay in traditional guesthouses and family-run hotels
> From Stühlingen to Wehr through gorges, woods and waterfalls
The Black Forest has endless trails, but this route ties together some of its best in just under a week. Starting in Stühlingen near the Swiss border, you follow winding paths through wild gorges, forest valleys and open ridges. Each night you’ll rest in welcoming places like Gasthof Hotel Krone, Schattenmühle or Dom Hotel. The trek finishes in Wehr, where the forest slowly opens up to the Rhine valley.
This is a tough hike, with rocky trails and steady climbs, but the payoff is worth it. Expect sweeping views, rushing streams and the quiet of deep woodland. Along the way you’ll taste hearty Black Forest cooking, cross old bridges and enjoy the rhythm of a real point-to-point journey. We take care of all the overnight stays, so you can simply walk, eat and enjoy an unforgettable hiking holiday.
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.
This stage begins with sweeping views over the Schluchsee from the Bildstein lookout, one of the most iconic panoramas of the Black Forest. From here, the trail follows forest paths and quiet ridges above the lake, offering glimpses of the deep blue water below. The mix of shaded woodland and open viewpoints makes the first part of the hike both varied and relaxing.
As you leave the Schluchsee behind, the path climbs over gentle hills and passes through peaceful meadows and traditional Black Forest farmsteads. The scenery changes constantly, from mossy forest tracks to wide panoramas of valleys and mountain ridges. The descent towards St. Blasien feels especially rewarding, as the impressive dome of the town’s cathedral gradually comes into view. After about 20 kilometers, you’ll reach the historic monastery town—a perfect place to rest, enjoy a meal, and admire one of the most beautiful cultural landmarks of the region.
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.
