Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls
50% of reviewers say this trail is hard
19kmLength
554mElevation gain
5.5–6hrEstimated time
Circular
This hike leads through the green heart of Stuttgart and connects the idyllic park lakes with the historic hills of the west. The route usually begins at the Bärensee, one of the three man-made lakes in the Rotwildpark, which were dammed back in the 16th century to supply the city with drinking water. Visitors hike under ancient oaks and beeches through the Glemswald forest. A special experience is the path along the Heslach waterfalls, where the water meanders over natural sandstone steps towards the valley. As the paths near the waterfalls and on the ascent to the Birkenkopf can be steep and slippery when wet, sturdy shoes with a good tread are highly advisable.
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Top sights
Aussichtspunkt Hasenberganlage (Hasenbergsteige 50)
Viewpoint
Hasenberg
Peak
Schloss Solitude Aussichtspunkt
Viewpoint
Kavaliersbau
Building
Schloss Solitude
Castle
Wildschweingehege
Attraction
Ruine des Hasenbergturms
Ruins
Birkenkopf
Peak
Bärenschlössle
Castle
Saufanghütte
Weather shelter
Mahnmal Birkenkopf
Attraction
Sophienbrunnen
Spring
Bärenhöle
Attraction
Kanzel
Viewpoint
Vogelherd
Ruins
Orangenallee
Ruins
Aussichtsplattform auf der Kuppel
Viewpoint
Altan
Building
Verteilerboskett
Ruins
Schlossführungen
Attraction
Saufangpavillon
Attraction
Schlossbau
Building
Officenbau
Building
Figurensockel
Ruins
Top sights
Aussichtspunkt Hasenberganlage (Hasenbergsteige 50)
Viewpoint
Hasenberg
Peak
Schloss Solitude Aussichtspunkt
Viewpoint
Kavaliersbau
Building
Schloss Solitude
Castle
Wildschweingehege
Attraction
Ruine des Hasenbergturms
Ruins
Birkenkopf
Peak
Bärenschlössle
Castle
Saufanghütte
Weather shelter
Mahnmal Birkenkopf
Attraction
Sophienbrunnen
Spring
Bärenhöle
Attraction
Kanzel
Viewpoint
Vogelherd
Ruins
Orangenallee
Ruins
Aussichtsplattform auf der Kuppel
Viewpoint
Altan
Building
Verteilerboskett
Ruins
Schlossführungen
Attraction
Saufangpavillon
Attraction
Schlossbau
Building
Officenbau
Building
Figurensockel
Ruins
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 19.0-km circular trail near Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and bike touring, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Expected weather for Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 26.3 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 27.7 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 26.3 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 27 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 22.7 degrees/showers
Where is Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls located?
Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is a trail located in Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.
How hard is Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is considered a hard hike that covers 19 km, with an elevation gain of 554 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is considered a hard hike that covers 19 km, with an elevation gain of 554 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls a circular?
Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is a circular trail that covers 19 km, with an elevation gain of 554 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is a circular trail that covers 19 km, with an elevation gain of 554 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Dogs may be allowed on Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
According to trailgoers, Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is usually busy. Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtspunkt Hasenberganlage (Hasenbergsteige 50), Schloss Solitude Aussichtspunkt, Kanzel and Aussichtsplattform auf der Kuppel.
Is Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is partially paved.
Are there forests at Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Yes, Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls is a forest trail.
Is there wildlife at Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Bärensee to Birkenkopf via Heslacher Waterfalls. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 26 September 2026 at 02:39 GMT+0