Westweg Stage 3: Forbach - Unterstmatt

This route is stage 3 of the Westweg, a long-distance trail from Pforzheim to Basel, beginning in Forbach and ending in Unterstmatt. The path climbs from the Murg Valley past the Maria-Hilf-Chapel and the Schwarzenbach Reservoir into the high country of the Northern Black Forest. Hikers pass the pristine Herrenwieser See nature reserve, the Badener Höhe summit with its Friedrichsturm tower, and the Hundseck area before crossing the Hochkopf moorlands to reach Unterstmatt. Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in Forbach or Unterstmatt, as wild camping is strictly prohibited along this national park section. Trailside natural springs provide reliable water, but a filter is required to treat surface water. Both trailheads are accessible via public transit networks, including regional trains at Forbach station and local bus lines at Unterstmatt, with schedule details available at https://www.bahn.de. The Westweg is a long-distance trail from Pforzheim to Basel, which is typically completed in 12 stages.