Best wildlife trails in Black Forest National Park
The Black Forest National Park was established in 2014 as Baden-Württemberg's first national park. At 10,062 hectares, it occupies a small part of the Black Forest Central/North Nature Park, which in turn is part of the Black Forest.
There is plenty of unspoiled nature here, idyllic, dark forests and landscapes free from human intervention. The wild heart of the Black Forest is home to many rare animal and plant species. With a bit of luck, you can discover some of them during your hikes along babbling brooks and in the fresh mountain and forest air.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.5 (381)·Moderate·7.8 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrExciting, eventful loop in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg This loop offers numerous exciting experiences and natural sights. Right at the beginning, the route leads to the impressive Allerheiligen waterfall and the interesting, historic Allerheiligen monastery. It continues through the idyllic Black Forest landscape to the Schliffkopf plateau with impressive panoramic views from its height. Refreshments in the Klosterhof are possible and encouraged. During the winter months the hike is...
- 4.6 (79)·Hard·8.4 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrDemanding Himmelswege loop in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg This wonderful hike requires a good basic level of fitness and sturdy shoes for the different types of trail. Already at the beginning of the route there are steep ascents to be mastered. But the wonderful impressions make up for all the effort. The path leads along the beautiful high moor level through the Bannwald forest and to the Seibelseckle, where you are rewarded with magnificent views along the west path to the Rhine...
- 4.6 (98)·Moderate·5.2 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrBeautiful, interesting loop in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg. This idyllic loop, which is also easy for older children to walk, leads through the impressive landscape of the northern Black Forest. The Buhlbachsee, which is hidden and idyllic in the middle of the forest, can be discovered along gravel and later narrow paths. Its depth and black color, typical of cirque lakes, used to surprise. In the meantime, however, the lake has silted up heavily. It is possible to rest on benches by...
- 4.8 (91)·Moderate·3 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis exciting tour is suitable for young and old alike. Opened in July 2009, the nature trail winds through forests that could serve as habitat for a lynx. In fact, evidence of individual lynx living here is found from time to time in the Black Forest. However, sightings are extremely rare. The lynx avoids humans and is a true master of camouflage and stealth. Accordingly, the adventure trail is designed in keeping with the motto “Sneak, Peek, Prick Up Your Ears”: It winds along winding...
- 4.3 (74)·Moderate·7.1 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrPanoramic, popular loop in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg. This scenic tour leads to the idyllic Wildsee and the Darmstädter Hütte with a magnificent view on the way back. Right at the beginning it is important to choose the right branch. The wide forest path leads from the car park at Seiblseckle to the Schlappdachhütte. After about 500 meters there is a junction in the road where one has to keep right. At the next junction, take go right in the direction of Gaiskopfweg. Now a...
- 4.3 (46)·Easy·2.5 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrIdyllic loop in the Black Forest National Park, Baden-Württemberg. The short loop leads through one of the typical (and man-made) landscapes of the Black Forest: almost treeless heathland with grasses, blueberries and mountain pines called Grinden. Many endangered animal species such as capercaillie, tree pipits and mountain crickets are at home here. The hike is well suited for families, but some of the paths are very narrow and overgrown with roots. The starting point is the...
- 4.7 (41)·Moderate·0.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrShort, popular tour in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg The Lothar Trail is an exciting adventure trail that was created after the hurricane "Lothar" that raged at Christmas 1999 and was named after him. The storm had brought down large areas of forest here and left a trail of devastation. Since the opening in 2003, the revival of the forest can be observed on the almost 900 meter long adventure trail. Nature heals itself through its urge for life. Small plants and mushrooms grow on the...
- 4.2 (29)·Hard·17.2 mi·Est. 8.5–9 hrThis route is Stage 4 of the Westweg, a long-distance hiking trail from Pforzheim to Basel that begins in Unterstmatt and ends at Alexanderschanze. The trail follows the main ridge of the Northern Black Forest through open Grinden landscapes and climbs past the Berggasthof Ochsenstall to the Hornisgrinde Plateau. It descends to Mummelsee, crosses storm-scarred slopes near the Darmstädter Hütte and Wildsee, crosses the Schliffkopf, and passes the Lotharpfad as well as historic fortifications....
- 4.4 (40)·Hard·14.6 mi·Est. 7.5–8 hrPanoramic high-altitude hike in the Black Forest National Park, Baden-Württemberg. The loop starts in Buhlbach and combines several hiking trails into a wonderful and varied tour. It is possible to split the hike into two stages. Halfway there is a place to stay near the Schliffkopf. Highlights: - Lothar Path - Ruhestein National Park Centre - Traub Waterfall
- 4.3 (44)·Moderate·5.6 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular, certified premium hiking trail in the Central Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg. This route is a Black Forest gourmet trail between Freudenstadt and Baden-Baden. The starting point of the route is the Ruhestein hiking car park with the nearby Ruhestein nature conservation center. The Bosensteiner Almpfad is located in a natural area with wonderful views over green alpine meadows. The alpine path leads past rock groups, mountain hay meadows and through idyllic spruce forests. The...
Visitor info
The National Park Center is open from November to April: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm and from May to October: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
The National Park Center is located directly on the B500 main road, the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, and is therefore easy to reach by car and public transport.
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Frequently asked questions
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Activities
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- Forest trails in Black Forest National Park
- Hard trails in Black Forest National Park
- Lake trails in Black Forest National Park
- Long trails in Black Forest National Park
- Moderate trails in Black Forest National Park
- River trails in Black Forest National Park
- Short trails in Black Forest National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Black Forest National Park
- Trails with views in Black Forest National Park
- Waterfall trails in Black Forest National Park
- Wildflower trails in Black Forest National Park
- Wildlife trails in Black Forest National Park