Westweg Stage 1: Pforzheim - Dobel

This route follows stage 1 of the Westweg, a long-distance trail from Pforzheim to Basel, beginning at Pforzheim Kupferhammer and ending in Dobel. The path leaves the city along the Nagold and Enz rivers, passing the Hoheneck castle ruins, the town of Neuenbürg with its prominent hilltop palace, and the unique stepping stones at the Grösselbach ford. It climbs through regional woodlands to the Schwanner Warte observation tower, offering expansive vistas across the Rhine Valley to the Palatinate Forest before terminating in the spa town of Dobel. Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in Neuenbürg, Straubenhardt, and Dobel; wild camping is strictly prohibited along this section of the national park. Hikers should pack a reliable water filter to treat surface water from stream crossings, as natural sources between towns require purification. Both trailheads are accessible via public transit networks, including regional trains at Pforzheim main station and local bus connections in Dobel, with route schedules available at https://www.bahn.de. The Westweg is a long-distance trail from Pforzheim to Basel, which is typically completed in 12 stages.