Westweg Stage 12 West: Kandern to Basel

This route follows stage 12 of the Westweg, a long-distance trail from Pforzheim to Basel, beginning in Kandern and ending at the Basel Badischer Bahnhof. The path winds through the narrow Wolfsschlucht gorge and beech forests toward Hammerstein and Egerten. It passes the Wollbach vineyards, the extensive medieval Rötteln castle ruins, and the historic Rötteln Church before crossing the Tüllinger Berg ridge to the Ottilien-Kirche, offering panoramic views of Lörrach and Basel. The final stretch traces the Wiese River dam through the Lange Erlen park into Switzerland. Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in Kandern or Basel, as wild camping is strictly prohibited along this final section. Hikers should pack a reliable water filter to safely treat surface water from natural springs between towns. Both trailheads are accessible via public transit networks, including regional buses in Kandern and international trains at Basel Badischer Bahnhof, 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.