Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze
67% of reviewers say this trail is hard
17.2miLength
3,116ftElevation gain
8.5–9hrEstimated time
Point to point
This 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. Overnight stays are in mountain hotels and guesthouses at Mummelsee, Ruhestein, and the Zuflucht, as wild camping is strictly prohibited in the national park. Springs along the trail provide water, but a filter is required to treat surface water from streams. Both locations are accessible by public transportation, such as regional buses to Unterstmatt and Alexanderschanze; schedules are available at https://www.bahn.de. The Westweg is a long-distance hiking trail from Pforzheim to Basel with a total length of 285 km (177.1 miles), typically covered in 12 stages.
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Part of a multi-day route
Westweg (West)
Top sights
Mummelsee
Lake
Hornisgrinde
Peak
Darmstädter Hütte
Alpine hut
Bismarckturm Sasbach Hornisgrinde
Viewpoint
Schwarzkopf
Peak
Kleine Grinde
Peak
Wildseeblick
Viewpoint
Altsteigerskopf
Peak
Katzenkopf
Peak
Schliffkopf
Peak
Mummelseetor Seebach
Attraction
Blick auf Lotharpfad
Viewpoint
Renchtal-Blick
Viewpoint
Murkopf
Peak
Rossbühl
Peak
Seekopf
Peak
Hornisgrindeturm
Viewpoint
Sandkopf
Peak
SWR Hütte
Hut
Ski- und Wanderheim Ochsenstall
Alpine hut
Röschenschanze
Archaeological site
Schirmbar
Hut
Biberkessel
Cliff
Schurkopf
Peak
Plonkopf
Peak
Geißkopf
Peak
Schweinkopf
Peak
Wohnmobilstellplatz Ochsenstall
Caravan site
Top sights
Mummelsee
Lake
Hornisgrinde
Peak
Darmstädter Hütte
Alpine hut
Bismarckturm Sasbach Hornisgrinde
Viewpoint
Schwarzkopf
Peak
Kleine Grinde
Peak
Wildseeblick
Viewpoint
Altsteigerskopf
Peak
Katzenkopf
Peak
Schliffkopf
Peak
Mummelseetor Seebach
Attraction
Blick auf Lotharpfad
Viewpoint
Renchtal-Blick
Viewpoint
Murkopf
Peak
Rossbühl
Peak
Seekopf
Peak
Hornisgrindeturm
Viewpoint
Sandkopf
Peak
SWR Hütte
Hut
Ski- und Wanderheim Ochsenstall
Alpine hut
Röschenschanze
Archaeological site
Schirmbar
Hut
Biberkessel
Cliff
Schurkopf
Peak
Plonkopf
Peak
Geißkopf
Peak
Schweinkopf
Peak
Wohnmobilstellplatz Ochsenstall
Caravan site
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 17.2-mile point-to-point trail near Lauf, Baden-Wuerttemberg. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 8 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Expected weather for Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 70 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 70 degrees/drizzle
- Thu, September 24 - 69 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 74 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 80 degrees/clear
Where is Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze located?
Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is a trail located in Black Forest National Park.
How hard is Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is considered a hard hike that covers 17.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,116 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 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 Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is considered a hard hike that covers 17.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,116 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze a point to point trail?
Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is a point to point trail that covers 17.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,116 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is a point to point trail that covers 17.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,116 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze.
How busy is Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
According to trailgoers, Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is usually busy. April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze.
Are there lakes at Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Yes, Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is near Mummelsee.
Are there scenic views at Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Bismarckturm Sasbach Hornisgrinde, Wildseeblick, Blick auf Lotharpfad, Renchtal-Blick, and Hornisgrindeturm.
Is backpacking allowed at Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Backpacking is allowed on Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Yes, Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze is a forest trail in Black Forest National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Westweg Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze in Black Forest National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 21, 2026 at 11:46 pm GMT+0