Immerse yourself in nature
Impressive nature experiences in the Northern Black Forest
Hiking in the Black Forest means discovering moors, gorges, protected forests, and hedgerows. Here in the Northern Black Forest, you'll find a variety of these natural highlights . Between shallow streams and bubbling springs, whether on high plateaus or in deep valleys, amidst forests and meadows, you'll find them – these extraordinary natural places.
Starting in the east of the Northern Black Forest, the Heckengäu region stretches across the hilly landscape with its lush meadows, wide fields, rosehip bushes and orchards.
The further west you travel, the more the Gäu landscape gives way to the forests of the Black Forest Nature Park . The fresh scent of fir trees, combined with bubbling streams, draws you deeper into the natural experience.
Spectacular and fairytale-like places await you in the deep valleys. Over hill and dale you will discover these magical places. Gorges and encounters natural wonders from bygone eras. The more mystical the depths and the forest, the sunnier the Heightsthat between NagoldThe valley, Alb valley and Enz valley reign supreme.
Moore
They have existed for thousands of years and yet have lost none of their allure – bogs . With their unique natural features, they are not only a highlight of any hike but also nature reserves and habitats for the most specialized animal and plant species . In the Northern Black Forest, you'll find three of these natural biotopes: the Wildseemoor , the Hohlohmoor , and the Würzbacher Moor . They are both fascinating and eerie natural landscapes, evoking a mystical and mysterious atmosphere – perfect for exploring on foot!
Embark on a journey through spectacular landscapes , marvel at millennia-old natural scenery, and learn fascinating facts about the origins of these ancient witnesses to history. A mysterious and unique, unspoiled landscape awaits you there – in the mystical moors of the Northern Black Forest.
Read more
The Wildsee raised bog is Germany's largest raised bog area . A boardwalk leads you through the bog, past the Wildsee and Hornsee lakes, allowing you to explore a magnificent natural area that you will surely remember.
Off the beaten track, you'll find the Hohlohmoor on the Kaltenbronn . Peace and tranquility characterize the atmosphere here, where you can relax on one of the benches and let your thoughts wander while gazing at the large Hohlohsee lake.
Extraordinary plants will cross your path in the moorland. While the cotton grass resembles a fluffy ball of wool, you can discover the sundew on the wet peat bog, which magically attracts flies to devour them.
Every morning, high up in the moor, a natural spectacle unfolds like something out of a fairy tale . The night's mist rises at dawn, accompanied by ducks and birdsong, and the high moor awakens in a mystical way before the first hikers roam the area.
You can explore the Würzbacher Moor in all its beauty along winding paths. The vegetation here develops like a primeval forest and captivates you.
Gorges
Mysterious and exciting, you'll find the gorges deep in the Northern Black Forest. Sometimes tranquil and idyllic , sometimes wild and adventurous , they bear witness to centuries past, when they were formed and the water carved its way through stone and rock. Steep slopes and rock faces rise up on either side as you follow the stream through the gorge.
They've existed for centuries, and they're still active today. The path you once walked has probably changed a little. Another bend, a tree trunk lies there, rocks are piled up elsewhere, the water has carved out a new path – it never gets boring.
Read more
Discover the different layers of Bunter sandstone in the gorges and perhaps you'll find fascinating rock formations like the Lützenkrokodil in the Lützenschlucht gorge. Follow the rushing stream and you'll find bubbling waterfalls and pools that begin to sparkle in the sunlight.
Idyllic gorges with wildly romantic paths will make you forget the world and cast their spell on you. Enjoy the tranquility of unspoiled nature, dangle your feet in the water, and relax with a rest at one of the many secluded spots amidst this natural scenery.
Are you passionate about sporting challenges and love action? Then visit the Xanderklinge or the Wolfsschlucht. Alpine climbs over rocks and roots will test your fitness – but it's worth it. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views into the depths of the gorge. Rock faces with towering spruce and beech trees reach for the sky above you, and sunbeams tickle your face when you look up – experiencing nature from a completely different perspective.
Discover the diverse gorges of the Northern Black Forest and embark on a journey through the centuries of these natural highlights.
protected forests
Protected forests – the wildest of forests. Here, everything grows as it pleases. In these wooded areas, there is no human intervention . Only paths and trails are kept clear so you can discover this beautiful natural environment.
Embark on a journey into the primeval natural landscapes of the Northern Black Forest and immerse yourself in enchanted valleys with shallow streams and dark forests with magical plays of sunlight.
Read more
In this region you'll find various protected forests. Starting with the almost unknown forests near Bad Herrenalb and Höfen an der EnzHere you can experience the wild nature on your own and enjoy the fresh scent of pine trees. Hike along narrow paths through the protected forest. Maienberg, when the sun peeks through the treetops and bathes the moss in lush green.
Between the Eyach Valley and the Enz River, you can explore the protected forest in a playful way. Along the research trail , you'll learn interesting facts about the flora and fauna and can test your knowledge at the learning stations.
The Wildseemoor and the Würzbacher Moor are also protected forests. Here, in particular, you'll find unique flora and fauna due to the special natural environment. Grasses, ferns, and birch trees will dominate your view and transport you to a mystical world as the mist rises from the moor and the pools of water and disappears into the Black Forest air.
The Stürmlesloch protected forest grows peacefully and quietly . Here you won't find any marked hiking trails, allowing you to wander freely along the paths through the forest and enjoy the tranquility and nature. Hike along the stream and listen to the babbling water, or climb over fallen trees that will make your journey a sporty adventure.
On Rainforest adventure tour are you going to Enzklösterle and discover the source of the Enz here. Through the Bärlochkar As you wander past moss-covered tree trunks and rocks, past gigantic ferns and lichens hanging from the trees like lianas – all that's missing is Tarzan.
Let yourself be captivated by the protected forests – discover the primeval forest of the Northern Black Forest!
Heckengäu
When the dark forest of the Northern Black Forest thins out, and the spruces and beeches give way to lush meadows and fields, then you are there – in the Heckengäu!
North of Pforzheim begins the Heckengäu region, which extends across the natural landscape between Pforzheim and Stuttgart as far as Freudenstadt and Horb am Neckar.
It was created centuries ago through the cultivation of the fields – the ideal substrate for hedgerow shrubs . Sheep help to maintain the pasture landscape and give the native shrubs of the Heckengäu region the space they need to grow.
Read more
Besides juniper heaths, blackthorn, and rowan trees, you'll primarily encounter rosehip bushes , which even captivated Hoffmann von Fallersleben. The berries glow red, the roses pink – experience the colorful diversity in summer and autumn and enjoy the panoramic views of the Northern Black Forest and the Swabian Alb . Are you fascinated by panoramic vistas and expansive landscapes? Then this is the perfect place for you.
Nestled among lush meadows, you'll find orchards just like you've always dreamed of. Apples, plums, cherries, mirabelle plums, pears – a true delight when the first leaves sprout in spring and the scent of fresh fruit fills the air in summer and autumn. Who wouldn't want to stroll through here? And the nearest cider mill, where you can sample fresh fruit juice, is just a short walk away.
Stunning landscapes paired with culinary delights invite you to forget everyday life and enjoy peace and nature . Hike through the open countryside on one side and the deep forests of the Northern Black Forest on the other.
The Gäurandweg trail leads you as a natural landscape boundary through the diversity of the region, passes through idyllic places and rewards you on the sunny heights with panoramic views that let your thoughts wander.
