Eat & drink
The Teinacher - Gourmet Trail in the Northern Black Forest
Author: Ancia Kirr
February 8, 2023
Exciting past, idyllic valleys, unspoiled nature – these are the characteristics of the premium trail “Der Teinacher”.
We start at the outdoor swimming pool parking lot at the entrance to Bad Teinach on the 11,5 km long premium trail. After just a few meters on the Berry Trail, we are rewarded with abundant nature and beautiful views of the romantic Teinach Valley. The Centennial Bench hints at the fact that many people have found healing here. A perfect stop for a first short break.
The Teinach Valley accompanies us for quite some time until we cross the stream via natural stepping stones. A large meadow invites us to linger here as well, while we happily cool our feet in the Teinach.
We continue towards the Mathildenstaffeln, a highlight of the gourmet trail! Along the way, we pass a special bench. Next to it stands a remarkably large, hand-carved wooden bottle of Teinach water! Through a small opening, we help ourselves to the fresh drinking water from Teinach.
Mineralbrunnen Teinach GmbH is a regional brand producing non-alcoholic beverages. The theme of enjoyment, as well as the use of spring, drinking, and medicinal water, accompanies us throughout our entire process. What a fantastic idea!
After a short break, we continue. 600 stone steps await us. The Mathildenstaffeln are a historical site and lead us to the heights around Emberg, past impressive rock formations and through dark forests.
This historic site was named after Queen Charlotte Auguste Mathilde of Württemberg (1766–1828), the country's first queen. Between 1818 and 1828, she visited the Teinach baths annually. As a token of her appreciation, she bequeathed the town a foundation, the proceeds of which provided 50 guilders annually for the traditional Jacobifest (today better known as the Rooster Dance and Festival of Lights).
Photos: Alex Kijak, Jan Walter for Teinachtal-Touristik
At the designated "Teinach Viewpoint," the interesting view of the bottling plant is a pleasant surprise, as is the Teinach-style furniture. The trail continues along the Emberger Höhe ridge until we descend via the Winterhalde into the Wolfsschlucht gorge . The enchanting path leads over the Feierabendbrückle bridge and up to the Schlossberghütte mountain hut . We'll definitely stop here for a break!
The cabin , built in log cabin style, is characterized by a rustic yet modern atmosphere and serves as a model for sustainability and regionality . For example, silver fir logs from the Bad Teinach municipal forest were used in the construction of the Schlossberg cabin, symbolizing the connection to and belonging of the Teinach Valley. We are truly pampered with regional and typical Swabian dishes and enjoy the view of the Teinach Valley from the sun terrace.
After a leisurely break, the path leads up more sandstone steps to the old, romantic town of Zavelstein with its castle ruins . Passing Berlin's Krone Lamm inn , we arrive at Zavelstein's market square. Here, we certainly won't miss the chance to enjoy the most delicious ice cream at Cafe Zavel!
Passing through the historic town with its half-timbered houses, we reach the castle ruins . Visible are the two moats, the gatehouse, the palace ruins, a vaulted cellar, sections of the curtain wall, and further remnants of the outer bailey and barbican. The 28-meter-high keep can be climbed, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the Black Forest. It's well worth taking the many steps.
A beautiful stretch of trail lies ahead. We take the castle path down into the Teinach valley. Locals also call it the "Zigzag Path." Through the mystical forest, past impressive rock formations, we are surprised by a building with a unique architectural style: the Adolfshöhe.
This eventful hike concludes with a path running directly along the Teinach river, promising tranquility, nature, and unspoiled beauty. A challenging yet enjoyable hike with a high experiential factor.
This tour is not suitable for strollers. Suitable for children aged 10 and up.
