A fascinating history, idyllic valleys, unspoiled nature, and beautiful views form the backdrop of the Black Forest gourmet trail and premium hiking trail "Der Teinacher." It takes its name from the Teinach stream and the renowned mineral water from Bad Teinach. We begin our varied tour at the parking lot of the Teinach outdoor swimming pool. Ample free parking is available there.

A short climb leads us to the Berry Trail, where we can immediately enjoy our first view of the magnificent Teinach Valley with its spa park and the thermal baths of the Hotel ThermeTeinach from the " Schöne Aussicht " (Beautiful View) hut. Along this pleasant panoramic path, we are accompanied by the " Mooshäusle " (Moss House), the "verkehrtes Häusle" (Upside-Down House) (offering a first glimpse of our intermediate destination, Zavelstein Castle), and the sandstone bench commemorating the century. These unique documents, carved in stone, were left by former spa guests who gratefully recounted their healing successes in the Teinach mineral springs.

The path leads gently downhill to the impressive Devil's Bridge , a round-arched bridge made of large sandstone blocks. However, we cross the Teinach River rather adventurously on large stepping stones. The view into the beautiful Teinach Valley with its traditional, weather-beaten hay barns evokes holiday dreams. After these moments of tranquility, we pay attention to the traffic when crossing the L 374 and immediately afterwards the K 4329. Right after the second road crossing, the path turns sharply right. We now enjoy the valley to the left of the Teinach until we reach the viewpoint "Der Teinacher".

It's worth lingering here, taking a look at the production facilities of Teinacher Mineralbrunnen GmbH, and mentally preparing yourself for a steep climb. Another sip of the healthy mineral water, warm clothes in your backpack, and off you go, up narrow paths through the Mathildenanlage , built over 250 years ago . Many sandstone benches bear witness to the promenades of the nobility from bygone eras. The more than 600 steps that follow were once commissioned by Queen Mathilde. Today, they lead hikers to the heights above Emberg. This ascent requires a certain level of fitness, sure-footedness, and coordination.

Striking red sandstone cliffs, dark forests, and mystical patches of woodland accompany us on the eventful, albeit strenuous, ascent to the plateau. There, expansive meadows and a rest area await us, allowing us to catch our breath, dry our sweat, and replenish our water supplies. We enjoy the pleasant, clean mountain air along a meadow path beside a hedgerow. Shortly before reaching Emberg, our path turns sharply at a right angle. We soon re-enter the forest and hike along a forest road to the Rötenbach stream. Here, we must be careful not to miss the left turn into the gorge!

A winding, wild path leads us across the small stream and through the valley. Afterwards, a forest road descends until we reach the " Berghütte " (mountain hut). Here, it's well worth taking the short detour to the left up to the hut, taking a break, and enjoying the view of the castle and the Heckengäu region. Back on the forest road, we continue downhill through a truly fairytale forest . Long lichens hang from the tree branches, thick moss makes your footsteps barely noticeable, and you get the feeling that fairies and goblins call this forest home. The dream is soon over, however, as the very name of the gorge we follow, Wolfsschlucht (Wolf's Gorge ), evokes memories of the rather unpleasant times in the Black Forest. After some time on enchanting paths, we cross the Rötenbach stream at the "Feierabendbrückle" (after-work bridge). The trail then ascends towards the Schloßberghütte (a managed mountain hut made of local trees) and the Bad Teinach cemetery, which we pass above, along the way, past former gardens of Teinach residents.

At the end of the path, turn sharply left uphill, then immediately right. Here, we cross the L 346. On the opposite side of the road, the path forks. We take the right-hand branch and face another fairly steep climb. At the next signpost, Burgweg (Castle Path), turn left, and soon we catch glimpses of the remains of the old Zavelstein Castle . A visit to the castle is highly recommended. Climbing the tower is rewarded with a unique panoramic view. Afterwards, our path leads through the old town; a little journey back in time takes us back to the Middle Ages. Our steps lead us along ancient cobblestones, past a mighty fountain, charming half-timbered houses , an old forge, and the impressive former fortified church of St. George. All these impressions can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake or other treats.

Having reached the end of the old half-timbered street, we turn right and then immediately right again, walking down the slope on a wide path with views of the small town and the castle ruins. The path re-enters the forest and we soon reach narrow nature trails again.

After a while, we are surprised by the " Adolfshöhe, " a monument with a peculiar shape that defies categorization into any architectural style or era. The "Teinacher" trail continues above old manor houses, stretching out into the valley. Here, too, we must not be misled by the wide forest road and must pay close attention so as not to miss the turnoff to the Schillerhäusle.

A cabin with an interesting history, as a sign informs us. A few more meters down through the woods and we reach the B 463, which we cross carefully. Opposite, we descend to the Teinach stream, cross it via the Langsche Brückle bridge, and then immediately turn right into the unspoiled flora and fauna of the magnificent Teinach Valley. From now on, the soothing babbling of the Teinach accompanies us, and we enjoy the wonderfully natural path. In summer, the first sounds from the Bad Teinach outdoor swimming pool soon announce that we have reached the end of our eventful hike.

One important piece of advice should be given to the hiker:

Almost all of the stairs and steps we encounter along the way are often uneven and unpaved, frequently located in the forest, so they can be quite slippery when wet. For these reasons, hiking the "Teinacher" trail in the direction described here, i.e., clockwise , is highly recommended.