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Thru-Hiking.com on adventures in Germany

Thru-Hiking.com on adventures in Germany

DUITSLAND

THRU-HIKING ON AN ADVENTURE IN GERMANY

LOWA x Thru-Hiking.com

Let yourself be surprised by the magic of another world hidden in the deep gorges of the Black Forest, where the Schluchtensteig trail makes its way. This long-distance hiking trail winds its way along the Swiss border and offers breathtaking Alpine panoramas just seven hours' drive from Utrecht. StĂĽhlingen, a picturesque German village in Baden WĂĽrttemberg, is the starting point of this 119-kilometre hike, which has been named one of the Top Trails of Germany. Our adventure begins in the cosy hospitality of a traditional inn that smells of old oak furniture.

The enchanting Black Forest

The Black Forest, the largest forest area in Germany, is home to more than 1,200 different species of trees and plants. The low mountain range in south-west Germany, which borders the Alps, France and Switzerland, is a true paradise for hikers with more than 24,000 kilometres of hiking trails.

Our journey begins with the first stage of the Schluchtensteig trail, starting directly from the hotel. We leave the town, initially on wide gravel roads, but soon on narrow forest paths. It is the end of September, the sun is shining through the trees and gives us a surprising first few kilometres of ascents and descents in pleasant warmth. The steep Buchberg that we climb makes us realise that Germany has more metres of altitude to offer than we previously thought. After around 30 kilometres, we reach Ewattingen, where we spend the night in comfortable accommodation.

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  • "The steep Buchberg that we climb makes us realise that Germany has more metres of altitude to offer than we previously thought."
    - Thru-hiking

  • Teaser image
  • "The steep Buchberg that we climb makes us realise that Germany has more metres of altitude to offer than we previously thought."
    - Thru-hiking

Through the deep gorges of the Schluchtensteig trail

On the second day, the first "gorge" opens up, the longest gorge in the region. Here, narrow paths lead past imposing rock formations and steep precipices, focussing on the sometimes slippery stones and tree stumps. Silence, interrupted only by the chirping of birds, envelops us as we cross the "Grand Canyon" of the Black Forest to the old WutachmĂĽhle, a former sawmill, and on to the final stop in Lenzkirch.

The arduous ascent to the Bildstein (1134 m) provides a view of the Schluchsee, a picturesque reservoir that characterises the region. The descent leads to St. Blasien, where the imposing 9th century abbey is one of the largest domed churches in Europe. The following stages are more leisurely, with a daily ascent to a hilltop and a descent to picturesque villages such as Todtmoos, where we savour the tempting Black Forest gateau.




Last descent to Wehr

After almost 3,000 metres in altitude, the final section is mostly downhill, through the picturesque Wehraschlucht gorge towards Wehr. Every day shows a different face of the Black Forest, with deep green rocks, brown foliage and vast forests. Encounters with other hikers enrich the experience and we are already planning the next tour. Our journey ends after 119 kilometres in the old textile town of Wehr, where we recover from the strenuous days on the Schluchtensteig.

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Practical tips for the Schluchtensteig

The Schluchtensteig is ideal for newcomers to long-distance hiking or those who want to escape the hustle and bustle for a week. Well-marked, not too technical paths offer a good mix of tranquillity and comfort. Make sure you have good rain gear, book your accommodation in advance and enjoy the mix of nature and culture that the Black Forest has to offer. You can also camp at the campsites along the way. You can find an overview of the campsites here.
Ons schema voor 5 dagen:

- Stage 1: StĂĽhlingen - Ewattingen 30km

- Stage 2: Ewattingen - Lenzkirch 27km

- Stage 3: Lenzkirch - St. Blasien 25km

- Stage 4: St. Blasien - Todtmoos 20km

- Stage 5: Todtmoos - Wehr 23km

You can also complete the route in 6 or 7 days if you want to take it a little easier.

You can find more information about long-distance hikes at thru-hiking.com, where you can find the route that suits you best. Visit the official website to find out more about the Black Forest region.

You can get a first impression of the long-distance hike on Instagram at _Thru_hiking.

THE FACTS

  • DURATION:

    5-6 stages

  • DIFFICULTY:

    Moderate

  • HEIGHT METER:

    3180 m

  • LENGTH:

    119 km

FURTHER EXPEDITIONS

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