Hochschwarzwälder Genießerpfade
Roaring waterfalls, adventurous gorges, summits with sweeping views and a landscape shaped by the interplay of wide upland pastures and ancient forests – this almost perfect natural idyll really does exist, far from the noise and bustle of the city. The Hochschwarzwald Hiking Region is one of Germany’s most varied hiking destinations, enjoys an outstanding reputation for its natural beauty and has already been certified as a Premium Hiking Region by the German Hiking Institute for the fourth time.
The fascinating nature of the Black Forest Highlands – lush green meadows, high peaks and deep gorges – can be experienced particularly well on the “Hochschwarzwälder Genießerpfade”, which have been awarded the German Hiking Seal as Premium Trails. These thematically diverse hiking routes also offer impressive views, varied route design and intense experiences in nature.
The Premium Hiking Region Hochschwarzwald (Black Forest Highlands)
The Hochschwarzwälder Genießerpfade are varied circular hiking trails that combine impressive natural landscapes with attractive places to stop for refreshments and exciting sights. They bring together intense nature experiences with the cultural and culinary specialities of the Hochschwarzwald. Both the region and all Hochschwarzwälder Genießerpfade are certified as Premium by the German Hiking Institute.
With route lengths between eight and 12.6 kilometres, the Genießerpfade offer suitable tours for a wide range of hiking preferences – from leisurely day hikes to routes for families with children who already enjoy hiking. Along the trails, hikers encounter the many highlights of the Hochschwarzwald: the imposing Todtnau Waterfall, the vast expanse of Lake Schluchsee, relaxing forest bathing in Schönwald and exciting sections through the wildly romantic Wutach Gorge. Bizarre rock formations alternate with lush pastures and fascinating moorland landscapes – no two Genießerpfade are alike. As a reward, hikers are treated again and again to impressive panoramic views, which on clear days even reach as far as the Alps.
A special extra awaits keen collectors: each Hochschwarzwälder Genießerpfad has a stamp station in the shape of a wooden cuckoo clock. The stamps can be collected in the Hochschwarzwald Hiking Pass and kept as a personal hiking souvenir. Once three stamps have been collected, a small holiday memento can be picked up at one of the Tourist Information Offices in the Hochschwarzwald.
Key Facts
| Country / State | Baden-Württemberg |
|---|---|
| Region | Black Forest Highlands |
| Premium hiking trails | 13 |
| Premium winter hiking trails | 0 |
| Premium city hiking trails | 0 |
| Premium walking trails | 0 |
| Additional certificate "RegionalGenuss" (Regional Culinary Excellence) | 0 |
| Trail group | Hochschwarzwälder Genießerpfade |
| Certification | 2020, 2023 |
| Certificate valid until | January 2026 |
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Contact
Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH
Freiburger Straße 1
79856 Hinterzarten
Tel.: + 49 (0) 76 52 - 12 06 0
Send email
Discover the region along the Premium Trails
Am Wasserfallsteig
Am Feldbergsteig
An der 3-Schluchten Tour und der Viadukt- und Schluchtentour
In addition to the mandatory criteria, the Premium Hiking Region meets the following optional criteria:
Component 1: Hiking Opportunities
The region offers one or more:
Certified long-distance trails (Premium Trails or Quality Trails): Albsteig, Schluchtensteig, WasserWeltensteig, Westweg
A differentiated range of trails for people with disabilities
High-altitude climate trails
Children’s trails (23 with pass and reward)
Component 2: Well Informed
The Premium Hiking Region publishes a printed hiking map featuring all Premium Trails in the region.
An information hotline is available throughout the week.
The trail network is made clearer through categories such as easy and difficult.
WhatsApp information channel
Component 3: Hiker-Friendly Hosts
Seasonal culinary events and promotions are offered by local restaurants and are jointly coordinated and marketed by the Hiking Region and participating businesses. (Hochschwarzwald Culinary Weeks, "Schnabuliertouren")
Hiking huts, cafés and snack bars are available along 50% of the Premium Trails; their opening hours and distances from the trail portals are displayed there (maximum 10 minutes away).
The region cooperates with organisations that promote sustainable and regional food, such as Slow Food organisations and regional food brands. (Through Nature Park hosts and Biosphere hosts)
Special package offers for hikers are available.
The Hiking Region cooperates with hiking tour operators.
Component 4: Trail Activities and Hiking Events
Additional hiking events and guided hikes on a variety of themes are offered regularly (at least once a year):
Culinary experiences and hiking (e.g. beer hikes, wine hikes and three-course-menu hikes), herb hikes, "Schnabuliertouren"
Storytelling hikes (e.g. fairy-tale, crime or poetry hikes)
Night hikes
Guided dog hikes (e.g. with a dog trainer)
Hikes accompanied by animals (donkeys, llamas, goats, etc.), alpacas
Historical / cultural-historical hikes
Nature-themed hikes
Premium trails in the region
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