Gorge Trail

Highlights:

  • Dramatic river gorges

  • Charming countryside

  • Dense forests

  • Historic towns

Brief:

⏱ Duration: 6 - 7 days
🗺 Distance: 120 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: April - October
🛏 Accomm: Hotels/Inns

 
 
 
 

Gorge Trail Overview

The Gorge Trail (Schluchtensteig, in German) lies in the southern portion of Germany’s Black Forest. The area is known as the High Black Forest as it’s the most mountainous part of the Black Forest.

The Black Forest is one of Europe’s oldest and best-recognised regions for recreational walking. The Schwarzwaldverein (Black Forest National Club) was founded in in 1864, making it the oldest German hiking and mountaineering club. For over 150 years, the Schwarzwaldverein has promoted protection of the natural environment of the Black Forest and maintenance of its walking paths.

The High Black Forest is located in the far south-western corner of Germany. It’s bounded by Switzerland to the south and France to the west. The High Black Forest is well-vegetated, with conifers and a mix of deciduous trees dominating.

The Gorge Trail, which is 120 kilometres in length, was established in 2008. It runs in a horse-shoe shape, linking seven different gorges, several historic towns and the picturesque lake, Schluchsee. It has quickly moved towards the top of listings of Germany’s best multi-day walks.

The start of the Gorge Trail is in the small town of Stuhlingen about an hour and a half by public transport east of Basel. It finishes in Wehr, about 30 kilometres north-east of Basel. Highlights include Wutach Gorge, lush gullys and waterfalls, the mountain lake Schluchsee, the cathedral of St Blasien (with the third largest dome in Europe) and the historic towns of Lenzkirch, Todtmoos and St Blasien.

The Gorge Trail is highly recommended for those who like mountains and forest but do not want the ascents and descents to be too protracted or demanding. It’s a peaceful walk with rarely more than a couple of other walkers around. The traditional culture of the region is still very much intact and the walk provides an excellent opportunity to experience it.

Assistance and further information:

  • For assistance in walking all or part of the Gorge Trail, click the button below.

  • For a Walk Travel Advisory Blog description of undertaking the Gorge Trail, click the button below.

  • For information on other walks in Germany, click the button below.