There are several reasons to visit the Schwarzwald in Germany but only one, very important reason; it is really really stunning! Growing up on the other side of Germany, in Oberfranken, which is close to the Czech border, I have now settled on the left side of Germany. 9km from the French border and only 20min to the Schwarzwald (Black Forest). I can even see it from my balcony. I love exploring my new area. Have you read about my first month in Oberkirch?
So, what makes this area so special?
Visit the Schwarzwald (Black Forest)
As you might have noticed by now, I am a fan of outdoor activities. Be it cycling, walking or hiking. And there is certainly lots of hiking to be done in the Schwarzwald. Ok, as I am writing this, I admit I have only done two. Both were very beautiful however, and certainly very different.
Does driving through the Schwarzwald count as well? I have done that a few times already.
Otherwise, the cycling keeps me busy all the other times. Nevertheless, whenever I walk the German forest, I feel like I am in a Fairy Tail (remember the Grimms Brothers?). I find the Schwarzwald is a very special fairy tail forest. One of the greenest of them all.
______________________________
Hiking from Seebach to Mummelsee
The 13km loop, from Seebach to Mummelsee, was quite nice. I parked in the centre of town, close to a hiking map (there is always a hiking map). So, once you find the loop you want to do and the right signage (towards Mummelsee), your hike can start. The path leads along picturesque fields, some private homes, straight into the forest. From there it just goes up and up.
The path is easy enough though, and the small water stream along the way makes sure you always have refreshing water to drink nearby. I certainly needed it that day! After 1 hour and 30 minutes hiking, I reached Mummelsee. WIth all the others who drove up there and to enjoy their lunch.
I found the lake not very special and somehow not very picturesque (hence no photos), but it was still a nice spot to have a break.
The path back to the car (only 5km) was a little bit rockier and more through the forest, which was nice. Definitely take your time and stop at the Hohfelsen. The view is stunning!
Hohfelsen 
Seebach
______________________________
Hiking to the Gertelbach Waterfalls
If the above is not a reason enough to visit the Schwarzwald, then the hike to the Gertelbach Wasserfälle (Waterfalls) will convince you. It was the total opposite to the Mummelsee hike. Much more greener, rockier and, somehow, prettier.
I parked my car in the Bühlertal city (near the Tourist Information), instead of the official Wiedenbach/Gertelbach parking spot, and ended up adding approx. 1.5 hours (5.4km) extra to the original walk of 4km. I must admit, after cycling 80km the previous day, it took me a while to warm up my legs. Who’s idea was it to park so far away??
The walk up to the beginning of the offical hike (Gertelbach Parking spot) seemed long but nice. Once I entered the forest, however, I felt like I was sprinting up the rocky path, following the beautiful water path and waterfalls, to the top of the Gertelbach Waterfalls. I was there in no time, overtaking young and old.
Always stopping to take photos of all the amazing green forest!
It was a shame I forgot to pack a little towel, I could have dipped my feet in one of the many spots along the water. Everybody else seemed to do it. Especially the children, they loved it!
How refreshing was drinking the cold water though!
This hike isn’t really a loop (even though the map might show it), so it is best to go down the same way you came up. You can take it all in once more. I really enjoyed hiking to the Gertelbach Waterfalls and will definitely do it again!
more reasons to visit the Schwarzwald…
______________________________
Schloss Staufenberg (Castle)
And then, regardless of what hike you do in the Schwarzwald, there is the time to relax. And for this I have found the perfect spot! Although I have been told I should keep it a secret. Well, if you won’t tell anyone, you should and must visit the wine/bistro at the Staufenberg Castle in Durbach.
The small village Durbach is a stunning and cute town (I am sure I will write about it in more detail one day), the Durbach wine is delicious and the view from the Staufenberg Castle is breathtaking. Just stunning (click here for more).
There is no better way to finish the day after some outdoor activities. A glass of wine (you won’t find beer on the menu), overlooking the vineyards of Schwarzwald. Especially on a hot summers afternoon/evening.
So whether you want to enjoy some local wine, cycle or hike… do you agree? There are plenty of reasons to visit the Schwarzwald. It is a stunning area and I can’t wait to explore more of it. This is certainly a great place to be. Until the next time xx
(post 158)
