Der Schluchtensteig

Gorges, waterfalls and Alpine views in the Southern Black Forest nature reserve

The Schluchtensteig is a succession of narrow paths, dramatic climbs and tranquil forest trails. The tougher, rockier sections are regularly broken up by easily negotiable, surfaced paths giving you ample opportunity to take a breather.

The 118km Schluchtensteig begins in Stühlingen and passes through the Wutach gorge on its way to Lenzkirch and Lake Schluchsee. After passing the cathedral at St. Blasien it crosses the gently rising uplands of Dachsberg and Ibach and winds its way through the dramatic scenery of the Wehra valley from Todtmoos to Wehr. Gorges and ravines, waterfalls and lakes, highland moors and flower-filled meadows, ancient woodland and dark pine forests: these are the natural features that characterise this Wanderbares Deutschland premium trail between the Wutach and Wehra rivers.

But it is by no means just a valley route. Far from it: the trail regularly ascends to rocky outcrops and lofty summits. There are frequent views across gorges that have just been negotiated or those still left to tackle. At times you can see Mount Feldberg over the top of the wooded peaks of the Black Forest, at others the glaciers atop the Swiss Alps that line the southern panorama.

One of the great things about this route is its impressive diversity. Every day is different here, each providing new exciting vistas, discoveries and scenery. Wutach Gorge itself has several very different faces. First the dizzying Wutachflühen (Wutach cliffs), followed by lush ancient woodland in Germany's largest canyon and then waterfalls, wild ravines and rubble slopes that seem far removed from civilisation, were it not for the occasional whistling of the Höllentalbahn (hell valley railway).