Hiking

Hiking is en vogue. It's healthy, uncomplicated and environmentally friendly. Villingen-Schwenningen is an ideal starting point for your journey: A light wind blows pleasantly, the sun shines more than 2000 hours a year, and clean air, clear water and unadulterated nature can always be expected. More than 200 km of signposted walking and hiking trails take you through the breathtaking natural beauty of the Black Forest. Many long-distance hiking trails have their crossroads in Villingen-Schwenningen, inviting you to hike as far as your feet can carry you.

 

You can find helpful tips and routes here:

Schwäbischer Albverein
Schwarzwaldverein
Schwarzwaldverein Villingen
Schwarzwaldverein Schwenningen

Groppertal Forest Trail

The certified premium hiking trail 'Groppertal Forest Trail' with its near-natural paths offers impressive views of the Black Forest. Hikers reach the Groppertal Valley by walking along varied forest trails and past typical Black Forest farms. The Salvest Wild Game Reserve, with its playground and rest area, is one of the highlights of this scenic trail, in addition to the 20-metre-high 'owlstone' cliffs with a viewing platform in the Villingen Germanswald Forest. When it's time to take a break, refreshments can be obtained from restaurant such as the Breitbrunnen.

 

Information about this premium hiking trail: 

Length:             11,2km
Hiking time:      between 3-4 hours
Elevation gain:    190 m – no steep inclines

Places of interest:

  • Brigach bridge overlooking the confluence of the Kirnach and Brigach Rivers

  • Salvest Wild Game Enclosure with playground

  • Fantastic views out over the Groppertal Valley

  • Refreshments at the Breitbrunnen Guesthouse

  • Uhustein ('owlstone') – 20 m high cliff with viewing platform

Tip: Circular hike from Hubenloch to Magdalenenberg

This tour starts at Villingen's Hubenloch, the 'rose garden with the highest elevation in Germany'. From Hubenloch, the hiking trail takes you along Laiblestrasse in the direction of Hebsack. You then continue along Oberer Warenbach, following the Celtic Trail to a small woodland area. After you cross through the forest, you reach the paved Pfaffenweiler footpath. A direct pathway takes you along the Tannhörnle Nature Reserve, where the diverse flora is pleasing to the eye, to the Pfaffenweiler Sports Centre. Follow the path in the direction of Magdalenenberg. Turn left after the wayside cross. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Villingen region along this route. This hiking trail continues on to the highest point of the hike: Magdalenenberg, the most famous prince's grave of the Hallstatt period. Once there, allow your gaze to wander into the distance. From up here you have a beautiful view in almost all directions, allowing you to see the district of Villingen, among other things.
Now you continue back in the direction of Hebsack. You will then return to Laiblestrasse, which will take you back to the starting point of Hubenloch, near Villingen's city centre.

 

Informationen zur Tour:  

Length/Duration:               ca. 7 km/2,5-3 hours.
Path surface:      mainly natural paths, little asphalt
Starting point/destination:     Hubenloch, rose garden with the highest elevation in Germany    

Places of interest:  

  • Hubenloch
  • Tannhörnle Nature Reserve
  • Magdalenenberg

Way of St. James/Camino de Santiago Trail

A network of pathways hidden in forests and under asphalt today runs throughout Europe. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, the destination of the Way of St. James was Santiago de Compostela, where, according to legend, a disciple of Jesus – Apostle James the Elder – is buried. The Way of St. James also runs through Villingen and VS-Marbach, and from there it continues along the old Roman road to Donaueschingen.

Guided hiking tour

Experience the charming landscape on tours with the Swabian Alb Association or the Black Forest Association (Schwäbischen Albverein/Schwarzwaldverein).
The dates are published monthly in the Veranstaltungskalender of Villingen-Schwenningen.

This calendar is also available from the  Tourist-Info & Ticket-Services.

Having fun hiking – well equipped for an excursion into nature

Not only the right shoes but also a good rucksack ensure that your hike is comfortable.
With its Aircomfort System, anatomically shaped shoulder straps and walking stick holder, the Deuter Black Forest rucksack is a must-have for all Black Forest enthusiasts. The lid compartment, two mesh side pockets and a front pocket provide sufficient space.  
It is now available at the Tourist Information Office Villingen in the Franciscan Cultural Centre for €59.95.
 

Tourist-Info & Ticket-Service Villingen

Rietgasse 2
78050 Villingen-Schwenningen
Tel. 07721 822340
tourist-info@~@villingen-schwenningen.de