Southern Black Forest Cycle Route

Out and about on the Southern Black Forest Cycle Route

Anyone looking to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Black Forest should really discover the 240 km long Southern Black Forest Cycle Route. This cycle route has been certified as a 4-star Quality Route by the ADFC German Cycle Association. This excellent overall classification reflects the outstanding quality of the cycle route and is also your guarantee of a relaxed cycling holiday.

The energetic trip around the Southern Black Forest Nature Park starts in Hinterzarten, at an altitude of 885 metres above sea level.  You head off down from this height for three to four delightful days of cycling on a touring bike…

…past the mountains and moorlands of the Upper Black Forest, relics from the Ice Age beside Lake Titisee, and passing through the Baar upland plain with its impressive Wutach Canyon. Ancient Black Forest farms or a trip on the famous Sauschwänzlebahn steam railway invite visitors to linger awhile.

The route then continues along the Upper Rhine. Medieval towns and villages are waiting to be discovered on the German and Swiss banks of the river. The city of Basle offers a rich cultural history, world-famous museums and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. This is followed by a short detour into the French town of Huningue on the edge of the oldest nature conservation region, the "Petite Camargue".

Back in Germany again and beyond Weil am Rhein the Southern Black Forest Cycle Route passes through the idyllic Markgräfler region with its vineyards and spa towns, until finally the Mediterranean atmosphere of Freiburg's Old Town welcomes you to dismount and enjoy a well-earned coffee.

The route then continues along the Dreisam river valley to the station in Kirchzarten, from where you can take a train through the wild and romantic Höllental valley back to the starting point of the tour in Hinterzarten.

Recommended for touring cyclists and cycling families!

Practical Information

Length of the circular route: 240 km; the alternative routes are 69 km long.

The entire tour takes around 3 to 4 days.

Best time: preferably between May and October, as snowfall is possible on the higher sections during the remaining months of the year.

Road quality: predominantly tarmac, otherwise on well-constructed agricultural and forest tracks.

Route: flat or with a gradual descent with the exception of a few gentle climbs. The route is signposted along its entire length. The circular route can be started  at any point.

Rail connections: possible in almost every town or village; bikes can be transported in Deutsche Bahn rail carriages: Service number 0180 599 66 33 (14 cents/min. from a German landline; calls from a mobile max. 42 cents/min). Please announce groups of more than six bikes not later than seven days before your departure date: there is no guarantee that bikes can be carried.

Bypass of the ascent: In the Höllental valley between Kirchzarten and Hinterzarten:
• Deutsche Bahn
• Auto-Hummel bus company (advance reservation by phone on +49 (0)7661 4225)

Cycle Route Options

There are two longer optional routes alongside the many interesting detours on the Southern Black Forest Cycle Route:

Into the outliers of the Feldberg massif (25 km)

Anyone wishing to incorporate a climb in the Southern Black Forest Cycle Route can follow the road from Kirchzarten to Hinterzarten – through the Zastler valley up to the Rinken Pass at an altitude of 1,200 metres – a spectacular alternative to the train trip.

Via the sunny Dinkelberg (44 km)

Anyone wishing to discover the beauty of the Dinkelberg instead of taking the detour through Switzerland and the Alsace, can head towards Lörrach at Rheinfelden and then continue cycling through the Markgräfler region. This section includes several gentle ascents.