Westweg (West Way)

The Westweg (West Way) is a classic long-distance hiking trail in the Black Forest, in existence since 1900. It runs for about 285 km (177 miles) from Pforzheim at the northern edge of the mountains to Basel, where Germany, France and Switzerland meet. If you are looking for things to do in the Black Forest beyond a day hike, this ridge trail passes the Hornisgrinde and the Feldberg through moorland, viewpoints and mountain huts.

Why it is special

The Baden Black Forest Club created the Westweg in 1900 as a ridge route from Pforzheim to Basel; Philipp Bussemer and Julius Kaufmann are credited as its founders. The club still maintains it. In 2006 the trail was reworked as a certified quality trail, and it is part of the Top Trails of Germany. It is marked with a red diamond on a white background, and along the route you will find poetry stations with verses in places such as Forbach, Dobel and Bernau.

Route and stages

The regional tourism board puts the length at about 285 km, other sources say 280 to nearly 290 km, with about 9,000 meters of total ascent. The trail starts at the Kupferhammer in Pforzheim, where the Würm and Nagold rivers meet, at about 260 m. Stage 1 runs from Pforzheim to Dobel at roughly 23.5 km (another source says 25 km). On the main route, stage lengths range from about 16.5 to 27.8 km.

In the high Black Forest, the route splits in two. The western variant via Titisee, Hinterzarten, the Feldberg and the Belchen is 291 km in 12 stages. The eastern variant via Bärental, Schweigmatt and Degerfelden is 288 km in 13 stages. Both end in Basel, the last stage at Basel Badischer Bahnhof. Most hikers plan around 13 stages; tour operators suggest 14 to 16 days for a relaxed pace and 8 to 10 days for a fast one.

Highlights

• Hornisgrinde: the highest peak of the northern Black Forest.
• Feldberg (1,493 m / 4,898 ft): the highest point of the Westweg and of the whole Black Forest.
• Belchen: another summit viewpoint on the western variant.
• Seekopf with the Bussemer memorial, honoring one of the founders.
• Westweg stone portals at places like Wilhelmshöhe and the Three Countries Corner near Lörrach.

The biggest single climb is between Hausach and Wilhelmshöhe, about 550 m over roughly 6 km.

Getting there and planning

The tourism board says the start, finish and stage towns are well served by public transport. The KONUS guest card, issued in about 150 Black Forest holiday towns, gives free bus and train travel between Pforzheim and Basel; you receive it when you register with your host. Pforzheim has regular Deutsche Bahn connections, so check the DB timetable for current times to the Kupferhammer area. Basel is the closest large city at the end of the trail.

Best time to hike

Go in early summer, summer or autumn. In winter, expect snow and icy paths at higher elevations. Good fitness is recommended, some sections are narrow paths, and you should carry enough food for each day. With small children, choose short stages. The trail is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Nearby

Places along the way include Forbach, Hausach, Titisee and Hinterzarten. The finish, Basel, lies at the border triangle.