Wutach Gorge

The Wutach Gorge (Wutachschlucht) in the Black Forest is often called the "Grand Canyon of the Black Forest." It is one of the longest and wildest gorges in Germany and lies in southern Baden-Württemberg, near the towns of Bonndorf, Löffingen and Wutach. The Wutach river has cut as deep as 170 meters into granite and limestone. Narrow trails take you past rock walls and waterfalls through a nature reserve that rewards a full day of hiking.

A gorge with three faces

The gorges run about 33 kilometers including side gorges and are 60 to 170 meters deep. The main gorges add up to roughly 20 kilometers: the upper gorge (9 km) in granite, the middle gorge (7.5 km) in shell limestone, and the lower gorge, the Flühen (3.5 km), with walls up to 85 meters high. In the middle section the river partly disappears underground. The area has been protected since 1939, with the Flühen added in 1979. Between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors come each season.

Popular hikes

The classic route runs from the Wutachmühle to the Schattenmühle and is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) long. A hiking bus lets you shorten the day by riding one way. Stage 2 of the Schluchtensteig long-distance trail runs from Blumberg to the Schattenmühle, about 20 kilometers and nearly six hours. The Three Gorges Loop is shorter, at about 10 kilometers. One side gorge, the Engeschlucht, cannot be walked in rain or wet conditions.

Rules and safety

The nature reserve has clear rules. Dogs must stay on a leash and must cross many grated bridges and steep grated stairs. Swimming is prohibited throughout the reserve, including for dogs. Trails can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes. The operator says the gorge is best walked from May to October and advises against winter hikes, since paths after the first snow can be dangerous. Mountain rescue is called out frequently in peak season.

Current notes (as of October 2026)

The Lotenbachklamm side gorge is fully closed until the 2027 hiking season, according to wutachschlucht.de. Rain makes the paths slippery. A ranger offers guided hikes starting in May. The hiking bus links the ends of the gorge, but its season ends in autumn, so check the current timetable.

Getting there

Most visitors come by car and use the hiking parking lots at the Wutachmühle, Schattenmühle or Boll. We could not confirm parking fees. The Schattenmühle also has a bus stop. Check Deutsche Bahn and regional timetables for public transport.