Hike The Westweg from Pforzheim to Basel (Western Route) in the Black Forest: Position on map

Hike The Westweg from Pforzheim to Basel (Western Route)

Fernwanderweg im Schwarzwald

The Westweg from Pforzheim to Basel (Western...

Elevation

Min: 234 m
Max: 1,487 m
Uphill: 7,889 m
Downhill: 7,854 m
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last update on 9 May 2025
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Facts
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance: 288 km
Duration:3 days 14 h 30 min
Start:Pforzheim
Finish:Basel
Min: 234 m
Max: 1,487 m
Uphill: 7,889 m
Downhill: 7,854 m

Best Season

Trail characteristics

Asphalt
Dirt road
Forest track
Hiking trail

Route description

These and many more beautiful views await to be discovered along the Westweg.
© Michael Sauer/ STG These and many more beautiful views await to be discovered along the Westweg.

The Westweg is one of the most well-known long-distance hiking trails in Germany, stretching over about 290 kilometers through the impressive Black Forest. It is divided into a Western and an Eastern variant. The Western variant traverses all the scenic facets of the Black Forest. From the deep coniferous forests in the north, across vast high plateaus in the center, to the highest peaks in the south, such as Feldberg (1,493 m), Belchen, and Blauen. The trail is marked with the distinctive red diamond and offers impressive natural experiences, cultural highlights, and physical challenges at every stage. Overall, the trail is divided into 12 stages.

Across the Black Forest

The journey begins in Pforzheim, where the trail winds through dense forests and quiet valleys of the Northern Black Forest, reaching Dobel. From there, it continues deep into the Black Forest, passing dark fir forests and stunning viewpoints, reaching the historic Forbach with its famous wooden bridge. Through the Grindenschwarzwald, the trail climbs up, passing moors and steep paths, accompanied by the rugged climate of the higher elevations.

Crossing the main ridge of the Northern Black Forest, hikers reach the Hornisgrinde, enjoy Mummelsee, and finally reach Alexanderschanze. The trail then leads through quiet forests, past the mystical Glaswaldsee, and through impressive rocky landscapes. Over the Brandenkopf with a wide view of the Kinzig Valley, hikers continue into the upper Kinzig Valley and finally reach Hausach, the gateway to the Central Black Forest.

The Toughest for Last

From the Kinzig Valley, the Westweg climbs steeply and reaches a scenic highlight at Karlstein on the way to Schonach. Gentle high plateaus, vast forests, and the view from Brend characterize this calm yet captivating stage. The western route begins here, leading over scenic ridges, and ends at the picturesque Titisee.

The king’s stage leads over Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest, and rewards hikers with an almost alpine panorama. Through sunny ridges and quiet forests, the route crosses Belchen and Blauen before descending to the foot of the Black Forest at Kandern. The final stage takes hikers through the tri-border region, past the Rötteln castle ruins, through vineyards and urban greenery, all the way to Basel.

The 12 Stages at a Glance

StageDistanceDuration
Stage 1: Pforzheim - Dobel26,1 kilometers7:00 h
Stage 2: Dobel - Forbach22,4 kilometers6:30 h
Stage 3: Forbach - Unterstmatt19,6 kilometers6:00 h
Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze27,8 kilometers8:30 h
Stage 5: Alexanderschanze - Hark17,1 kilometers5:00 h
Stage 6: Hark - Hausach15,6 kilometers4:43 h
Stage 7: Hausach - Wilhelmshöhe21,4 kilometers7:30 h
Stage 8: Wilhelmshöhe (Schonach) - Kalte Herberge22,42 kilometers6:30 h
Stage 9: Kalte Herberge - Hinterzarten25,9 kilometers7:30 h
Stage 10: Hinterzarten - Wiedener Eck26,5 kilometers8:30 h
Stage 11: Wiedener Eck - Kandern32 kilometers8:00 h
Stage 12: Kandern - Basel26,1 kilometers7:30 h

 

Sturdy shoes necessary
Overnight stay available
Eating options available

Where to eat

With the stamp card, you can obtain a certificate from the tourism association for completing the Westweg.
© Schwarzwald Tourismus With the stamp card, you can obtain a certificate from the tourism association for completing the Westweg.

The trail mostly runs away from towns, so the number of dining options and hotels along the way is limited. However, there are some accommodation options in nearby villages. You can obtain more detailed information from the Black Forest Association.

Interesting facts

Read more
  • You're traveling a distance of 288 km on this strenuous trail. This makes it a relatively long hike. Average length of all hikes in Baden-Württemberg is 49 km.
  • You're facing an uphill climb of 7889 vertical meters on this hike. This is quite much. You should be fit to do this track. The hike takes you to an elevation of 1,487 m.
  • You shouldn’t forget to bring your hiking boots. There are some sections on the trail where sturdy footwear is required. If you get hungry along the way, there are places to rest and get food. Nevertheless it’s recommended to also have enough water and food in your backpack when hiking or biking.

Videos

Westweg | 01:21
Westweg-Schwarzwald
Endlos scheinende Wälder, Höhenzüge mit wunderbaren...

Highlights of the tour

The Schliffkopf is part of the Westweg towards Basel.
© Michael Sauer/ Schwarzwald Tourismus The Schliffkopf is part of the Westweg towards Basel.

From the historic wooden bridge in Forbach, across the moorland plateaus of the Grindenschwarzwald, to the legendary Glaswaldsee, the trail offers several highlights. It passes over Black Forest peaks such as the Hornisgrinde, Belchen, and Feldberg. Breathtaking panoramas, quiet forests, and cultural landmarks like the Rötteln castle ruins make this trail a wonderful hike.

Equipment

Between the many stages, you can rest by camping in nature.
© Jochen Denker/ Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte-Nord Between the many stages, you can rest by camping in nature.

Those who prefer not to stay in one of the remote dining spots should bring equipment for independent camping.

Getting here

By Car

There are several parking options in Pforzheim. However, there isn't a single starting point, so various parking lots can be used.

By Public Transport

Pforzheim's main train station is centrally located and accessible by several long-distance trains. It is also reachable by the S5, S6, RE 1, RB 74, and MEX 17a lines.

Contact

Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH
Wiesentalstraße 5
79115
Freiburg
E-Mail
%6d%61%69%6c%40%73%63%68%77%61%72%7a%77%61%6c%64%2d%74%6f%75%72%69%73%6d%75%73%2e%69%6e%66%6f
+49 761 896460
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