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

Hike The Westweg Trail from Pforzheim to Basel (Eastern Route)

The Westweg Trail from Pforzheim to Basel...

Elevation

Min: 234 m
Max: 1,372 m
Uphill: 7,666 m
Downhill: 7,688 m
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last update on 9 May 2025
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Facts
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance: 286.66 km
Duration:3 days 16 h
Start:Pforzheim
Finish:Basel
Min: 234 m
Max: 1,372 m
Uphill: 7,666 m
Downhill: 7,688 m

Best Season

Trail characteristics

Asphalt
Dirt road
Forest track
Hiking trail

Route description

Several of these portals are located along the Westweg and symbolically mark the transition through the different regions of the Black Forest.
© Schwarzwald Tourismus Several of these portals are located along the Westweg and symbolically mark the transition through the different regions of the Black Forest.

The Westweg is one of the oldest and most well-known long-distance hiking trails in Germany. It splits into a western and an eastern route. Covering nearly 287 kilometers, the trail leads from Pforzheim to Basel. The eastern route runs the entire length of the Black Forest. Along the way, hikers pass through deep coniferous forests, expansive high plateaus, and the highest peaks of the Black Forest, such as Feldberg (1,493 m), Belchen, and Blauen. The red diamond marker reliably shows the way, which is divided into thirteen daily stages. With its diverse landscapes, physical challenges, and cultural highlights, the trail is a must for any experienced hiker.

From Pforzheim to the Kinzig Valley

The journey begins in Pforzheim. Passing through forests, along ridges, and past castle ruins, the trail first leads to Dobel. From there, it enters the depths of the Northern Black Forest. It continues over the Hohloh, through the Murg Valley, and up to the Badener Höhe. The rugged landscape of the Grinden Black Forest defines the next part of the route: Hornisgrinde, Mummelsee, Schliffkopf, and Alexanderschanze are notable landmarks. Quiet trails and mystical lakes like the Glaswaldsee eventually lead to the Brandenkopf and down to Hausach in the Kinzig Valley.

High Plateaus, Moors, and Sweeping Views

In the Central Black Forest, the trail climbs to the Karlstein and follows scenic ridges such as the Brend. Gentle wooded crests, moorlands, and protected natural areas accompany hikers to Kalte Herberge and on toward Titisee. There, the Westweg splits. The eastern route continues through quiet terrain over Herzogenhorn and Blössling into the Southern Black Forest. Steep climbs and wide panoramic views characterize these demanding stages.

From the Heights to Basel

The final stages lead over the Hohe Möhr, through the karst landscape of the Dinkelberg, and past orchards and sinkholes. A highlight is the temporary Eichener See. At the end, the steep Ruschbach Valley, the Buchswald, and the Hornfelsen offer a final vista of Basel. After the descent, hikers reach the cultural city on the Rhine.

The 13 Stages at a Glance

StageDistanceDuration
Stage 1: Pforzheim - Dobel26,1 kilometres7:00 h
Stage 2: Dobel - Forbach22,4 kilometres6:30h
Stage 3: Forbach - Unterstmatt19,66 kilometres6:00 h
Stage 4: Unterstmatt - Alexanderschanze27,8 kilometres8:30 h
Stage 5: Alexanderschanze - Hark17,1 kilometres5:00 h
Stage 6: Hark - Hausach15,6 kilometres4:43 h
Stage 7: Hausach - Wilhelmshöhe21,4 kilometres7:30 h
Stage 8: Wilhelmshöhe (Schonach) - Kalte Herberge22,42 kilometres6:30 h
Stage 9: Kalte Herberge - Bärental27,2 kilometres7:22 h
Stage 10 Bärental - Weißenbachsattel25,6 kilometres8:20 h
Stage 11: Weißenbachsattel - Schweigmatt18,3 kilometres5:00 h
Stage 12: Schweigmatt - Oberminseln20,1 kilometres5:09 h
Stage 13: Oberminseln - Basel24,1 kilometres6:51 h

 

Sturdy shoes necessary
Overnight stay available
Eating options available

Where to eat

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

The Westweg mostly runs far from towns, so dining and accommodation options directly along the trail are limited. However, nearby villages offer lodging, with detailed information available from the Black Forest Association.

Interesting facts

Read more
  • You're traveling a distance of 287 km on this strenuous trail. This makes it a relatively long hike. The average length of all hikes in Baden-Württemberg is 49 km.
  • You're facing an uphill climb of 7666 vertical meters on this hike. This is quite much. You should be fit to do this track. The highest point of the track is 1,372 m above sea level.
  • Make sure to bring sturdy footwear on this track. Hiking boots are highly recommended. There are places to buy beverages and food along the track. However it’s always recommended to bring enough water and food along with you.

Videos

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

Highlights of the tour

The Schliffkopf is located on the Westweg route towards Basel.
© Michael Sauer/ Schwarzwald Tourismus The Schliffkopf is located on the Westweg route towards Basel.

The Westweg offers an unforgettable adventure through the Black Forest. Highlights include the majestic Feldberg, the mystical Mummelsee, and the Brandenkopf with breathtaking views. Other highlights are Titisee, Glaswaldsee, and the steep ascents to Herzogenhorn and Blössling. To finish, the Dinkelberg and Hornfelsen entice with spectacular panoramas, before the trail ends in Basel.

Equipment

Between the stages, camping in nature provides restful breaks.
© Jochen Denker/ Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte-Nord Between the stages, camping in nature provides restful breaks.

Those who prefer not to stay in remote accommodations should be prepared for independent camping with the appropriate gear.

Getting here

By Car

In Pforzheim, there are several parking options available. 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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