The Westweg : Through Germany's Black Forest

From the spa town of Pforzheim on the forest's northern fringe to the cultural crossroads of Basel in Switzerland, the route passes iconic highlights including the source of the Danube, tranquil Lake Titisee and Feldberg, the Black Forest's highest summit, before descending through vineyard-clad hills towards the Rhine Valley.

Suitable for reasonably fit walkers, the 285km (177 mile) Westweg can be completed in around two weeks and is presented in 13 day stages of 15–28km (9–17 miles). While generally well waymarked and following good forest paths, the trail includes steady climbs and around 8000m of cumulative ascent, rewarding walkers with sweeping views and a varied journey through one of central Europe's most celebrated landscapes. A route split near Titisee offers a choice between the western variant over Feldberg, Belchen and Hochblauen, or the quieter eastern alternative via Herzogenhorn and the open farmland of the Dinkelberg, both described in full.

This comprehensive guidebook features clear stage-by-stage route descriptions with 1:100,000 mapping and larger-scale town plans, alongside distance, ascent and practical navigation notes for confident route finding. You'll find coverage of standout highlights, comprehensive accommodation and facilities listings for guesthouses and mountain hotels, practical advice on planning and preparation, and a helpful German–English glossary. Downloadable GPX files support straightforward digital navigation across the Westweg's varied terrain and stage options.