Westweg
A 181-mile long-distance path in Germany leading across the Black Forest mountain ridge from north to south. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
XY Location: 48.89412, 8.69706
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
Walk Time: 16 Days, 94 Hours
Trek Time: 10 Days, 77 Hours
Suggested Map:
Kompass: Westweg Schwarzwald (2505)
Summary
The Westweg is a 181-mile (292-kilometre) long-distance footpath crossing the mountain ridge of Germany’s Black Forest. It takes a north-south course, beginning in Pforzheim in Baden-Württemberg and finishing beside the River Rhine in Basel, and is generally regarded as Germany’s oldest hiking trail. During its course, the Westweg climbs Feldberg, the Black Forest’s highest peak.
The Westweg passes through or near numerous villages and small towns, making overnight accommodation and meals readily available along the route. As in the UK, there are also numerous service providers offering guided walking, luggage transfer, or both. The walk is usually completed in between ten and sixteen days, depending on the walker’s fitness level and whether one wishes to trek quickly or hike at leisure to take in the many highlights of this popular trail.
As well as the Feldberg mountain, highlights include the Hornisgrinde, Alexanderschanze, the Kinzig valley, Hausach, the Martinskapelle (the source of the Breg), Kalten Herberge, Belchen, Blauen, Kandern, the Wolfschlucht, the Wiese valley, and finally Basel. Note that the southern half of the walk offers alternative routes: the eastern route is easier, while the western route offers more challenging stages and climbs, taking you over the highest peaks of the Westweg.
Note: My maps and files are for the eastern alternative route.
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