7 Autumn Hiking Tips in Baden-Württemberg

The moderately challenging Durbacher Weinpanorama premium gourmet trail offers breathtaking panoramic views in a charming setting. Durbach is Baden’s most highly awarded wine-growing village, with 460 hectares of vineyards producing fine Riesling and Pinot wines. The 15-kilometre walk leads through deep forests and narrow vineyard lanes, past sun-drenched vines that turn shades of yellow and red in autumn, and on to numerous viewpoints. Stop for a rest at the ruins of St Anton’s Chapel or enjoy a refreshing glass of wine at the Schloss Staufenberg winery while taking in the sweeping views across the valley.

The Belchen is the third-highest mountain in the Black Forest and attracts countless visitors with its spectacular panoramic views. In clear weather – and with a little luck – you can even see the Zugspitze, 240 kilometres away. The 15-kilometre Belchensteig Gourmet Trail takes experienced hikers up and over the mountain. It was named Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail in 2020 – and deservedly so.

After crossing magnificent upland meadows and tackling steep sections, hikers reaching the summit are rewarded with glorious views of the surrounding countryside. This is particularly impressive in autumn, when the nearby mixed deciduous forests glow in shades of red and yellow. Those who find the ascent too demanding can simply take the cable car to the top and still enjoy the exceptional views.

The 8.5-kilometre Donaufelsengarten circular trail leads through the Danube Valley in the south-western Swabian Alb. Passing through open mixed beech woodland and along narrow natural paths, the route takes you to spectacular viewpoints such as the Teufelsloch and Rabenfelsen. Their sheer rock faces make these viewpoints particularly impressive – and something of a test of courage for anyone without a head for heights.

The trail is especially beautiful in autumn, when the evergreen forests in the verdant valley contrast with the hills around the Teufelsloch glowing in shades of red and yellow. If you still have time and energy after this half-day walk, round off your day in one of the nearby towns and villages in the Danube Valley – with a visit to Hohenzollern Palace in Sigmaringen, for example.

The 200-kilometre-long escarpment known as the Albtrauf separates the Swabian Alb plateau from the foothills below and reaches an elevation of 1,000 metres in places. Explore this impressive and moderately challenging landscape on the 12.9-kilometre ‘hochgehadelt’ premium hiking trail. Sweeping views across the Alb foothills await before the walk has even begun.

The route follows the Albtrauf through limestone beech forests to the Gelber Fels viewpoint. It then winds its way up to the Swabian Alb plateau and the ruins of a former robber baron’s castle. At the end of the walk, the trail descends to the foot of the Swabian Alb before returning to the starting point through traditional orchard meadows.

The region also has plenty to offer away from Lake Constance. This 15-kilometre route features delightful woodland paths, numerous clearings and breathtaking views. In clear weather, the 30-metre-high Gehrenberg Tower along the route offers views of Mainau Island and the Bavarian, Austrian and Swiss Alps.

Just beyond the tower lies the ‘Rutsche’, a steep landslide area offering a small dose of adventure. The edge of the 30-metre drop is unsecured, so take particular care here. Woodland paths then lead to the Linzgaublick viewpoint, where a reclining swing invites you to pause and enjoy the scenery. If you still have time after the walk, round off your day with a leisurely visit to Markdorf.

The Herrenbachtal Trail is an easy, accessible circular route around the Herrenbach Reservoir in the wooded valley between Schorndorf and Göppingen. In autumn, the lake’s forest setting creates a particularly atmospheric scene. For a bite to eat, follow the trail clockwise: you will soon reach the Herrenmühle restaurant, a great choice for regional dishes.

A child-friendly forest discovery trail with twelve activity stations runs around the lake, giving young explorers the chance to learn about local plants and animals. Culture lovers can also take a detour to Adelberg Monastery, built in 1178 and home to the historic Ulrichskapelle chapel.

The Hohenlohe Plain lies in north-eastern Baden-Württemberg, between the Bauland, the Franconian Heights and the Swabian-Franconian Forest. The region is criss-crossed by narrow valleys carved out by the Tauber, Jagst and Kocher rivers and their tributaries. One of these tributaries is the Bühler, which flows past Vellberg, an officially recognised resort and the starting and finishing point of this walk.

This easy 12-kilometre circular route repeatedly enters the neighbouring nature reserve, which is home to many rare species of beetle and bird. Information panels along the themed trail offer fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna. Before or after the walk, it is well worth visiting the more than 500-year-old town of Vellberg, with its beautifully restored old town and Lower Castle.FragenErklären