Group of hikers on a narrow path through dense, green forest in the Black Forest, surrounded by tall trees and moss-covered rocks.

A Forest Full of StoriesThe Gernsbach Myths and Legends Trail

31.1.20266 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif

The Gernsbach Myths and Legends Trail in the Black Forest is like something out of a fairytale - perfect for imaginative families with wanderlust!

An Enchanting Hike through the Murg ValleyJourney into Mystical Worlds

Magic horses, knights, princesses, and even the devil - you’ll meet them all in the Black Forest… At least in old legends. Anyone hiking here will quickly see why so many stories originate from this region. The Black Forest has a captivating atmosphere: enchanted paths winding through dark woods, moss-covered roots twisting across the trails, and sunlight flickering mysteriously in forest clearings. Around the next bend, a castle emerges on the horizon - and you can’t help but wonder: who once lived there? In the Murg Valley, you can explore some of the fairy tales of the Black Forest. The Gernsbach Mystical Trail brings local legends to life along a 5 km circular route, featuring seven information boards. The stories are designed especially for children, but the stunning views and untamed nature make the trail a delight for hikers of all ages.

Tip for Little Adventurers

Want to experience Black Forest fairy tales up close? Then the 'legends backpack' will be your magical companion. Packed with puzzles, games, and activities - children can step into the stories themselves. Available at the Gernsbach tourist office when reserved a few days in advance.

Susi and Benedikt, with their four children, did just that and set off into the forest of legendary tales. Who knows which magical characters they’ll meet along the way?

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Trail Length

4.8 km - ideal for families with children and dogs

Hiking Time

approximately 2 hours of walking time - longer with snack breaks and pauses to admire the views

Seven stations

soak up the legends and the surroundings

Photo Tip

'Grafensprung' at Eberstein Castle - a picture perfect view of the Murg Valley

Seasons

spring brings beautiful blossoms, autumn has a magical golden light

Extra Tip

The 'legends backpack' is available for children - full of puzzles, fairy tales, and interactive fun

A sign on a moss-covered tree points with an arrow toward the Gernsbach Legend Trail in the green forest.

A girl with a blue backpack draws water from the Wachtelbrunnen fountain, surrounded by moss-covered stones and lush greenery.

Group sitting with dog on a rock in the forest, taking a break, surrounded by green trees and nature.

Panoramic view of Gernsbach in the Black Forest with red roofs, nestled between green hills and forests under a blue sky with clouds.

Three people toast with wine glasses at a table on a terrace overlooking wooded hills and the Gernsbach valley.

Follow the fairy tale trail

Signs whisper the path to a world where ancient stories come to life among giant green trees.

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In the Footsteps of LegendsThe Magical Start of the Myths and Legends Trail

The family’s enchanting journey began at the Klingelkapelle, or Bell Chapel, which marks the start of the hiking trail. This small, beautifully adorned sandstone church stands here for a reason: it was built by a grateful hermit who, according to legend, escaped a she-devil – his ringing of a bright bell is said to have freed him from her spell and gives the chapel its name to this day. Charlotte, one of the children, pauses thoughtfully in front of the carved wooden plaque. “Maybe the bell was an angel,” she whispers. Her parents, Benedikt and Susi, nod and the family sets off into the heart of the summery forest.

Group of hikers with a dog in front of the historic Klingelkapelle chapel, surrounded by dense green deciduous forest.

Start of the adventure

Past the fairytale Klingeleskapelle chapel, the trail begins, full of puzzles, stories and nature experiences.

The Black Forest Can Be Quite SpookyA Count's Leap into the Gorge

After a while a narrow wooden bridge takes the hiking trail across the gorge – and somewhere in between, legend comes to life. Wolf von Eberstein is said to have leapt from the cliff’s edge upon his horse, surrounded by enemies and with no way of turning back.Nearby, the children gather with their mother, Susi, at one of the forest’s information boards and listen as the tale plays out loud. “I would never jump down there!” exclaims Janosch. “Not even with a magical horse!” They continue along the Gernsbach Myths and Legends Trail where each step draws them deeper into the sunlit Black Forest and its stories.

A wooden bridge leads through dense greenery to a pavilion with an information board about the Count's Leap on the Gernsbach Legend Trail.

Across the bridge into adventure

The wooden bridge leads to the mysterious Grafensprung – one step and you're right in the middle of the legend!

Rest Stop with a ViewThe Highlight of the Myths and Legends Trail: Eberstein Castle

Eberstein Castle rises majestically from a rocky ridge above the Murg River, complete with sweeping views over the Black Forest and its vineyards. The terrace of the castle restaurant offers a stunning view across the Black Forest, like a balcony suspended above the landscape. And while the children tuck into schnitzel and fries, Susi and Benedikt raise their glasses of rosé in a refreshing toast. “It feels like a holiday,” Susi says, soaking up the moment as everything falls into place – the view, the food, and the peaceful atmosphere. Even Eddi the dog gets a bowl of water and a friendly pat from the waitress.

Aerial view of Eberstein Castle in the Black Forest, surrounded by vineyards and dense forest under a slightly cloudy sky.

Fairytale magic high above the Black Forest

Eberstein Castle towers above green forests and vineyards. A highlight on the Myths and Legends Trail that invites you to marvel and dream.

A Day Trip into a FairytaleOur Summary of the Gernsbach Myths and Legends Trail

The Mytha and Legends Trail winds its way through the Black Forest like an enchanted path - sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill - accompanied by lush green ferns, flashes of pink rhododendron blossoms, and sunbeams dancing across the rocks. Two of the children, Tom and Moritz, find the trail to be a real adventure playground: every rock is climbed, every branch inspected - and all at record speed. The other two children, Janosch and Charlotte, instead take it easier, relaxing as they read the fairytale boards and nibble on rice cakes like little forest philosophers. After about 5 km and many ‘Wow’ moments, Eberstein Castle awaits as the fairytale highlight. Two hours full of stories, natural wonders, and happy family time. And the best thing? In addition to the brave Count and the rescued hermit, many other fairytale characters await. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your 'legend backpack', and go discover the Gernsbach Myths and Legends Trail!

Discover the Myths and Legends Trail in Gernsbach

Moss-covered rock on a narrow forest path, surrounded by dense greenery and tall grasses in the Black Forest.

A glimpse into the fairy tale kingdom

The adventure ends between rocks and ferns – full of stories, puzzles, and nature moments.

Green Travel and Magical ExperiencesSustainable Family Holidays in the Black Forest

Arrive by public transport

The Gernsbach Myths and Legends Trail by public transport: Get off at the Gernsbach tram stop (line S8/S81) and from there, it takes 10 - 15 minutes to walk to the starting point at the Klingelkapelle Chapel. You can also reach many other places in the Black Forest in an environmentally friendly way via bus and train.

Sustainable Stays in the Black Forest

Alongside a wide range of sustainable hotels, many restaurants use mainly regional products. In Gernsbach, Eberstein Castle offers a four-star hotel with a gourmet restaurant that is a perfect option for those on the Myths and Legens Trail. Alternatively, there is also a good selection of hotels and restaurants in the town centre.Hotel Schloss Eberstein

Our outdoor guide provides advice and tips on how to behave appropriately in nature: www.visit-bw.com/en/tips-and-stories/outdoor-behaviour

Black Forest TrailsHiking with Children

There are many other adventure trails in the Black Forest suitable for children – for example the gentle 'family fun' trail near Bad Herrenalb that follows the tracks of the wildcat.
Wildcat TrailOr you can go hiking with Kilian the squire near Neubulach, where he’ll tell you everything about mining in the Black Forest.
www.neubulach.de/wandern