The Best of the Black Forest

A good basic level of fitness and surefootedness are an advantage, as some hikes are a little more demanding due to the metres in altitude and the nature of the trail.

If necessary, some of the stages can be shortened or skipped.

This tour involves some easy and sometimes more difficult sections. There are narrow paths which are rocky, with exposed tree roots in some parts. There is a lot of varied terrain which can be tiring and demanding. Some of the paths are steep so you should be sure-footed and have a head for heights. On the other hand, you will encounter many easy sections on wide forest tracks and trails.

This tour is graded moderate. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

You'll stay in high-quality, friendly 3-star standard hotels and guesthouses, in private en-suite rooms. Accommodation is subject to availability, so alternatives of an equal standard may occasionally be offered. We look for exceptional hosts and a unique atmosphere at each stop, so you can fully enjoy every moment of your tour.

Note that twin and double rooms in Germany are typically two single mattresses placed side by side on one bed frame, each with its own separate duvet and pillow. You can add extra nights at any of the overnight locations along the route.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

A continental breakfast is included each morning, usually served buffet-style with plenty of filling options for hikers, such as boiled eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread and muesli.

Lunch isn't included, but you can pick up supplies at a local supermarket or bakery (Bäckerei) along the way, and many accommodations in more remote areas can also provide a packed lunch on request (payable locally). Dinner isn't included either, so you're free to choose from the restaurant options at each overnight stop, with most hotels also offering on-site dining.

Expect plenty of hearty, traditional German food along the way, from Käsespätzle (an eggy pasta topped with melted cheese) to locally smoked Schwarzwälder Schinken ham, and of course a slice of Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), the region's famous chocolate, cream and cherry cake.

This tour is available to start on any day of the week from May to the end of October, and any time within this period is ideal for walking.

The weather in the Black Forest is changeable, and very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms, so it's worth being prepared for all conditions and checking the local weather report each day before you set off. Due to weather, flooding risk or trail works, and especially towards the end of the season, some narrow paths can become slippery or impassable, so it's a good idea to check current conditions before you depart.

Your luggage is transferred from your accommodation to the next overnight stop each day, so you only need to carry a daypack on the trail, with your main bag usually waiting for you on arrival. The current information we have doesn't include a confirmed weight limit for this route, so please check with your Adventure Sales Specialist for the up-to-date luggage allowance when booking.

You'll hike on well-signposted trails and forest paths, following sections of several long-distance routes including the Schluchtensteig, the Westweg, the Mittelweg, the Querweg and the Schwarzwald Albsteig, alongside our maps and route notes.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

This tour starts and ends in the Blumberg area. The nearest airports are Basel EuroAirport and Stuttgart, and from either, Blumberg is reachable by train and bus (check Deutsche Bahn's timetable at bahn.de). Blumberg can also be reached by train from larger German cities, though direct trains are uncommon, so you'll most likely need to change train or connect onto a bus.

By car, Blumberg is usually reached via Freiburg (the A5) or Donaueschingen (the A81). There are several public car parks in Blumberg that you can use free of charge for the duration of your tour, the best being the large car park at the sports field.

At the end of the tour, from Schluchsee station there are regular trains to Freiburg, connecting on to all major German cities. If you left your car in Blumberg, you can get back by taking the train from Schluchsee to Titisee, then on to Hüfingen, followed by a bus to Blumberg-Zollhaus - a journey of around 3.5 hours in total. Alternatively, we're happy to arrange a private return transfer for you, usually departing Schluchsee at 09:30 - just contact us for details.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport. Your accommodation hosts can help with arranging this, or you can reach out to our German or UK office for assistance.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation