Walking and Wellness in the Black Forest

5 Days & 4 Nights 5 Read 4 reviews

Walking and relaxation in Germany’s peaceful Black Forest
Unwind in a comfortable 4* hotel complete with an extensive spa area
Follow part of the Black Forest Gorge Trail; the ‘Schluchtensteig’
Hike contrasting landscapes of rocky gorges, dense forest and lakeside paths
Enjoy Black Forest Gateau while resting on the banks of Schluchsee lake

Relaxation is the order of the day on this single centre walking tour in the heart of the Black Forest. The traditional resort town of Todtmoos is your base for this short break. Breathe in the fresh forest air, walk around crystal clear waters and enjoy panoramic views to the Swiss Alps on this small yet diverse collection of walks. Follow a scenic gourmet trail around Todtmoos. Walk around the serene Schluchsee, with the option to take a leisurely boat trip part way before stopping for a Kirschtorte break at one of the cafés on the edge of the lake. Walk a section of the rocky ‘Schluchtensteig’ (Gorge Trail) one of Germany’s best long-distance trails. Stay in a modern, 4* spa hotel complete with indoor pool, Finnish sauna, roman steam bath and a relaxation room….perfect for unwinding after a morning on the trails.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

If you’re looking for a few days of relaxation surrounded by a wonderful natural environment then this tour is perfect for you. Experience the perfect mix of comfort and wellness with a stay at the 4* Spa Hotel Roßle and daily exercise in the fresh forest air. You’ll also get to experience what the Black Forest has to offer in terms of culinary excellence. You’ll quickly see that the area has so much more to offer than just cuckoo-clocks and cake!

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Single Centre Walking | Stay in one location throughout your trip, exploring the region with a mix of loop and point-to-point walks and with time to discover an area, town, or village in-depth.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 5 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie
Short Break
National Parks
Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour involves some easy and sometimes more difficult sections, which is why we have classified it as moderate overall. The walk by the Schluchsee is relatively short (10km) and completely flat, so is pretty easy going. On the walk from St. Blasien to Todtmoos, there is a lot of undulating terrain which is more demanding and the distance is considerable (20km). However you will be rewarded with panoramic views for your efforts! The loop walk around Todtmoos is again relatively short (12km), but there is significant ascent and decent involved (around 500m up and down). Generally you should be in good shape to get the most from this tour. You will be walking on a mixture of narrow trails and wide forest tracks.

Navigation

The chosen walks are very well way-marked, and together with our maps, route notes and the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS, you will have no problems finding the way.

Experience & Fitness

You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour. All walks are optional and since this is a single centre trip, therefore it is ideal if some people in your party want to walk and some don't. Those not wanting to walk can spend the day relaxing and using the hotel's facilities.

Accommodations

Stay 4 nights in the high-quality, friendly 4* Spa hotel, the Hotel Rößle. Your hosts, the Maier Family, are waiting to welcome you. This modern hotel offers traditional hospitality and a special atmosphere. The quiet and idyllic location, the cosy dining room, great food, and extensive wellness/spa offerings all combine to make this an unforgettable stay. Please be aware that German ‘twin rooms’ (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room and again, a single supplement is payable.

Wellness and Spa

For the duration of your stay you have free access to the wellness/spa area of the hotel. Called the ‘Black Forest Wellness Village’, the spa area is 350m2 in size and includes a Finnish sauna, a Roman steam bath, jacuzzi, experience shower, sunbed, relaxation room and an indoor swimming pool. In case you would like any special spa treatments, massages, for example, these can be arranged and paid for directly at the hotel.

Wellness Area Opening Times

Sauna area: 2pm-8pm
Indoor pool: 7-8.30am & 10am –10pm

Meals

4 continental breakfasts are included. This is in buffet form and there are many filling breakfast items available which are perfect for hikers; e.g. boiled eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread and muesli. Lunch is not included and can be picked up at local supermarkets or ‘Backerei’ along the way. Your accommodation will also be able to provide you with a packed lunch for the day, be sure to book the night before (payable locally, approx. 5 euros per person). Dinners are not included, leaving you free to choose from the various options each day. Your hotel also has an onsite restaurant. In Germany, traditional food is hearty and filling. In the region of the Black Forest you will likely find the following ubiquitous food everywhere you go! ‘Käsespätzle’ is a kind of eggy pasta (made from flour, eggs, water and salt) topped with melted cheese and sometimes crispy fried onion– it’s the ultimate comfort food! April to June is asparagus season and you will find this vegetable on just about every menu during this time. It is often served with Kartoffeln (potatoes), Schnitzel and/or a rich cheesy sauce. Schwarzwälder Schinken is the locally produced smoked ham and is matured usually for at least 3 months, leading to its rich and strong flavour. Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) has to be the food that is most associated with the Black Forest. This deliciously moist cake is made up of layers of chocolate sponge, spread with whipped cream and cherries between each layer, topped with even more cream, cherries and chocolate. The recipe varies from café to café ensuring you’ll never get bored of it.

Included

4 nights in a 4* Spa Hotel
4 breakfasts
Welcome drink
Use of the Spa area (massages and other treatments to be paid locally)
Route notes, maps, GPX tracks, access to our GPS app & info pack
24-7 Emergency telephone support from our German and UK offices

Excluded

Flights and travel to and from Todtmoos
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program

Extras

Additional nights during the holiday

When To Go

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

Weather and Climate

The weather in the Black Forest is changeable. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms. Therefore you should be prepared for all weather eventualities. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.

Getting to the Start

Fly into Basel Euro Airport and then take a taxi to Basel Badischer Bahnhof (approx. 10 minutes). Basel has two train stations, the Basel SBB services Swiss and French destinations whereas the Basel Badischer Bahnhof services German destinations. From Badishcer Bahnhof, take a train to Bad Säckingen (approx. 30 mins). From here take bus no. 7320 or 7328 to Todtmoos (twice daily). Alternatively, we can organise a private transfer direct from Basel Airport to Todtmoos (approx. 45 mins, prices on request). Check train and bus timetables at the following website: www.bahn.de

Getting from the End

Use one of the options mentioned above to return home. If you have more time to explore Germany, why not take a look at one of our other Germany Walking Adventures? Just ask us for more information.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Equipment

In your information pack you will find a detailed packing list which includes walking boots, walking poles and waterproof clothes amongst other things.

What equipment do I need?

How fit do I need to be?

How far in advance do I need to book?