Kleines Wiesental: Nature, Trails and Historic Places

When planning a trip to Kleines Wiesental, nature, hiking and historical culture can be considered as distinct areas of focus. The Nonnenmattweiher and the pollarded beech in Neuenweg represent two nature themes; in Tegernau, a church and the interiors of the Zur Krone museum inn provide further cultural highlights. If you are looking for a hotel, deciding which of these themes you want to shape your stay can help guide your search.

Landscape around the Nonnenmattweiher

The Nonnenmattweiher lies at an altitude of 913 metres and is one of the highest-altitude standing bodies of water in the Black Forest. It was artificially dammed in the early 18th century. In the process, part of the peat-covered lake bed broke away and formed a floating peat island. Several species of peat moss grow on this island, along with hare’s-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum), cranberry (Vacinium oxycoccos) and round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia); the plants present may vary depending on the season. A footpath runs around the moor; swimming is permitted at the far end. If you plan to use the path or swimming area, follow the local notices on site. By comparison, the very old and unusually broad pollarded beech in Neuenweg is a single landscape feature. The pond, with its moor and plant life, represents a natural environment, while the beech is notable for its distinctive growth form.

Hiking options in Kleines Wiesental

The Kleines Wiesental branch of the Black Forest Association maintains 240 kilometres of Yellow Route in Kleines Wiesental. One specific hike is the summit tour to Köhlgarten: it starts at the Stockmatt hiking lodge at an altitude of 890 metres and climbs gently through old woodland. The tour is offered on request; check availability with the guide in advance. The route distance and tour description help with different planning questions: the 240 kilometres indicate the extent of the Yellow Route, while the summit tour gives a specific starting point and describes the climb. This lets you choose between an overview of the Yellow Route and details of a particular hike.

Historic places in Tegernau

A description from 1935 calls Tegernau Church a small “Wälder church” with a little bell tower. The Zur Krone museum inn in Tegernau comprises a historic dining room with an adjoining room, an old “Chuchi” with a vaulted cellar cut into the hillside, a historic ballroom, sleeping chambers in the attic and a “Schisshüsli” from 1901. The cultural themes thus differ: the church is notable for its historical description, while the museum inn stands out for the variety of rooms listed.

Lörrach as a wider travel destination

The wider travel destination of Lörrach has its own cultural and landscape themes. The Dreiländermuseum Lörrach has a permanent exhibition covering around 1,000 square metres. The Lörrach Sculpture Trail runs through the city and features 23 sculptures, fountains and monuments created by renowned sculptors. The cultural programme at Burghof Lörrach includes singing and music, dance, cabaret, literature and children’s theatre; Burghof Lörrach GmbH also organises the international STIMMEN Festival every year. Lörrach’s weekly market has been running since 1403. Another highlight is the Tüllinger Wine Trail: starting in Lörrach-Tüllingen, it connects the Riehen Wine Trail with the Weiler Wine Trail. The connected wine trails on Tüllinger Berg pass through around 90 hectares of vineyards; the Tüllinger Wine Trail offers views of the Wiesental and Rhine valleys and insights into the work of winegrowers throughout the year.

Discover more destinations: Neuenweg, Wies, Elbenschwand, Raich, Wieslet, Sallneck, Bürchau, Ried

Back to the wider travel overview: Lörrach.