Schönau in the Black Forest: Hiking and Culture

Schönau in the Black Forest is a state-recognized climatic health resort at the foot of the Belchen. The town is home to the administrative office of the UNESCO-recognized Black Forest Biosphere Reserve. Hiking trails, a cycling route, buildings and local history offer different ways to shape a stay. If you are looking for a hotel in Schönau, you can choose your destination based on the activities you have planned.

Hiking, cycling and seasonal trails

A signposted circular hike around Schönau is 8.8 kilometers long, includes about 380 meters of ascent and descent, and takes approximately three hours. The route includes the Philosophenweg and the Letzbergweiher. The former Schlageter memorial and a glacial polish site are also along the way. The stated distances and approximate duration provide guidance for planning your hike; check the route, signage and conditions before setting out.

Local hiking trails include Rund um Schönau, the Philosophenweg, Stelenweg, Urwaldpfad, Wiedener Kirchweg, Wandel eines kleinen Landstädtchens and Gletscherpfad. A guided route along the Urwaldpfad through the protected forest near Schönau lies in the core zone of the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve. It runs from Flüh to Künaberg and back to Schönau. Trail conditions and the availability of guided tours can change, so check in advance.

There are also snow-dependent options in winter: when snow conditions are suitable, you can use cleared winter hiking trails; a cross-country ski trail is also groomed then. The Wiesental Cycle Path passes through Schönau and runs from Todtnau to Basel. The circular hike and the long-distance cycle route are different ways to include the area in your plans, on foot or by bike.

Churches and local history

Schönau is home to the Münster of the Wiesental, considered the largest church in the Lörrach district. The Church of the Assumption of Mary was built in the Neo-Gothic style from 1905 to 1907; its tower is about 90 meters high. In Schönau, you can encounter both a church with a notable standing in the district and a building whose construction dates and tower height give a concrete sense of its scale.

A historic high altar dating from 1520 is associated with the heyday of silver mining. The Klösterle, which houses the local history museum, was probably built around 1780. A walking tour is recommended for anyone interested in Schönau’s historic buildings and places. The churches, the Klösterle and the high altar offer different ways to explore the history of the buildings and the town.

More activities in Schönau

Activities include hiking, mountain biking, cycling, golf, tennis, fly fishing and paragliding. The heated outdoor pool has beach volleyball and mini golf facilities. As facilities can change, check the current status of the outdoor pool before visiting.

The Buchenbrändle Energy Experience Park explores different forms of energy and their connection with climate change. There is information and activities at several stations. Another visitor experience is climbing the church tower with the mayor, from where you can see Schönau from above. Program details can change, so check in advance whether this activity is being offered.

Discover more destinations: Hertingen, Inzlingen, Todtnau, Häg-Ehrsberg, Binzen, Hausen in the Wiesental, Kandern, Ried

Back to the regional travel overview: Lörrach.