Schönenberg: Landscapes, Trails and History on the Belchen

Schönenberg lies at an elevation of about 700 metres on the sunny southeastern slopes of the Belchen. Steep grazing slopes, sunny hills and hilltops shape the open cultural landscape. Local farms and a landscape conservation association help preserve this landscape. Agricultural land and diverse forests also define the surrounding area; parts of it are in a nature reserve or an FFH area.

Landscapes and trails

The Weidbuchenpfad on the Stuhlsebene offers a walk among distinctive tree forms, with views towards the Belchen Nature Reserve. The upper Belchen circular trail provides information about the mountain’s flora and fauna. The trails therefore offer different points of interest: one focuses on tree forms and views of the landscape, while the other highlights knowledge of the local plant and animal life.

Schönenberg has mountain bike routes on wide forest tracks and narrow trails. When planning a ride, you can take these different trail types into account when choosing your route. This makes it easier to understand the local route descriptions without treating all routes as alike.

Activities and getting there

When snow conditions are suitable, an eight-kilometre freeride descent runs from the Belchen down to Schönenberg. Unlike general tour planning, this winter option depends specifically on snow conditions. Check conditions before including the descent in your travel plans.

The drive from Schönenberg to the Belchen cable car station goes via Schönau and Aitern; there is no direct road access from Schönenberg to the Belchen. The Belchen gondola takes you towards the summit. From there, the view stretches across the Black Forest mountains to the Swiss Jura and the Vosges in France. Check the gondola’s operating status before setting off.

Local history and festivals

Schönenberg was first mentioned in a document in 1272. The town’s medieval history also includes lead and silver mining. St. Anthony’s Chapel offers a specific connection to art: its altar features carved reliefs of saints from the early 16th century. The early written record, mining and religious art thus represent different aspects of the town’s history.

Traditional local celebrations include the Geisenfest on 1 May and the two-day Father’s Day festival around Ascension Day. 1 May is a fixed calendar date, while the Father’s Day festival follows the movable public holiday.

Urban culture in Lörrach

The wider destination of Lörrach has its own urban cultural scene. The Dreiländermuseum Lörrach has a permanent exhibition covering around 1,000 square metres. The Lörrach Sculpture Trail runs through the town and features 23 sculptures, fountains and monuments by well-known sculptors. The Burghof Lörrach’s cultural programme includes singing and music, dance, cabaret, literature and children’s theatre. In addition, Burghof Lörrach GmbH organises the international STIMMEN Festival every year.

Discover more destinations: Schallbach, Maulburg, Kandern, Lörrach, Grenzach-Wyhlen, Efringen-Kirchen, Weil Am Rhein, Zell Im Wiesental

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