Wieden: Hiking between Feldberg and Belchen

Wieden lies in a side valley between the Black Forest peaks of Feldberg and Belchen. The options range from a circular hike of about an hour to themed trails and stage routes along the Westweg. In winter, winter hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and sledding are also available. Culture and mining history add further distinct highlights to a stay. For planning, the time of year is a useful first point of reference: some winter activities depend on snow, trail grooming, or seasonal operation.

Landscape and protected areas

The Wiedener Weidberge protected area lies within the core area of the Feldberg-Belchen-Upper Wiesental nature conservation project. The Weidberge are considered a cultural landscape with high biodiversity. Wieden is also part of the Southern Black Forest Nature Park and the Black Forest Biosphere Area. These designations refer to different areas: the Weidberge are the specific protected area, while the nature park and biosphere area include Wieden.

There is a circular trail in the Wiedener Weidberge that takes about an hour. This makes it possible to distinguish a short hike in terms of time from longer routes on Belchen or along the Westweg. The approximate duration is a guide; local conditions may affect accessibility.

Hiking, the Westweg, and mountain biking

Wieden has an extensive network of hiking trails at the foot of Belchen. These include the Kneipp hiking circuit and the themed trails Mining in the Wieden Valley and The Church Path from Wieden to Schönau. The names themselves offer different thematic starting points for a tour: Kneipp, mining history, and the path to Schönau.

The Westweg runs directly through Wieden. Its 11th stage on the western route leads from Wiedener Eck over Belchen towards Kandern. The Belchensteig also starts at Wiedener Eck and is a circular trail. If you are comparing a multi-stage hike with a circular route, these different route types can help with planning without being treated as equivalent.

Mountain bike routes are also available. They combine wide forest roads with narrow trails. Check the current conditions on your specific route before setting out.

Winter trails and activities in the snow

Wieden has seven groomed trails for winter hiking. Whether and how the trails are groomed depends on seasonal conditions. From Wiedener Eck, cross-country skiers can use routes towards the Hohtann cross-country skiing center or the Notschrei cross-country skiing center; the operation of these winter routes may also change with conditions.

There is a short sledding hill for children, which requires snow to be usable. In winter, the Wieden Tourist Information Office rents out snowshoes and sleds. Rentals depend on winter opening hours, which you can check before your visit. This helps you consider winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and sledding as different options for a cold-season stay without assuming they are always available.

Visitor mine and local history

The Finstergrund visitor mine lies between Wieden and Utzenfeld. Visitors travel on the Gruben-Zügli mine train to interesting areas of the mine. The route through the mine reaches the ore and mineral tunnel after approximately 900 meters. Guided underground visits are offered seasonally; check visiting hours before you travel.

Mining in the Upper Wiesental dates back to the 13th century. Silver and lead were sought at Finstergrund; later, fluorite was mined there from 1920 to 1974.

The Church of All Saints stands in the center of Wieden and holds regular services. Together with the mine, it provides a cultural counterpoint to the hiking and winter activities. For visitors to the Black Forest, the KONUS guest card offers free use of local public transport. Check whether you are eligible for your specific stay and which transport services participate.

Discover more destinations: Wembach, Malsburg-Marzell, Rheinfelden, Lörrach, Weil am Rhein, Kandern, Binzen, Schönau im Schwarzwald.

Return to the main travel overview: Lörrach.