Fischerbach: Valleys, Farmsteads and the Rechgraben Chapel

Fischerbach is a village of unspoilt Black Forest valleys, a cultural landscape shaped by farmsteads and a specific circular hike to the Rechgraben Chapel. It is worth considering the village and the route separately: the valleys and farmsteads shape the landscape, while the circular route links individual stops and viewpoints.

Valleys, farmsteads and location on the Brandenkopf massif

Fischerbach includes the hamlet of Eschau and numerous unspoilt Black Forest valleys. Many farmsteads shape these valleys; together, they represent a typical Black Forest cultural landscape. Fischerbach lies on a gently rising southern slope of the Brandenkopf massif and is known as a “sun terrace.” The descriptions of the village thus capture both its hillside location and the interplay of hamlets, valleys and farmsteads. Those interested in rural cultural landscapes will find a different way to explore the destination here than by focusing on individual buildings or a particular hike.

The wider setting: Ortenaukreis

The wider travel destination of Ortenaukreis lies in the area between the Rhine and the Black Forest. The district has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares. They extend from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. This range puts the region into context: Ortenaukreis encompasses landscapes from the plain to the Black Forest heights, while Fischerbach’s character is shaped by its valleys and farmsteads. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between the broader district-level overview and the features specific to the village itself.

Places of remembrance and chapels

Several cultural attractions are mentioned for a stay in Fischerbach. These include the Catholic parish church of St. Michael. The memorial chapel in Fischerbach is a monument and place of remembrance. The Rechgraben Chapel is distinct from it: it is the chapel of the farm of the same name and also lies at the highest point of the “To the Rechgraben Chapel” circular route. The Eschgrund woodland recreation area is another recommendation for a stay in Fischerbach. Together, these destinations offer different points of interest, from church architecture and remembrance to a route through the landscape.

“To the Rechgraben Chapel” circular route

The “To the Rechgraben Chapel in Fischerbach” circular hike is 8.94 km long and takes 3 hours and 45 minutes. The ascent and descent are listed as 347 m and 348 m respectively, so the two figures are almost identical. The route starts at Fischerbach Town Hall and passes Wilhelmshütte, Am Lausbühl, the woodland recreation area, Berghof, Wagenstatthütte, Eschgrund, Hohwald, Rechgraben Chapel, Oberer Kirchenwald, Holzplatz, Elmlisgraben and Bergeckhöfe before returning to the town hall. At the beginning, Wilhelmshütte and the stretch along the edge of the forest above the church offer views of the Kinzig Valley. Along the way, the route passes the woodland recreation area with its barbecue area, as well as Berghofhütte and Wagenstatthütte; these are shelters and forestry huts. The Rechgraben Chapel thus links its association with the farm of the same name to a distinctive point on the route. Route and facility details may change; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Willstätt, Schutterwald, Ortenberg, Hausach, Seelbach, Biberach, Lautenbach, Lahr/Schwarzwald.

View the wider travel overview: Ortenaukreis.