Schönwald in the Black Forest: Hiking, Winter and Culture

Schönwald in the Black Forest offers several distinct highlights for an active trip: hiking, winter sports and mountain biking. The Blindensee moor and Reinertonishof add nature and culture to the mix. When planning, the main distinction to keep in mind is between hiking trails, seasonal winter activities and individual visitor attractions.

Hiking among meadows, forests and springs

Nearly 60 kilometres of hiking trails explore the landscape around Schönwald. They take you past meadows, quiet lakes, streams and dark green forests. Excursions lead to the sources of the Danube, Elz and Gutach—a particular highlight for anyone who wants to discover where these rivers begin while hiking. Schönwald also has certified therapeutic climate hiking trails. The Heilklima-Steig is a Hochschwarzwald Genießerpfad (gourmet trail), designated a premium hiking trail. Trail lengths and conditions can change; check them before setting out on a specific hike.

Some trails are described as having gentle gradients and surfaces suitable for visitors with pushchairs or wheelchairs. This information applies to specific routes, not to all hiking trails in general. Check the surface conditions before setting out. The Blindensee moor offers a distinctive natural setting: up to 20 species of peat moss grow there, alongside heather, bilberry and bog bilberry. Plant visibility varies depending on the season.

Cross-country skiing and ski lifts in winter

The local network of cross-country ski trails covers more than 40 kilometres and accommodates both classic and skating techniques. Trail grooming and access are seasonal; take this into account when planning and check conditions before setting out. The ski lifts have different profiles: the Dobel ski lift is family-friendly, while the Rössle ski lift is more challenging and is located in the Weißenbachtal valley.

A 2.5-kilometre biathlon course at the Rothaus cross-country ski centre runs through the Weißenbachtal valley. This makes it easy to distinguish between different winter activities: longer routes across the trail network, the two ski lifts with their different profiles, and the dedicated biathlon loop. Access and trail grooming are seasonal here too.

Mountain biking and guided tours

Marked mountain biking routes run through the forests and countryside in and around Schönwald. If you prefer to ride with a guide, individually tailored tours are available with qualified bike guides. E-mountain bikes and mountain bikes can also be rented in Schönwald. Bike and guided tour availability can change; check in advance if you are planning a particular tour or bike rental.

Craftsmanship and rural life in the Black Forest

Reinertonishof is a cultural heritage site showcasing regional craftsmanship and rural life in the Black Forest in centuries past. The farm includes a family-run ham smokehouse dating back to 1619 and a farm distillery. The farm restaurant serves house-smoked Black Forest ham and other regional specialities. Pony rides, carriage rides and a playground are also available. Visitor access, activities and food offerings can change; check the current arrangements if a visit is important to your travel plans.

Cuckoo clock making is also part of the local craft tradition: clockmakers and carvers continue to make handmade clocks, which can be bought locally. If you are looking for a particular style, it is a good idea to ask local vendors about their current selection.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Donaueschingen, Triberg in the Black Forest, Sankt Georgen in the Black Forest, Bräunlingen, Tuningen, Nußbach, Königsfeld in the Black Forest, Blumberg.

Back to the main travel overview: Schwarzwald-Baar District.