Unterkirnach: Hiking and History

Unterkirnach is a municipality in Baden-Württemberg in the Schwarzwald-Baar district. A stay here brings together a range of interests: hiking trails and guided tours, the history of the Kirnach Mill, a historical trail, Lake Talsee and indoor play whatever the weather. Which side of the town you explore first depends mainly on whether your trip is geared more towards longer routes, local history or nature experiences.

Choose hikes by distance and format

There are around 130 kilometres of signposted hiking trails around Unterkirnach. If you prefer to hike with a guided group, the tourist information office offers guided hikes from April to October. The offer is seasonal; check the programme for your preferred dates before your trip.

One longer tour is the 42-kilometre Unterkirnach Route. It starts in Unterkirnach, leads through the forest to Vöhrenbach and returns along the Brigach. Check trail conditions before setting out; markings and route details may change.

A 2019 report describes the historical trail in Unterkirnach as an 11.3-kilometre route with 25 stops at historically significant former or existing buildings and places. Information boards are located at the stops. As the route description dates from 2019, check the current conditions and signage before setting out.

Local History and Orchestrion Making

The historic Kirnach Mill was restored in the town centre between 1995 and 1997. Regular guided tours introduce visitors to the mill’s history; ask in advance about current dates if you are planning to join a tour. Unlike the historical trail, which has 25 stops, mill tours focus on the history of a single building.

The local history museum occupies two rooms in the Old School and is dedicated to local history and the history of orchestrion making. Visitors can try out historical techniques using practical examples. Check in advance whether these hands-on activities will be available during your visit.

The connection to orchestrion making goes beyond the museum’s theme: Carl Blessing, a pioneer of Black Forest orchestrion making, was born in Unterkirnach in 1769. This links local history with a figure associated with this craft tradition.

Lake Talsee, Nature and Indoor Play

Lake Talsee forms where the Kirnach is dammed in the valley. A short, accessible circular path runs around the lake. Trail conditions may vary by season, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before your walk. Compared with the 42-kilometre route, the path around the lake is a much shorter option if you prefer a stroll to a longer hike.

The wild plant park recreates landscapes found in the Black Forest. The park also provides a refuge for endangered plants and small animals.

The indoor play barn offers all-weather play across three levels and more than 1,000 square metres. Examples include a ball pit and a roller slide. If the play facilities are relevant to your stay, check the latest operating information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mönchweiler, Nußbach, Brigachtal, Donaueschingen, Sankt Georgen Im Schwarzwald, Villingen-Schwenningen, Gütenbach, Furtwangen Im Schwarzwald

Go to the main travel overview: Schwarzwald-Baar district.