Wittenschwand between the Klosterweiher pond and mining history

Highland basin and Klosterweiher pond

Wittenschwand lies in a broad highland basin at an average elevation of around 940 metres. Fields and meadows shape the landscape between its smaller associated settlements. The Klosterweiher pond is visible from Horbach and lies mostly within the Friedrich-August-Grube nature reserve. This provides a clear theme when choosing a place to stay: open highland scenery alongside a named pond and a protected natural area.

Experience mining and discover nature

Above the Klosterweiher pond, the nature experience and themed playground brings together several ways to explore the subjects of stone and mining. These include stone-themed play equipment and stone sound installations, information boards about mining, and an exploration tunnel that can be reopened. Protected nickel spoil heaps, home to a distinctive lichen community, add a nature element. Playful design, historical information and nature themes come together here. If you are planning an outing around your interests, this combination offers starting points for exploring mining history and observing nature.

The St. Andrew’s Chapel and its history

Another historic landmark in Wittenschwand is St. Andrew’s Chapel. Formerly known as the Jodokus Chapel, it was built around 1630. After a new Catholic chapel was built in Wittenschwand, the former chapel was later transferred to the Protestant parish of St. Blasien. The change from its former name to its current one and its later transfer mark two distinct stages in its history. Alongside the mining and nature themes, the local history of the chapel offers a separate focus.

Dachsberg (Southern Black Forest): hiking and mining history

In the wider destination of Dachsberg (Southern Black Forest), the Albsteig Schwarzwald trail runs from the mouth of the Alb near Albbruck to its sources on the Feldberg. It has been a premium hiking trail since 2017; along the way, it climbs Dachsberg and offers fantastic views from there. The route thus follows the Alb from its mouth to its sources, with a section crossing Dachsberg.

Another way to explore former mining sites is the mining trail in Dachsberg. It is about seven kilometres long and can be started at the mineral museum in Urberg or at the town hall in Wittenschwand. These two stated starting points provide practical guidance when choosing the trail; its main focus is linking former mining sites. Dachsberg’s mining heritage also includes the “Gottesehre” mineral museum in Dachsberg-Urberg. A film and other media provide information about the disused mine, while several display cases show minerals from the mine.

In Dachsberg-Urberg, near the “Goldenhof,” the Zeidlerpfad trail explores the history of honey production and beekeeping. It offers insights into traditional forest beekeeping and its ecological significance. For getting around the wider destination, Dachsberg and Ibach have an extensive network of trails for hiking, Nordic walking, cycling and winter tours. The network is available to residents, day visitors and tourists alike. Dachsberg and Ibach are members of the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve, established in 2016. In Dachsberg and Ibach, you can also explore the high plateaus and forests on groomed winter hiking trails; this option is seasonal and depends on snow conditions.

Discover more destinations: Vogelbach, Urberg

Return to the main travel overview: Dachsberg.