A Challenging but Rewarding Day
For our day in the Black Forest, we had quite an ambitious itinerary planned. Our schedule included visits to Freudenstadt, Ellbachsee Blick, Buchkopfturm, Allerheiligen Waterfalls, and the National Park Center. Interestingly, we only discovered the existence of the Black Forest National Park while checking into our hotel. It would’ve been nice to have known about it ahead of time, but our flexible vacation plans allowed us to quickly integrate this new destination into our itinerary. For this particular day, we selected a mix of driving and walking excursions. This way, if we happened to linger too long at one location, we could easily adjust our plans without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
First Stop: Freudenstadt
Our initial destination was Freudenstadt. Upon arrival, a friendly parking officer pointed us toward a good parking spot to leave the car for free and directly at the start of a nice walk. We appreciated this helpful tip, as it made access to the area much more enjoyable. Following the officer’s guidance, we set off on foot, taking a leisurely uphill stroll along Kienberg, decorated with sculptures and fragrant rose bushes. The delightful aromas enveloped us, enhancing our experience further.
At the peak of Kienberg, we visited the Friedrichsturm. This impressive observation tower stands 25 meters tall and consists of 148 steps. Erected in 1899 to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary, the tower was planned by the Black Forest Association and the Beautification Association, eventually being named Herzog-Friedrich-Turm in honor of the city’s founder.
After soaking in the refreshing breeze and stunning panoramic views from the tower, we returned to the car, feeling quite content with our first stop.
Next Destination: Ellbachsee Blick
The next stop on our adventure was Ellbachsee-Blick. We parked near a winter sports area, where we noticed it wasn’t particularly crowded, creating a pleasant atmosphere to embark on our hike. Our walk through the forest led us along well-maintained paths to the viewpoint. The platform at the lookout offered an exceptional view, which we felt would be even more breathtaking at sunrise or shrouded in fog. Nevertheless, even in our less-than-optimal conditions, the view of the dark lake below was serene and beautiful. There seems to be a nice trail down to the tarn and around it, offering some beautiful views. But this didn’t fit into our plan of this day. Maybe we would come back to this place later – or – maybe at a later vacation?
After enjoying the vista for a while, we closed the loop, taking a different set of trails and forest roads back to our car. The tranquility of the forest made this segment of the day particularly enjoyable.
The Scenic Buchkopfturm
Following Ellbachsee Blick, we made our way to the Buchkopfturm. This structure, known as the Weißtannenturm near Maisach, provides impressive panoramic views of the Black Forest, Rhine plain, and the Vosges mountains. Standing at a height of 28 meters and situated at 921 meters above sea level, the tower consists of eight floors made of cross-laminated timber and reinforced with 13 tons of steel. Its hexagonal shape allows for expansive views from every floor, accessed by climbing 140 steps.
We parked approximately 1-2 kilometers from the tower and enjoyed a leisurely hike to reach it. However, since my wife has a fear of heights, she chose to wait at the foot of the tower while I ventured to the top. As I ascended and explored, the experience was enriching, despite a brief period of rain that caught us on our way back.
Once the sun re-emerged, I cleverly kept my umbrella open to dry it off. During this moment, I made a discovery that, while likely well-known in the hiking community, was new to me: an umbrella can serve as excellent protection from the sun, while at the same time profit from even the slightest breeze around the head! Back at the hotel, I ordered a lightweight hiking umbrella with added sun protection – so I had something to look forward to when we got back home.
Exploring the Allerheiligen Waterfalls
Our next destination was the Allerheiligen Waterfalls. The waterfalls are characterized by the Lierbach stream, also known as the Grindenbach, cascading down seven steps for a total drop of 83 meters.
We were aware that the site offered excellent opportunities for photography, so I packed my camera gear, including filters and a tripod. As we approached the falls, we first walked to the end of the trail to scout out the best shooting spots, enjoying the scenery along the way. This effective strategy allowed us to return to select specific locations for photography at a more leisurely pace.
During my exploration, I adjusted my camera settings to use shutter speeds ranging from 1/400s to 2s, ensuring that I captured the best possible images for later review.
In my haste to photograph the last few spots, I, unfortunately, grew a bit lazy and neglected to set up the tripod for some shots; this choice proved to be a mistake. Without the stability of the tripod, the differences in position and angle between each shot meant that the photos weren’t fully comparable. Consequently, I recognized I needed to prioritize setting up the tripod for each shot in the future to achieve the best results.
After concluding our visit to the waterfalls, we returned to the car and drove toward the upper end of the cascades, where we explored the ruins of an old cathedral. Here, we took a well-deserved break to savor coffee and cake before moving on.
National Park Center
Since we had just recently learned about the Black Forest National Park, visiting the National Park Center was a spontaneous choice on our return journey. We hadn’t planned to stay long because we were already filled to the brim with impressions from the day’s earlier adventures. Still, we wanted to get a glimpse of the options available for a future visit. Upon arrival, we were struck by the remarkable architecture of the center. During our time there, we began a pleasant conversation with a lady in the gift shop. She kindly recommended several points of interest worth exploring in the area and encouraged us to review the exhibition.
Although we decided against an in-depth exploration that day, the brief interaction sparked our interest and provided us with a solid reason to consider returning in the future when we could fully immerse ourselves in what the park has to offer. As we returned to our accommodations that night, I felt thankful for the flexibility of our itinerary, allowing us to integrate unexpected gems into our plans effortlessly. With our minds racing with thoughts of what the next day might bring, we settled in for the night, already looking forward to our upcoming adventures.
All posts from our trip to the Black Forest in 2024:
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Exploring the Black Forest: A Journey Begins
Embarking on a series of blog posts, join us as we delve into our vacations in the Black Forest. The first stop in Ulm was just the beginning of an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, surprising discoveries, and captivating photography. Stay tuned for more tales from this scenic journey.
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A Scenic Waterfall: Bad Urach on our way to Baiersbronn
Continuing our journey to the Black Forest, we took a scenic stop near Bad Urach. Hoping for breathtaking waterfalls! While navigating the heat and capturing the beauty of the surroundings with my camera, we encountered unexpected moments and experiences that enhanced our hike. Here’s a detailed account of our adventure.
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From Lakes to Waterfalls: A Journey through the Black Forest
Our first day in the Black Forest set the tone for a memorable vacation filled with hiking paths, stunning scenery, and unexpected experiences. Join us as we explore Baiersbronn’s hiking offerings, tackle the Sankenbachsteig trail, and cap off our day with a delightful visit to Freudenstadt.
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A Multi-Stop Journey: From Observation Towers to Waterfalls
Join us as we navigate a day filled with breathtaking views and fascinating stops in the Black Forest. From Freudenstadt’s observation tower to the serene Allerheiligen Waterfalls and the National Park Center, we embraced the essence of this stunning region. Each stop offered unique experiences and photographic opportunities.
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Capturing Mood and Memory on the Satteleisteig
On Day 4 of our vacation in the Black Forest, we ventured onto the Satteleisteig trail. With a mix of warm weather and occasional rain, we enjoyed lush landscapes and scenic views, culminating in a delightful break at the Sattelei cabin. Join us as we recount the highlights of this tranquil day.
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Warm Days and Good Company: Hiking with Friends in the Black Forest
During our vacation in the Black Forest, we planned a short hike with friends, eager to enjoy nature and reconnect. Choosing the “Glücksweg,” we were greeted with hot weather, delightful conversations, and a sense of tranquility. Here’s a recount of our day filled with friendship and beautiful surroundings.
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A Rainy Day of Hiking and History in the Black Forest
On Day 6 of our Black Forest adventure, rain dictated our plans. We set out to explore a hike, hoping for atmospheric photos, before taking refuge in the National Park Center. The day unfolded with unexpected joys and a fascinating exhibition, showcasing the area’s natural history and allure.
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Exploring the Charm of Black Forest Villages
On Day 7 of our vacation in the Black Forest, we traded hiking for an exploration of charming villages like Baden-Baden and Schiltach. Enjoying the serendipity of nice weather, we discovered audio-guided tours and impressive architecture along the way. Here’s a detailed account of our road trip adventure.
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Embracing Solitude on the Tonbachsteig
On Day 8 of our Black Forest vacation, we set out to explore the “Genießerpfade” trail, Tonbachsteig. This hike offered serene forest paths, historical insights, and encounters with local wildlife, alongside beautiful photographic opportunities. Join me as we recount the day’s subtle joys and discoveries in nature.
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Discovering the Bosensteiner Almpfad
On Day 9 of our Black Forest adventure, we embarked on the Bosensteiner Almpfad, a trail through ancient forests and breathtaking vistas. Amidst cloudy skies, damp foliage, and serene woodland scenes, we experienced the tranquil beauty of nature during this atmospheric hike.