The 5 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails at Feldberg

Hiking at Feldberg — where the Black Forest reaches its highest point

At 1,493 meters, Feldberg is the highest peak in the Black Forest and one of the most popular hiking destinations in southern Germany. Here, subalpine landscapes meet dense fir forests, mystical glacial lakes meet sweeping panoramic views stretching to the Alps. Whether you are looking for a gentle family walk or a challenging full-day tour — around Feldberg, everyone finds the right trail.

We present the five most beautiful hikes, with all the key information on distance, difficulty, and highlights along the way.

1. Feldberg-Steig — the premium trail

Distance: 12 km | Duration: approx. 4-5 hours | Difficulty: moderate

The Feldberg-Steig is a certified premium hiking trail and one of the best circular routes in the entire Black Forest. The tour starts at the Haus der Natur and leads all the way around the Feldberg summit — through the nature reserve, past the Feldsee, and along rocky paths with spectacular viewpoints.

The highlights at a glance:

• Feldsee view from above: From the Feldsee viewpoint, you look steeply down at the dark glacial lake — one of the most striking moments of the tour
• Grublesattel: On a clear day, an Alpine panorama opens up here from Santis to Mont Blanc
• Feldberg nature reserve: The route passes through one of the oldest nature reserves in Baden-Wurttemberg, home to rare plants such as Alpine snowbell and Swiss dandelion
• Varied terrain: Narrow paths, root trails, rocky passages, and boardwalks alternate throughout

The Steig is no stroll — sturdy hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are essential. In return, you are rewarded with one of the most varied hikes the Black Forest has to offer.

2. Feldsee circular trail — a mystical glacial lake for the whole family

Distance: 3 km | Duration: approx. 1 hour | Difficulty: easy

The Feldsee is a glacial cirque lake at 1,109 meters elevation, set within steep, forested walls. The atmosphere here is something special — still, almost mystical, particularly in the early morning when mist hangs over the water.

The circular trail leads from the Feldsee car park along a well-maintained path to the lake and once around the shore. Along the way, information boards explain the formation of the glacial lake and the wildlife and plant life in the nature reserve.

This tour is excellent for families with children, as an afternoon walk, or as a complement to a longer hike. Please note: swimming in the Feldsee is not permitted, as it lies within the nature reserve.

3. Seebuck summit loop — observation tower and Alpine views

Distance: 5 km | Duration: approx. 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: easy to moderate

The Seebuck summit loop is the classic Feldberg hike and ideal for anyone who wants the summit experience without great exertion. From the car park at the Feldberger Hof, the route climbs to the Seebuck (1,448 m), where the Feldbergturm stands — a 45-meter observation tower with one of the best panoramas in the Black Forest.

In foehn weather conditions, the view from here extends to the Bernese Alps and Mont Blanc. Even on normal clear days, you can see the Vosges, the Jura, and the Belchen.

The route continues along the ridge to the actual Feldberg summit and returns via alpine pastures and mountain meadows. In summer, arnica and gentian bloom up here. In winter, snow often lingers long after spring has arrived in the valleys below.

At the Seebuck, you will also find a weather station and a small kiosk — ideal for a break with a view.

4. Wiesental trail to Todtnau — high moor and waterfall

Distance: 8 km (one-way) | Duration: approx. 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: moderate

For those who enjoy a longer outing, the Wiesental trail is highly recommended. The route leads from Feldberg down through the upper Wiesental valley to Todtnau — past high moors, across flower-rich mountain meadows, and through quiet woodland passages.

The grand finale awaits at the end: the Todtnau waterfall, one of the highest natural waterfalls in Germany. Water plunges 97 meters down the rock face — particularly impressive after the spring snowmelt.

Important: This is a point-to-point hike. The return journey is conveniently done by bus (line 7300, stop Todtnau) or by arranging a shuttle in advance. The trail is predominantly downhill, so plan to go easy on the knees and bring hiking poles.

5. Zastler Loch circuit — wild and demanding

Distance: 10 km | Duration: approx. 4 hours | Difficulty: challenging

The Zastler Loch is a wild, romantic cirque on the east side of Feldberg — significantly less visited than the better-known trails and therefore a genuine hidden gem for experienced hikers.

The route leads from the Zastler Hutte through dense mountain forest up into the cirque, along steep, partly rocky paths with wire rope safety features. In the upper section, an impressive basin landscape opens up with scree fields and cliff walls.

This tour demands sure-footedness, a head for heights, and good fitness. In wet conditions, the rocky passages can be slippery. In return, you experience a wild, untouched side of the Black Forest that many visitors never get to see.

Tips for hiking at Feldberg

Best time of year

The hiking season at Feldberg runs from May to October. June and September offer the best conditions: pleasant temperatures, fewer visitors than during the school holidays, and stable weather. In high summer, it can get surprisingly warm on the exposed summit trails — bring plenty of water.

Equipment

Sturdy hiking boots are a must, even on the easier trails. The weather at Feldberg can change quickly — a rain jacket and an extra warm layer belong in your backpack at all times. For the Feldberg-Steig and the Zastler Loch circuit, hiking poles are additionally recommended.

Stopping for food

On Feldberg, there are several staffed huts and inns:

• Baldenweger Hutte — a rustic hut with Black Forest Vesper platters and magnificent views
• St. Wilhelmer Hutte — a cosy stop at the edge of the nature reserve
• Todtnauer Hutte — ideal as a midway stop on the Zastler Loch circuit
• Gasthaus Hebelhof in Feldberg village — hearty Black Forest food after the tour

Planning a hiking holiday at Feldberg

Feldberg is the perfect base for a hiking holiday in the Black Forest — whether for a day trip or an entire week of summits, lakes, and forest trails.

Our Black Forest Dream apartments in Feldberg offer the ideal retreat after a day in the mountains: flexible arrival thanks to self check-in, free parking right at the building, and everything you need to kick off your hiking boots and enjoy the evening. Dogs are very welcome with us, by the way — after all, they love hiking most of all.

Frequently asked questions about hiking at Feldberg

Which hiking trail at Feldberg is the easiest?

The Feldsee circular trail. At 3 kilometres it takes about an hour on a well-maintained path, with no scrambling and no exposed sections — it works for families, for an afternoon, or as an add-on to a longer day. If you want a summit without much effort, take the Seebuck loop instead: easy to moderate, and it puts you at the observation tower.

How much time should I allow for the Feldberg-Steig?

Four to five hours for the full 12-kilometre circuit, plus whatever you spend at the viewpoints — and you will spend some. It is a certified premium trail, not a stroll: narrow paths, roots, rock passages and boardwalks alternate throughout. Sturdy boots and a reasonable level of fitness are the entry requirement, not an accessory.

Do I need hiking experience for the Zastler Loch circuit?

Yes. The Zastler Loch is the demanding one of the five: steep, partly rocky paths with wire rope safety features, and a 10-kilometre circuit that asks for sure-footedness, a head for heights and good fitness. In wet conditions the rock passages turn slippery. If any of the three is missing, take the Seebuck loop instead.

What is there to see on the Wiesental trail to Todtnau?

High moors, flower-rich mountain meadows and quiet woodland passages — and at the end the Todtnau waterfall, one of the highest natural waterfalls in Germany, at its most impressive after the spring snowmelt. Please note: this is a point-to-point hike, not a circuit. Plan the return by bus or arrange a shuttle in advance.

What equipment do I need for hiking at Feldberg?

Sturdy hiking boots on every trail here, including the easy ones, plus a rain jacket and a warmer layer in the backpack at all times — the weather at this altitude changes faster than the forecast in the valley suggests. Hiking poles are worth carrying on the Feldberg-Steig and the Zastler Loch circuit. In high summer, bring more water than you think: the summit trails are exposed.

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