“I grew up in a forest. It’s like a room. It’s protected. Like a cathedral… it is a place between heaven and earth.”
– Anselm Kiefer
Schwarzwald National Forest (Black Forest National Park):
https://www.nationalpark-schwarzwald.de
Located: state of Baden-Wurttemberg, in Germany’s southwest area and covers 100.62 km2; 38.85 sq mi
Map Courtesy of: Wikipedia: National Black Forest Located in Southwest corner of map
Hiking:
All good hikes begin and end with the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace- please do your part to keep our forests beautiful for generations to come.
Courtesy Of: https://www.earthriversup.com/leave-no-trace-seven-principles/
One of the most important tools to a successful hike is WATER- hiking, especially at elevation, and high temperatures, can lead to dehydration so it is important to keep your body’s water replenished to maintain your energy.
Most Importantly: Remember your cell phone and extra back up power source. Be certain to leave directions on your hiking route with someone who is staying behind.
Favorite Black Forest Hike Ortenauer Sagenrundwege: Allerheiligen
This is a moderate loop trial. Details of the trail can be found on ALL Trails https://www.alltrails.com/de/route/germany/baden-wurttemberg/ortenauer-sagenrundwege-allerheiligen
Featured on this Hike:
– Allerheiligen Waterfalls: The All Saints Waterfalls (German: Allerheiligen-Wasserfälle) are located in the Black Forest on the territory of the town of Oppenau in the German state of Baden-Württemberg at an elevation of about 500 m above NN. The Lierbach stream, also called the Grindenbach, cascades, as a natural waterfall, down seven steps, a total drop of 83 metres. Due to the scouring of the rocks under the cataract which have formed basin-like holes known as Gumpen or kolks), the falls are also called the Büttensteiner Waterfalls (“Tub Stone” waterfalls) or Sieben Bütten (“Seven Tubs”). The waterfalls belonged for centuries to All Saints’ Abbey, the ruins of which are only a few hundred metres away. Because they lie in a deeply incised and narrow valley, they were inaccessible for a long time
– Monastery ruins of Allerheiligen: has been destroyed repeatedly by fire- so often that people have wondered if it offends God in some way. Legend says the Duchess Uta of Schauenburg in 1192 wanted to build a monastery in memory of her late husband. She tied a bag of gold to a donkey and let it roam. Eventually the donkey shook free from the bag of gold. The spot where the gold fell was where the first wooden abbey was constructed. The foundation charter was issued by the Duchess in 1196, recognized by Phillip of Swabia in 1200, and confirmed by Pope Innocent II in 1204. Over the years it was gradually upgraded in size and switched to stone construction and was designated an abbey in 1657. Fires in 1470 and 1550 ravaged the monastery. Eventually the monastery was deconsecrated, only to be struck by lightning in 1804 at which point it was decided that no repair work would be funded and the ruins that stand today are the result.
– Mountains, rocks and gorges: The largest natural waterfalls, falling 295 feet (90 meters) in the northern Black Forest are explored on this trail (see waterfall description above). The path meanders through wild gorges and rock formations, up and down stairs and along several bridges. The trail is surrounded by the impressive mountains of Schliffkopf, Hundskopf and Schwabenkopf.
Necessary Information
Restrooms: can be found in Allerheiligen
Parking: there is a large lot at the Allerheiligen Wasserfalle lot.
Bus Stop: stops at Allerheiligen Wasserfalle lot.
Food- Research biergartens in the area. Many are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays. Hours may be limited in low seasons.
Onward Trip 