Westweg – Westvariante

The Westweg is one of Germany’s classic long-distance walks. Its red diamond has linked Pforzheim with Basel since 1900, tracing the heights of the Black Forest. The roughly 285 km western route reveals the region from north to south: wooded hills between the Enz and Murg, open upland ground, the Kinzig valley and finally the high summits of the southern Black Forest. The northern stages climb towards Dobel, cross the deeply cut Murg valley at Forbach and reach the heights around Hornisgrinde and Mummelsee. Open heathland adds a spacious, almost northern character to the forest scenery. Farther south the route descends into the Kinzig valley, then climbs again beyond Hausach. Around Wilhelmshöhe and Brend, woods alternate with meadows and scattered farms before Titisee introduces another familiar landscape. From here the western branch continues through Hinterzarten and over Feldberg. Belchen and Blauen provide further mountain highlights on the way towards the Markgräflerland and Basel. Clear days bring views well beyond the Black Forest, with the Alps appearing on the southern horizon. Basel’s bend in the Rhine gives the journey an urban ending after many days among trees, open sky and mountain pasture. The twelve official stages provide a useful framework. Long days, repeated valley descents and weather on exposed ridges require stamina and flexible planning. Snow and wind can affect high ground outside winter, too. Accommodation and food stops are spread among villages, mountain inns and farms; match supplies to each day. Designated trekking pitches can support a tent-based itinerary where their locations fit, subject to booking and seasonal access. Railway connections at Pforzheim and Basel make the logistics of this linear walk easier.