On this hike we went once again to the Black Forest in the direction of Bad Herrenalb. The days were already much colder and in the early morning frost could be seen on the meadows. At the beginning there was a quite steep ascent from a height of 400m up to a mountain with a height of 900m. From below the summit we had a magnificent view over the deep clouds or the fog in the Rhine valley. Afterwards the descent took place again. The route was 22 km long and was partly quite crowded.
In this video, I go on a hike around Bad Herrenalb, a spa town in the northern Black Forest (Nordschwarzwald) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Known for its healing waters, monastic history, and beautiful setting among forested hills, Bad Herrenalb is a perfect starting point for hiking. Trails here lead into the deep woods of the Black Forest, across ridges with wide views, and through valleys where rivers and streams shape the landscape.
Bad Herrenalb itself is steeped in history. The town grew around a Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century, and parts of the medieval cloister still remain. Today, it is best known as a spa town, but its location at the meeting of several valleys makes it a gateway to countless hiking routes. The surrounding landscape is classic Black Forest: dense woodland, steep slopes, quiet meadows, and streams tumbling through narrow gorges.
The hike begins in town and quickly enters the forests that define the region. Towering fir and spruce trees dominate the slopes, mixed with beech and oak in the lower valleys. Walking here feels immersive—the forest floor is soft with needles and leaves, the air is fresh and cool, and the light filters down in shifting patterns. Depending on the season, the atmosphere changes dramatically: spring brings blossoms and lively birdsong, summer offers deep green shade, autumn lights the hills with red and gold, and winter covers the trees in frost or snow.
One of the highlights of hiking around Bad Herrenalb are the panoramic views from the ridges. Trails climb steadily out of the valleys, opening up to clearings and viewpoints where the rolling hills of the Black Forest stretch out into the distance. On clear days, you can see beyond the forest into the Rhine Valley and even to the Vosges mountains in France. These high points provide perspective and reward after a climb through the woods.
The streams and small waterfalls in the valleys are another feature of the hike. Water is everywhere in the Black Forest, and near Bad Herrenalb, the Alb River and its tributaries create a network of lively waterways. Wooden bridges and narrow paths follow these streams, and the sound of flowing water is a constant companion. In winter and early spring, the streams run strong with meltwater, adding energy to the quiet valleys.
Cultural traces also appear along the trails. Wayside crosses, chapels, and small shrines are scattered through the forest, showing how closely connected this region has always been with both nature and spirituality. The monastery ruins in town are the most visible symbol of this connection, but throughout the hike, reminders of history and tradition appear in subtle ways.
The atmosphere of hiking around Bad Herrenalb is a mix of calm, discovery, and immersion in nature. It is not as crowded as other parts of the Black Forest, making it easier to enjoy solitude and silence. The combination of deep forest trails, wide ridge views, and quiet valleys gives the hike variety and richness.
Seasonal changes make the area rewarding year-round. In summer, the cool shade of the forest offers relief from the heat. In autumn, the colours are spectacular, with golden leaves glowing in the low sunlight. In winter, snow transforms the forest into a magical landscape of white stillness. Every visit brings a new experience.
This video captures the impression of hiking around Bad Herrenalb in the Black Forest: the forest paths, the ridges, the streams, and the atmosphere that makes this region so famous. It is not a detailed guide but a look at the beauty and character of one of Germany’s most iconic hiking regions.
For travelers, Bad Herrenalb is a perfect place to discover the essence of the Black Forest. Easily reachable yet full of authentic atmosphere, it combines history, nature, and culture in one destination. Whether for a short forest walk or a long hike across the hills, it is a place that offers calm, beauty, and inspiration.