Wittnau: Vineyards, Forest and Baroque Culture

Wittnau lies seven kilometers south of Freiburg in the Hexental valley, on a broad saddle between Schönberg and the Black Forest. Vineyards and forests shape the slopes. The distinctive hills of Hasenbuck, Großer Buck and Kapuzinerbuck are still used for viticulture. All three offer sweeping views across the Rhine Plain toward Freiburg; how far the views extend depends on the weather and vegetation. Wittnau is therefore a destination for travelers who want to experience its landscape and local history together.

Nature, Trails and Views

Numerous hiking trails in Wittnau are signposted. Two sections of the Schönberg Nature Trail meet near the Unterer Schönberghof inn; you can hike them together or separately. The church in Wittnau is one access point to the trail, which is considered suitable for family outings. Another route runs from Wittnau near the church to the outskirts of Bollschweil: via the Kuckuckspfad to the Berghauser Chapel, then back along the Schönberg slope. The practical difference lies in how the routes are laid out: the two sections of the nature trail can be hiked separately or together, while the route to Bollschweil passes several named waypoints.

The Hexental adventure trail offers a regional hike along a historic route: about ten kilometers from Au to Bollschweil. On the Au section, information boards explain the forest ecosystem, animals, tree species and forestry. You can also spot twelve life-size carved forest animals along the trail. Wittnau’s cycling network is also considered well developed and suitable for all skill levels. Routes, signage and facilities may change; check the latest local information before setting out.

Historic Center and Alemannic Culture

The historic center includes the church, town hall and schoolhouse and forms Wittnau’s political, religious and cultural hub. The church, built in 1795, is considered the last Baroque church erected in the Breisgau. The town’s name also has deep roots: the first recorded mention of Wittnau appears in 786 in the records of the Abbey of St. Gall. Wittnau maintains Alemannic customs through regular performances and the annual Alemannentag, featuring Alemannic singer-songwriters and dialect poets. If you are planning your trip around the Alemannentag, check the dates and program in advance. This lets local history and Alemannic culture become part of the same trip as hiking and taking in the views.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Wittnau can be reached by bus route 7208 from Freiburg and Bad Krozingen; check the latest timetable before traveling. Wittnau is a suitable search destination if these are the themes you want to shape your trip. In the wider Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald travel region, many places can be reached by train; with the free KONUS guest card, you can use local trains and buses throughout the Black Forest at no charge.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sulzburg, Feldberg, March, Eichstetten am Kaiserstuhl, Breitnau, Ehrenkirchen, Heitersheim, Kirchzarten.

Back to the main travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.