Discover Forchheim on the Northern Kaiserstuhl

Forchheim lies on the northern edge of the Kaiserstuhl, in the fertile Upper Rhine Plain between the Black Forest and the Vosges. Local history, potato farming and routes through the Kaiserstuhl region give the town its distinctive character and offer different points of focus when planning a trip.

Traces dating back to the early Middle Ages

Forchheim was first mentioned in a document dated March 13, 762. A charter from Bishop Eddo of Strasbourg transferred the town to Ettenheimmünster Abbey. In 1803, Forchheim became part of Baden. These milestones give the town a long historical perspective: its story can be traced from the early Middle Ages to a major political change in the 19th century.

Cycling routes between wine villages and terraces

The Kaiserstuhl-Tuniberg travel region has more than 190 kilometers of signposted cycling routes. The Kaiserstuhl cycling network passes through wine villages and over vineyard terraces; along the way, there are viewpoints, culinary stops, rest areas and places to stop for refreshments. The regional cycling routes thus combine exploring the landscape with opportunities to pause and enjoy local food and drink. When planning your day, consider whether you prefer longer stretches on the bike or frequent stops at the various sites.

The Endingen Tourist Information Office is a point of contact for information and personal advice about cycling options in the Kaiserstuhl. Visitor information can change, so it is best to check before your trip. For specific cycling tours, also check the route and current conditions before setting out.

Explore nature and themed trails on foot

If you prefer to get around on foot, you can explore more than 400 kilometers of signposted themed trails and educational paths in the Kaiserstuhl and Tuniberg. Hiking routes in the Kaiserstuhl lead to European green lizards, wild orchids, loess hollow paths and rare bird species. The trails therefore appeal not only to nature enthusiasts: their themes range from plants and animals to the area’s distinctive landscape.

Named trails in the Kaiserstuhl include the Neunlinden Path. The Fruit and Wine-Growing Path is in Königschaffhausen, the Wine Education Trail in Kiechlinsbergen and the Herb Trail in Amoltern. The names offer clues to their different thematic focuses. Before setting out, check current trail conditions and choose routes based on the subjects that interest you along the way.

Potatoes as part of the town’s character

Potato farming also tells part of Forchheim’s story. By 1925, farmers had already planted potatoes on more than 21 percent of the town’s arable land. Longer-term reference figures for potato farming in Forchheim are 26 producers with around 120 hectares under cultivation, including about 15 hectares of early potatoes. Forchheim highlights potatoes as a local culinary specialty and emphasizes the variety of dishes made with them. Alongside cycling and hiking days, this focus adds a taste of regional food culture to your holiday plans.

Getting oriented and choosing a base

Forchheim is also accessible by Deutsche Bahn. The municipal travel website offers a downloadable town map and bus and train timetables. Check the current schedules and documents before your trip. If you are looking for accommodation in Forchheim, you can start by deciding whether local history and potato traditions or excursions on regional cycling and hiking routes should shape your stay. For specific tours, plan the route and conditions separately.

The wider region: Emmendingen

The wider Emmendingen destination offers a broader view of the district: it has 900 kilometers of cycling routes, 250 kilometers of which are signposted, as well as a network of 800 kilometers of hiking trails and tours. The district’s wine-growing areas are part of Kaiserstuhl and Breisgau and cover around 2,300 hectares. These regional figures complement Forchheim’s local history and potato culture with a broader perspective for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Waldkirch, Malterdingen, Emmendingen, Bahlingen, Riegel Am Kaiserstuhl, Biederbach, Sasbach Am Kaiserstuhl, Freiamt.

Back to the main travel overview: Emmendingen.