Discover Altenrond and the Bernau High Valley

Altenrond features quite literally on a winter hike in the Bernau High Valley: the route crosses a country road here and then follows the Schliefeweg to the “Schliefe” fork. Across the wider landscape, extensive meadows and pastures, beautiful mixed forests and unspoilt moorland shape the natural and cultural landscape. If you are planning a trip, you will find a range of ideas for days outdoors: winter hiking, themed trails, scenic views and a cycling circuit.

Winter trail, forest and art stations

The winter hike in the Bernau High Valley crosses the country road in Altenrond and then continues along the Schliefeweg. As surface conditions vary in winter, take current conditions into account when planning your trip.

The Zauberwald Trail is located in the Taubenmoos nature reserve, south of the Oberlehen district. It is 2.5 kilometres long. Another trail idea is the Hans Thoma Artist Trail: this five-kilometre circular route runs near Oberlehen and includes seven art stations. They feature reproductions of paintings by Hans Thoma, which he painted at these locations more than 100 years ago.

Both themed trails are marked with their own signage along their entire routes. Their lengths and formats make them easy to compare: the Zauberwald Trail is 2.5 kilometres long, while the Artist Trail is a five-kilometre circular route. If you are interested in painting, the circular route also offers seven stations; the Zauberwald Trail is a separate option in the nature reserve.

High valley views and a choice of tours

Views are also a feature of the trails in the Bernau High Valley. From the Kaiserhaus–Hof Panorama Trail, you can look across the high valley and the wooded heights of the Southern Black Forest. On a clear day, the Swiss Alps are also visible. The panoramic circular route around Bernau, by contrast, begins with a narrow path through the forest; the view then opens up across the entire Bernau High Valley. This five-kilometre route follows the Albweg.

For a cycling trip, “enjoy&bike: Bernaus Hochtalsurfer | Die Bucklige” is another option. The cycling circuit is 36.2 kilometres long, making it considerably longer than the two themed hiking trails. You can first decide whether you want to focus on the art stations, the forest and nature reserve, expansive views or a cycling circuit.

Getting around and regional outings

To reach the Ankenbühl hiking car park, head uphill towards Kaiserhaus at the end of Altenrond. The starting point of the Kaiserhaus–Hof Panorama Trail is just a few metres from a bus stop. If you are planning to travel by public transport, check the current stop information in advance. Many well-known attractions around Bernau im Schwarzwald can be reached free of charge by bus and train with the KONUS guest card.

Bernau im Schwarzwald: nature and August events

In the wider destination of Bernau im Schwarzwald, the nature discovery trail features 15 play, storytelling and information stations for the whole family. It is a separate idea for families who would like to include playful and informative stops in their regional itinerary, alongside hiking trails.

Recurring events may also be worth considering when planning your trip: the Hans-Thoma-Tag is celebrated every year in Bernau im Schwarzwald on the second weekend in August. On the third weekend in August, Bernau hosts the Holzschneflertage and a nature park market each year. Dates and programmes may vary, so check the details for the relevant year.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

If you are looking for accommodation in Altenrond, first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay: the winter hike, art stations along the Hans Thoma Artist Trail, views across the high valley or cycling. For families, the nature discovery trail in the wider destination of Bernau im Schwarzwald may also be a factor in choosing where to stay. If the August events are on your wish list, include their dates in your plans.

For the wider travel overview: Bernau im Schwarzwald.