Hofsgrund: High-Altitude Location, Schniederlihof and Herb Trail

Hofsgrund combines its high-altitude setting, the historic Schniederlihof and seasonal activities. The Herb Experience Trail adds another dimension: local herbs and medicinal plants, which you can also learn about on guided tours and in seminars. You can tailor your stay to the landscape, history, nature or winter sports.

Hofsgrund at High Altitude

Most of Hofsgrund lies at elevations above 1,000 metres, stretching from the summit of Schauinsland south to the Notschrei Pass. This geographical setting shapes how you find your way around the area. For planning purposes, it helps to consider the different experiences by their focus: the Schniederlihof represents history, the Herb Experience Trail offers knowledge about plants, and the ski lifts provide seasonal winter sports.

Schniederlihof and Mining History

The Schniederlihof was built in 1593 and opened as a museum in 1972. This historic building is a specific place to visit if you are interested in the area's history. From the church in Hofsgrund, a signposted, easy-to-walk footpath leads 750 metres to the farm.

The Schauinsland Mining Museum offers another historical perspective. Its network of mine workings was created over more than 800 years in the search for silver, lead and zinc. At around 100 kilometres long and spread across 22 levels, it is the largest in the Black Forest and the Vosges. It also encompasses the mining periods typical of metal ore mining. The Steiber Research Group operates the Mining Museum. If you are planning a visit, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Trails and Herb Experiences

The Herb Experience Trail starts around 300 metres past the Mining Museum, passes the English Monument and the Eaton Cross, and continues to the Schniederlihof. Guided tours and seminars on the diversity of local herbs and medicinal plants are offered along the trail. These include two- and three-hour tours from May to October. Tour dates may change, so check the latest schedule if you are planning for a particular day.

The footpath from the church to the Schniederlihof and the activities on the Herb Experience Trail offer different experiences. The route to the farm is 750 metres long and described as easy to walk; the herb tours last two or three hours. This information can help you distinguish a short walk from a scheduled themed activity when planning your days.

Winter Sports and Equipment Rental

During the winter season, the Hofsgrund ski lifts offer winter sports on the 1,284-metre-high Schauinsland, with four lifts. Lift operations are seasonal. There is also a sports shop in Hofsgrund that rents ski and snowboard equipment; rental availability may also vary by season. If winter sports are an important reason for your trip, take these seasonal offerings into account when choosing your travel dates and check current conditions in advance.

More Experiences in the Wider Oberried Destination

The wider Oberried destination offers additional, distinct nature and cultural experiences. The Felsenweg quality hiking trail is 12.2 kilometres long and leads from Oberried through a rocky landscape at an altitude of around 1,000 metres down into the St. Wilhelm Valley. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Dreisam Valley and Schauinsland, Stübenwasen and Feldberg. The Erlenbach Pasture Educational Trail explores how grazing livestock enriches and maintains the cultural landscape, thereby helping to preserve particularly protected habitats.

Cycling and local traditions are also among the activities in the wider Oberried destination: the “Schädelwäg” mountain bike trail is suitable only for experienced mountain bikers, as it includes steep sections that cannot be bypassed. The cattle drive is the traditional highlight of Alemannic Week in Oberried.

Choose the Right Base for Your Stay

Return to the wider destination overview: Oberried.