Discover Dobel: Forest Trails, Cycling and Local History

Dobel combines forest circular trails, geological discoveries and cycling routes with local history that can also be explored on foot. For families, the forest history adventure trail offers a specific point of interest; in winter, snow-dependent cross-country skiing opportunities are available too. If you are looking for a place to stay, you can first consider whether nature trails, cycling, cross-country ski trails or local history will be the main focus of your visit.

Forest Trails, Riddles and Rocks

The forest history adventure trail is a 5 km family-friendly circular route that starts at the edge of the forest. Information boards, a prize competition and play features accompany the route. Along the way, you can look at rocks, trees and plants; four adventure features add to the hike for children. The route thus combines observing nature with playful stops.

The 6 km GeoTour Dobel offers a different perspective: With riddles and an information brochure, it leads to the Volzemer Steine and shares interesting facts about rocks and geology. The start and finish are at the Dreimarkstein hiking car park near Dobel. You can also reach the Volzemer Steine via the Engel-Weg-Dobel, the Forest History Adventure Trail, Annis-Abenteuerweg Dobel and the Westweg. Dobel is the Westweg’s first stage destination.

The local history adventure trail explores Dobel on a circular route of about 8 km. Themed boards tell the story of the town’s development and share historical dates, geological findings and other insights. This sets the route apart from trails that focus on riddles, observing nature or the Volzemer Steine.

Cycling Routes with Different Profiles

The Kleine Mannenbach-Schabhausen loop is an easy 19.5 km cycling circuit. It passes Pfützenhäusle, loops around Reischacher Berg, continues to Eyachmühle, then via Dreimarkstein and Bad Herrenalb-Neusatz, before returning to Dobel. The 32.1 km Rund um Dobel cycling circuit is the longer option: It runs through forests, past a small pond and along valley meadows. It briefly passes through the town of Bad Herrenalb, then heads back to Dobel via Weithäusle, with views into the Eyachtal. The route lengths and descriptions can help you choose the right cycling trip for your day. Check the route details before setting out.

If you prefer to ride in a group, you can consider the Schwarzwaldverein Dobel cycling group. It meets every Monday from April to October; together, the group explores the area around Dobel by bike. Confirm the date with the club before taking part.

Cross-Country Skiing Depending on Snow Conditions

The three Wiesen circular ski trails in Dobel are each about 2 km long. Their short loops and gentle climbs make them especially suitable for beginners. One of the three forest trails is the approximately 3.5 km Zäunle trail: It is groomed when there is sufficient snow and is manageable even for cross-country skiing beginners. The Hummelstein trail is about 5 km long and intended for intermediate skiers; the 6.2 km Klötzbucke trail is suited to experienced cross-country skiers. Trail operation depends on snow conditions. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Local History and Views

The former Dobel water tower was built in 1937 and used to supply water to the higher-lying districts. Today it is an observation tower and a local landmark. From there, the view stretches in every direction; on clear days, the panorama extends from the Vosges to the Odenwald. If you are planning to visit the tower, check the visiting hours beforehand.

The history of the Marienkapelle has also remained visible in Dobel: It was built and consecrated around 1460. Only a few fragments with Late Gothic stylistic features remain. The present-day church was built in 1744 to replace the small, dilapidated chapel. Together with the local history adventure trail, it offers another way to explore the town’s development, alongside nature and activity routes.

The different route lengths and snow conditions offer different points of focus. This makes it possible to choose accommodation based on the experiences that interest you most in Dobel.

Discover more destinations: Schömberg, Bad Herrenalb, Höfen An Der Enz, Haiterbach, Unterreichenbach, Altensteig, Enzklösterle, Oberreichenbach.

Back to the overview of destinations: Calw.