Simmersfeld: Trails, winter and local history

Simmersfeld combines 90 kilometers of signposted hiking trails with a snow-dependent network of cross-country ski trails and a remarkable local history. Specific places to visit include the water-treading facility in the Köllbachtal and St. John’s Church, whose reconstruction preserved an unusual chancel. This offers different ways to plan your trip: enjoy the outdoors, plan winter activities or discover historical details.

Hiking trails, cycling routes and a destination in the Köllbachtal

Simmersfeld has 90 kilometers of signposted hiking trails. There is also a family cycling route and a route for more athletic cyclists. Both are signposted.

One specific destination for an outing is the water-treading facility in the Köllbachtal. You can reach it on foot or by bicycle by following the Köllbachweg downhill. The facility and the routes offer different starting points for days outdoors.

Winter activities on different scales

The municipality’s network of cross-country ski trails totals 39.5 kilometers: 37.5 kilometers of classic trails and 2 kilometers of skating trails. Most of the network is therefore made up of classic trails; the shorter skating route provides a second designated option. There is also a 250-meter-long toboggan run between Lift I and Lift II. The two offerings differ considerably in scale: a network of trails for cross-country skiing and one clearly located toboggan run. Both depend on snow conditions. Check local conditions before you travel.

Church history and traces in the landscape

St. John’s Church was rebuilt on the same site from 1886 to 1889. The unusual chancel of the previous building was retained. The church therefore brings together two phases of construction: its reconstruction in the late 19th century and a defining feature of the older building. If you are interested in local history, you will find a specific detail here that goes beyond a simple date.

The Schnaitbach forms where its two source streams, the Zugbach and the Wolfsbach, meet at the bend in the valley on the road from Simmersfeld to Fünfbronn. Nearby, the Schnaitbachtal lies on the border between the districts of Calw and Freudenstadt. Remains of Schildeck Castle, the Schildmühle grain mill and six sawmills can be found there. These landscape and historical points add another perspective to the local history, focusing on streams, mills and castle ruins.

More experiences in the wider Calw destination

The wider Calw destination also offers ideas in its own right. In Nagold, the ruins of Hohennagold Castle on the Schlossberg still contain the foundations of various buildings in the castle’s inner ward dating from the 12th century. In Schömberg, the barefoot park features a trail about 800 meters long with more than 20 different materials. As the park operates seasonally, check whether it is open during your travel dates before visiting.

Families with children may also enjoy the Haiterbach nature trail, which presents information about trees and their leaves, as well as the geology of the quarry, in a child-friendly way. At the animal long-jump station, visitors can compare the jumping power of different animals. Alongside landscape and history, these offer further themes combining nature observation with hands-on learning.

The wider Calw destination also has a culinary side. At the coffee roastery in Calw, visitors can experience coffee with all their senses and learn more about the coffee bean. In Ebhausen, the Backhausfest takes place every year on the first weekend in May; the program includes tastings of onion tart and wood-fired bread from the local bakehouses. If you plan to attend the festival, check the date for your travel year.

Choose a focus for your accommodation search

These themes can help guide your travel plans without requiring every destination to play the same role. You can then choose specific accommodation based on what matters for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schömberg, Rohrdorf, Neubulach, Calw, Nagold, Bad Herrenalb, Althengstett, Dobel.

Back to the wider travel overview: Calw.