Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach: Waterfalls, Hiking Trails and Culture

Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach lies in the Wolftal at elevations between 400 and 900 meters. Water, rock formations and hiking trails lend the landscape distinctive features; forest education and culture offer other experiences. If you are planning a trip, you can start by considering whether nature trails, viewpoints, learning experiences or history should be the focus of your days.

Lake, Waterfall and Rocks

Glaswaldsee lies in a nature reserve and is a glacial cirque lake carved out of Bunter sandstone. Its formation and protected location make it a special natural destination. Burgbach Waterfall plunges more than 32 meters over a rock face and is considered one of Germany’s highest free-falling natural waterfalls. At Kastelstein, you can see a striking Bunter sandstone rock formation: this natural monument lies at an elevation of 823 meters.

Burgbachfelsen also combines a trail with a viewpoint. A winding path and steps lead up; a shelter at the rock formation offers panoramic views. If you would rather experience the landscape on a longer circular route, consider the Klösterle Loop. This eight-kilometer premium hiking trail runs around Klösterle Bad Rippoldsau to Burgbach Waterfall. Two pavilions at Schießhüttele and Burgbachfelsen offer views.

Hikes with Different Profiles

The Augenblickrunde Wolftal in Schapbach is listed as 9.6 kilometers long, with a total ascent of 360 meters. The Augenblick Loop follows the Wolf, climbs Kupferberg with views of the upper Wolftal and returns via Löchle. The two distance figures provide a useful comparison of route lengths; elevation gain is specified for the Augenblickrunde Wolftal. Check local trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

Another destination for an outing is the AugenBlick viewpoint. It cannot be reached directly by car; a short walk leads there from the Kupferberg parking lot. Take this walk into account when planning your day, and check local parking conditions before setting off.

Forest Knowledge and More Experiences

The Wald-Kultur-Haus in Holzwald offers forest education courses on the geology of the Wolftal, forest habitats and aquatic ecology. Visitors can identify tree species using tree cross-sections and examine bark composition under a stereomicroscope. Alongside exploring the landscape on foot, careful observation and discovery are also at the heart of the experience.

The Alternative Wolf and Bear Park Black Forest in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach has paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are also forest tracks with steeper inclines. If you need accessible paths, check the conditions before your arrival.

Local History and Pilgrimage

Rippoldsau was first mentioned in a document in 1179, and Schapbach in 1222. Both settlements were formerly owned by the Fürstenberg family. Another historic site is the Mater Dolorosa Church with the former monastery in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach. It is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site with neoclassical architecture; its historical roots go back to a Benedictine priory dating from the 12th century.

Getting There and Regional Highlights

Schapbach can be reached by bus from Hausach or Freudenstadt on routes 7266 and F13. On weekends, a leisure bus also runs from Hausach through the Wolftal to Kniebis. As timetables may change, check your connection before traveling.

In the wider destination of Freudenstadt, the market square is a highlight in its own right: it is Germany’s largest market square and features 50 fountains and arcades. Experimenta in Freudenstadt adds another option for families: the hands-on museum invites visitors to try things out and take part.

This allows you to compare accommodation according to your planned travel style.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bad Rippoldsau, Pfalzgrafenweiler, Schopfloch, Kniebis, Dornstetten, Waldachtal, Glatten, Horb am Neckar.

Back to the main travel guide: Freudenstadt.