Discover Schenkenzell: Castle Ruins, Monastic History and Trails

Schenkenzell combines a striking landmark with traces of history and trails through the Black Forest landscape. Schenkenburg Castle Ruins tell the story of the town; hikes and cycling tours offer a different perspective on the surroundings. When planning your trip, you can choose between cultural experiences and active days.

Castle Ruins and Monastic History

Schenkenburg Castle Ruins are Schenkenzell’s landmark. Another historical focal point is the district of Wittichen: there, in 1324, Luitgard founded a hermitage with 33 sisters. Only the Long Building and the Baroque church remain of the former monastery. These two buildings recall the former monastic complex, though not all of it can still be seen today.

St. George’s Chapel in Schenkenzell-Kaltbrunn also has a long history: it was first mentioned in 1275 in a list of parishes belonging to the Diocese of Constance. The chapel can be used for funeral services and private occasions such as weddings, baptisms and other Christian celebrations. Coordinate its use with the relevant contacts.

Hiking Trails and Cycling Tours

At Staufenkopf, hiking trails lead via Rinkenbach, Wanne or Sattellege to the 683-metre-high summit. The Staufenkopf barbecue hut sits above Schenkenzell. The Rossberg Reservoir Tour starts in town: it begins at the town hall, goes via Wittichen to the Kleine Kinzig Reservoir and returns to Schenkenzell.

If you prefer mountain biking, consider the 21-kilometre Bettelmännle Tour. It starts and ends in Schenkenzell, passing through woodland and over hills, with repeated views of the Black Forest’s characteristic landscape. The routes therefore differ in more than just their mode of transport: this tour combines a specific distance with changing scenery. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Kinzigtal Way of St. James and the Kinzigtal Rafting Trail also pass through Schenkenzell. The town is the first stage destination on the Way of St. James, along the approximately 16-kilometre section from Loßburg to Schenkenzell. The Rafting Trail reaches Schenkenzell railway station via former rafting weirs, then continues to Schenkenburg Castle Ruins and Schiltach. Its total distance of around 33 kilometres is divided into the Loßburg–Alpirsbach section, at approximately 11 kilometres, and the Alpirsbach–Wolfach section, at approximately 22 kilometres. When comparing the distances, note what each figure covers: around 16 kilometres refers to the section of the Way of St. James, while around 33 kilometres refers to the entire Rafting Trail. Check the current trail signage before setting out as well.

Getting There and Planning Your Accommodation

Schenkenzell is on the Offenburg–Freudenstadt railway line and can be reached by the Ortenau S-Bahn, which serves Schenkenzell station. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Culture in the Wider Rottweil Destination

In the wider Rottweil destination, the Unteres Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum offers its own perspective on cultural history. It presents salt production in original buildings, with original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps. The museum also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Wilhelmshall Saltworks, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise.

At the Dominican Museum, the “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section takes visitors through a day in Roman Rottweil on 4 August 186 AD. The day unfolds from the forum in the morning through public and private engagements to a feast in the evening; reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. Rottweil thus offers further cultural and historical themes alongside the monastic and castle history that characterises Schenkenzell itself.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hardt, Deißlingen, Lauterbach, Dunningen, Schramberg, Bösingen, Epfendorf, Fluorn-Winzeln.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Rottweil.