Discover Höchenschwand: Trails, Wolves and Stories

Between legends, wolf-related themes and Black Forest ham, Höchenschwand reveals different sides of the Black Forest. The municipality lies within the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve; a tower at the nature sports centre offers panoramic views, while several trails explore stories and nature-related themes. The range of options is useful when planning a trip: a circular trail with stations offers a different focus from a longer wolf-themed route or a place to learn about an artist’s life.

Hiking trails with different themes

The Höchenschwand Legends Trail is a circular route of around 9 km with 11 stations. At these stations, children learn various legends, while adults receive historical information. In this way, the trail brings together two perspectives: stories for children and historical insights for adults. If you are looking for an outing that explores a theme at several stops, the Legends Trail offers a clear framework.

At just under 22 km, the Wolf Trail offers a longer route. Hikers can learn interesting facts about wolves along the way. The trail approaches from Waldshut-Tiengen, passes through districts of the municipality of Weilheim and continues to Höchenschwand, symbolising the path of the wolf returning from Switzerland. The two routes thus differ both in length and content: one focuses on legends and historical information at its stations, while the other is a hike with a connection to wolves.

The health-climate hiking trails are assessed according to physiological and therapeutic criteria. Their level of exertion is graded, among other things, according to trail length and gradient. So when choosing a route, it is not just the themes that matter, but also specific features of the trail. The Pirsch Path was designed especially for children, who can spot various forest animals along the way. The Ham Trail, meanwhile, follows the tracks of Black Forest ham, a well-known emblem of the Black Forest.

Artists’ history and views

Culture also has a specific place in Höchenschwand: Christian Gotthard Hirsch’s Malerhäusel served as both his home and his studio. The Christian Gotthard Hirsch Malerhäusel Museum offers insights into the artist’s life and work. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening hours in advance.

For a different view of the surrounding area, the Rothaus-Zäpfle Tower at the nature sports centre offers panoramic views. Together with the municipality’s location within the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve, it provides a scenic highlight alongside the cultural and historical themes. When planning, you can therefore choose between a trail focused on stories or nature and a cultural outing, without every trip having to be the same.

Places to take a break along the way

In the centre of Höchenschwand, there is a playground next to the mini-golf course by the Haus des Gastes. On the outskirts of town, there are two public barbecue areas: one by the cross-country ski trail building and one at the Kreuzstein hiking car park. Fire restrictions may apply due to weather conditions; check the current rules before barbecuing.

When looking for accommodation, you can start by thinking about the kind of outings you want to include: Would you like a themed trail to shape your day, are you interested in the artist’s history, or would you like to plan a hike on the Wolf Trail, which is just under 22 km long?

Nearby, the Waldfreibad Häusern/Höchenschwand outdoor swimming pool is located in a wooded area on the B 500 between Häusern and Höchenschwand. Check whether it is currently open before planning a visit. In the wider Waldshut destination, the history of the ferry connection between Waldshut and Switzerland goes back more than 600 years.

Discover more destinations: Lottstetten, Hohentengen am Hochrhein, Jestetten, Wutach, Ibach, Altenburg, Rickenbach and Sankt Blasien.

Back to the wider travel overview: Waldshut.