Menzenschwand: Winterhalter Culture, Village History and Nature

Menzenschwand brings together a range of interests: the painter brothers Franz Xaver and Hermann Winterhalter are at the heart of its cultural heritage, the Old Village Church tells the story of the village’s past, and the cross-country ski trail and waterfalls offer different ways to explore nature when planning your trip.

Winterhalter Culture and the History of the Village Church

The Winterhalter Trail opened on 14 June 2025. At 3.4 kilometres long, it runs through and around Menzenschwand and includes nine stops. It traces the lives and extensive body of work of the painter brothers Franz Xaver and Hermann Winterhalter. Both were born and raised in Menzenschwand. Le Petit Salon is also dedicated to the brothers. Those interested in artists’ biographies will find a connection here between their lives and their origins.

The Old Village Church in Menzenschwand was built in 1687–1688 as the Catholic parish church of St. Martin. It was handed over to the Protestant parish in 1976 and consecrated as the “Church of the Redeemer” in 1978. During restoration work from 1976 to 1978, old ceiling and wall paintings were discovered beneath several layers of paint; they were uncovered after the restoration. The church’s history thus brings together changing uses and rediscovered paintings.

The Winterhalter Association holds film evenings, concerts, exhibitions and readings in the Old Village Church. The specific event programme may vary. For your planning, this means that the church is not only notable for its architectural and restoration history, but is also a venue for these different events.

Cross-country Ski Trail and Waterfalls: Two Nature Experiences

The Mösleloipe I is an easy classic-style circular route starting in Menzenschwand Hinterdorf. It runs mostly over level ground and is therefore suitable for beginners. Seasonal use depends on snow conditions. Its starting point, route type and difficulty are clearly defined, while actual use remains dependent on snow.

The Menzenschwand Waterfalls offer a different nature experience: they are a special highlight of the Menzenschwander Geißenpfad. For trip-planning purposes, the two can be distinguished as follows: the Mösleloipe I is a classic circular route whose use depends on snow conditions; the waterfalls are a highlight of the Geißenpfad.

A Separate Look at the Wider Destination of St. Blasien

The wider destination of St. Blasien focuses on its own themes of architecture, garden culture and walking routes. St. Blasien Cathedral, also known as the “Black Forest Cathedral”, was consecrated as an abbey church in 1783 and at the time had the third-largest church dome in Europe. The central domed space has a diameter of 36 metres; the height from the floor to the apex of the dome is also exactly 36 metres. Here, the same measurement describes both the width of the space and its height to the top of the dome.

The Sanagarten is a gem of garden design and a testament to St. Blasien’s glamorous past and its tradition as a spa town. The park was created between 1923 and 1925 as a promenade garden for the former lung sanatorium. It is considered an outstanding example of representative garden architecture from the 1920s. The St. Blasien Cathedral Trail is a circular route that uniquely combines nature and history.

St. Blasien also has practical points of reference for visitors: the weekly market takes place every Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the square in front of the Sparkasse. Check the current opening hours before your visit. By car, you can reach St. Blasien via the B500 expressway from Titisee, Schluchsee and Häusern, or via Aha on Schluchsee and Menzenschwand. St. Blasien is accessible year-round from Seebrugg railway station by SBG bus services; check the current timetable for your journey.

Choose Your Focus for Finding Accommodation

Blasien. For any specific accommodation, check whether its location suits your plans.

For the wider travel overview: Sankt Blasien.