Russell Hafter Holidays - Walking Holidays in Germany

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For enquiries about any of these holidays		Please Telephone 01946 861652		[ Home ]

The Black Forest The Black Forest is not, as its English name might suggest, a single forest; rather it is the name given to a hilly region some 100 miles from north to south and some 45 miles from east to west. About 60% of the land is covered in woodland, so there is much open country too. Much of the land lies at over 3000 feet, while the tops of the hills rise to around 4500 feet.



The open country of Northern Black Forest is mainly heath and moorland, while to the west, overlooking the Rhine Valley there are excellent vineyards.

The Southern Black Forest, by contrast, is a landscape of hill farms dotted among the sometimes dense forests. Here is where you find the highest hills and, arguably, the more dramatic scenery.



For the UK based walker, the Black Forest will be the best known of all the prime walking areas in Germany. The Black Forest Society created the first Long Distance Footpaths in the first decade of the 20th century, and 65 years before the Pennine Way opened in England. Equally, the Black Forest is the original home to the concept of the walking tour where your luggage is transferred for you.

Much more recently the Black Forest has led the way with "KONUS", a local initiative that grants all visitors free use of local public transport. All walkers on one of our holidays have completely free use of buses and local trains from their arrival until the end of the day they leave.



The forested hills are cut by deep valleys which provide a dramatic contrast to the long ranging views from summits. Everywhere there is superb walking. Note: Hotels in the Black Forest do not normally have twin rooms The following holidays are currently available:-
Walking Tours The Red Deer Trail A Walk Around the Feldberg The Baden Red Wine Tour Single Centre Holidays Hinterzarten Schluchsee Tailor Made Holidays Other Walking Tours Further Single Centre Holidays Not what you were looking for? Please ask us about an alternative holiday or telephone 01946 861652

On the Trail of the Red Deer

Walking tours of seven or three days in the Northern Black Forest

A walking tour through the nature reserves and woodland of the Northern Black Forest, to the north of Freudenstadt. The route includes both the largest area of upland moorland in the whole of Germany and the Mummelsee Lake, both the highest and largest lake in the area, dating from the ice age.

Evenings are spent in superior hotels (all except one 4*) with their own indoor swimming pool. Many also offer a range of spa treatments and saunas. The hotel restaurants offer high quality international and local cuisine, and one hotel has a restaurant which holds a Michelin Star.

If you want to combine your walking with luxury, good food and relaxation, this is the holiday to choose.

Detailed route and price information for the Red Deer Trail

A Walk around the Feldberg

Walking tours of nine, seven or five days

The full walk of around 100 miles along routes created by the Black Forest Society allows you to explore the exciting and highly attractive landscape of the Southern Black Forest in the best possible way. The route includes both the Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest, and the Belchen, the summit offering the finest views, as well as romantic valleys before ending on the shores of the Titisee, the finest natural lake in the Black Forest.

On this walk you stay in up to nine, mostly family owned and run hotels. One is next door to a brewery, others are in villages, or high on the hill. All are do their best to make your visit to this part of the Balck Forest an unforgettable experience.

Detailed route and price information for the Walk Around the Feldberg

The Baden Red Wine Tour

Gentle walking tours of six or four days

This holiday on the western edge of the northern Black Forest is in an area renowned for good food and fine wines, as well as romantic watermills and villages full of beautiful flowers. Explore the vineyards and untouched woodland on easy walking routes. Suggested distances are between 5 and 9 miles per day, but can be more or less than this; just as you want!

As you walk, enjoy the view over the Rhine Valley and on arrival in each wine growing village your host host greets you with the local red wine. Here walkers of all abilities will find true relaxation from the stresses of modern life.

Detailed route and price information for the Baden Red Wine Tour

Hinterzarten

A six day single centre holiday

Hinterzarten has a unique situation. Approaching through the dramatic Höllental (The Valley of Hell), you come to a peaceful town that has been recognised many times as one of the most beautiful in the Black Forest. Hinterzarten is a perfect base for exploring the Feldberg massif to the south, the beautiful lake of Titisee to the east or the Ravenna Gorge to the west. For a complete change of scene and pace, the facinating city of Freiburg is within easy reach by the frequent rail service, which is completely free to use during your stay.

The path network is dense, allowing you to undertake a range of walks of different lengths. You are also welcome to join in the guided walks arranged almost daily by the local tourist office.

Detailed information about this Holiday in Hinterzarten

Schluchsee A six day single centre holiday The southern Black Forest is scattered with a number of attractive small towns. These may be busy during the day, but are peaceful in the evening. The small spa town of Schluchsee is the perfect base for a relaxing holiday in the southern Black Forest. Set on the shores of the largest lake in the Black Forest, some 3100 feet above sea level, the town is sheltered by the high ridges of the Feldberg massif to the north, but is open to the warmth of the south. This ideal situation creates a most agreeable climate and a well deserved reputation for sunshine.



There are miles of footpaths, ranging from gentle walks around the lake and in the gentle hills to the east, to the more demanding routes climbing the heights of the Feldberg to the north and west. Even in winter over 35 miles of paths are kept clear so that you can enjoy walking in the clear winter air.

Detailed information about this Holiday in Schluchsee

Other Walking Tours

We can arrange walking tours elsewhere in the Black Forest. Perhaps you fancy a fairly easy walk along the Ortenauer Wine Path in the north or the Wiiwegli (local dialect for 'The Wee Wine Trail') in the south? Or exploring the dramatic gorges of the River Wutach, following the Schluchtensteig? For the serious long-distance walker there is the possibility of walking part or all 175 miles of the Westweg, the original long distance path. We can arrange a full package of accommodation, baggage transfer and maps; what we cannot provide are a detailed route description in English.

For more information on other walking tours in the Black Forest (or, indeed, anywhere else in Germany, please phone 01946 861652.

Further Single Centre Holidays

We can arrange single centre walking holidays in many places in the Black Forest. A package will consist of accommodation in a hotel that welcomes walkers, travel from the UK, maps and brief walk suggestions (though not detailed route descriptions). Free local bus and rail travel will also be normally included.

To enquire about tailor making a single centre holiday elswhere in the Black Forest, please phone 01946 861652.

For enquiries about any of these holidays		Please Telephone 01946 861652		[ Home ]
[ Contact Details ]	[ Financial Security ]	[ Info on Walking ]	[ Maps & Guides ]	[ Walking Index ]

The Black Forest

On the Trail of the Red Deer

Walking tours of seven or three days in the Northern Black Forest

A Walk around the Feldberg

Walking tours of nine, seven or five days

The Baden Red Wine Tour

Gentle walking tours of six or four days

Hinterzarten

A six day single centre holiday

Schluchsee

A six day single centre holiday

Other Walking Tours

Further Single Centre Holidays