7 Autumn Hikes in Baden-Württemberg

The moderately Genießerpfad Durbacher Weinpanorama premium hiking trail offers breathtaking panoramic views amid charming scenery. Durbach, Baden’s most highly awarded wine-growing community, cultivates outstanding Riesling and Pinot wines across 460 hectares of vineyards. The 15-kilometre walk leads through deep forests and along narrow vineyard lanes, past sun-drenched vinesbathed in sunlight and glowing yellow and red in autumn on the way to numerous viewpoints. Stop for a rest at the ruins of St Anton’s Chapel or enjoy a refreshing glass of wine at the Schloss Staufenberg winery while taking in the sweeping views across the valley.

Belchen, the third-highest mountain in the Black Forest, attracts numerous visitors with its spectacular 360-degree views. In good weather – and with a little luck – you can even see the Zugspitze, 240 kilometres away. The 15-kilometre Genießerpfad Belchensteig trail takes experienced hikers up Belchen and back down again. It was named Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail in 2020 – and deservedly so.

After crossing magnificent high plateaux and tackling steep sections on the way to the summit, hikers are rewarded with glorious views of the surrounding landscape. This is particularly special in autumn, when the nearby mixed deciduous forests glow red and yellow. Those who find the climb too challenging can simply take the cable car to the top and still enjoy the exceptional views from above.

The 8.5-kilometre Donaufelsengarten circular trail takes hikers through the Danube Valley in the south-western Swabian Alb. Following narrow, unspoilt paths through open mixed beech forests, you will discover wonderful viewpoints such as the Teufelsloch and Rabenfelsen rock formations. Their sheer cliffs make these viewpoints particularly spectacular – and a real test of nerve for anyone without a head for heights.

The trail is especially beautiful in autumn, when the green valley and its coniferous forests contrast with the hills around the Teufelsloch, ablaze with shades of red and yellow. If you still have time and energy after this half-day hike, round off your day in one of the nearby towns or villages in the Danube Valley – perhaps with a visit to Sigmaringen Castle.

The 200-kilometre-long Albtrauf escarpment separates the high plateau of the Swabian Alb from its foothills and reaches a height of 1,000 metres in places. Explore this impressive and moderately challenging landscape on the 12.9-kilometre hochgehadelt premium hiking trail.

Sweeping views across the Alb foothills await before the hike has even begun. The route then follows the Albtrauf through limestone beech forests to the Gelber Fels viewpoint. From there, it winds its way up to the Swabian Alb plateau and the ruins of a former robber barons’ castle. The final section descends to the foot of the Swabian Alb before leading through traditional orchard meadows and back to the starting point.meadows.

There is plenty to discover in the region away from the lake too. Over the course of almost 15 kilometres, the trail follows picturesque woodland paths, crosses numerous clearings and offers breathtaking views. In clear weather, the Gehrenbergturm, a 30-metre-high observation tower along the route, offers views of Mainau Island as well as the Bavarian, Austrian and Swiss Alps.

Just beyond the tower, the trail reaches the so-called Rutsche, which adds a little thrill to the hike. The edge of the 30-metre drop is unfenced, so caution is advised. Woodland paths then lead to the Linzgaublick viewpoint, where a reclining swing provides the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the scenery. After the hike, those with time to spare can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town of Markdorf.

The Herrenbachtal-Weg is an easy, accessible circular trail around Herrenbach-Stausee, a reservoir in the wooded valley between Schorndorf and Göppingen. The lake is particularly atmospheric in autumn, surrounded by colourful woodland. If you fancy stopping for something to eat, walk around the lake clockwise: you will soon reach the Herrenmühle inn, which is a great choice for regional dishes.

A family-friendly forest discovery trail circles the lake, with twelve activity stations where children can learn about local plants and animals. Culture enthusiasts can also take a detour to Adelberg Monastery, built in 1178 and home to the impressive St Ulrich’s Chapel.

The Hohenlohe Plain lies in north-eastern Baden-Württemberg, between the Bauland region, the Frankenhöhe uplands and the Swabian-Franconian Forest. Narrow valleys carved out by the Tauber, Jagst and Kocher Rivers and their tributaries criss-cross the region. One of these tributaries is the Bühler River. On its course, the Bühler passes Vellberg, an officially recognised health resort and the start and finish of this hike.

This easy, 12-kilometre circular trail repeatedly enters the neighbouring nature reserve, which is home to many rare species of beetle and bird. Information boards along the themed trail offer fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna. Before or after the hike, it is well worth exploring the 500-year-old town of Vellberg, with its beautifully restored old town and the Unteres Schloss, the town’s historic castle.