Cycling in the Northern Black Forest

Cycling in the Northern Black Forest

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8 Days From

$998

Cycling in the Northern Black Forest

8 Days Starting and ending in Bad Wildbad, Germany

Visiting: Bad Wildbad, Freudenstadt, Hausach, Offenburg, Rastatt, Ettlingen

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

1017

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

Fit

Tour operated in:

English , German

Trip Styles:

Active

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $998

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure through the enchanting Northern Black Forest in Germany. Begin your journey in the historic spa town of Bad Wildbad, where you can unwind in the soothing hot springs. Pedal through picturesque landscapes, starting with a funicular ride to the Sommerberg Plateau, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Wildline suspension bridge. Traverse the Black Forest Panorama Cycle Path to Freudenstadt, and continue through the charming Kinzig Valley, home to traditional crafts and the iconic Bollen hat. Discover the half-timbered towns of Alpirsbach and Haslach, and explore the vineyards of the Ortenau region. Visit the baroque palaces in Rastatt and Ettlingen, and enjoy panoramic views from Schwanner Warte. Conclude your tour back in Bad Wildbad, enriched by the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. This tour is perfect for singles seeking a unique and active holiday experience.

Highlights

  • Arrive in the historic spa town of Bad Wildbad and relax in local hot springs and pools.

  • Take the Sommerbergbahn funicular train to Sommerberg Plateau and walk on the Wildline suspension bridge.

  • Cycle through the Kinzig Valley, home of the traditional Bollen hat, and visit the half-timbered town of Alpirsbach.

  • Explore the Dorotheenhutte in Wolfach to experience the traditional craft of making mouth-blown glass.

  • Visit Haslach, a town with Roman origins and well-preserved half-timbered houses.

  • Discover the historic and handsome spa town of Baden-Baden and its baroque palace, Schloss Rastatt.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest from Schwanner Warte near Straubenhardt.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Bad Wildbad

Location: Bad Wildbad

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Bad Wildbad

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in the historic spa town of Bad Wildbad. Take the opportunity to visit local baths such as Pailais Thermal or Vital Therme and relax in their hot springs and pools.

Day 2 : Bad Wildbad – Freudenstadt 52Km

Location: Freudenstadt

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Freudenstadt

Meals Included: Breakfast

After collecting the bikes, the day starts by taking the Sommerbergbahn funicular train (included) to Sommerberg Plateau where we recommend taking a walk on the tree-top walkway of Wildline suspension bridge for views of the surrounding hills and valleys of the northern Black Forest. From Sommerberg, cycle along the Black Forest Panorama Cycle Path to Freudenstadt.

Day 3 : Freudenstadt – Hausach 46Km

Location: Hausach

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Hausach or Wolfach

Meals Included: Breakfast

The route starts with a short climb and then continues into Kinzig Valley – the home of the traditional Bollen hat, still worn by some of the local people. The most strenuous part of the day ends when arriving in the half-timbered town of Alpirsbach. Famous for the beer of the same name and an ideal place for a lunch break. Continue on the Kinzigtal Cycle Path to Hausach and visit the Dorotheenhütte in Wolfach, where you can watch and try the traditional craft of making mouth-blown glass. Tonight, stay in Haushach or Wolfach, depending on hotel availability.

Day 4 : Hausach – Offenburg 40Km

Location: Offenburg

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Offenburg

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's route continues along the Kinzig River. Cycle to Haslach, a town with Roman origins and well-preserved half-timbered houses. The route continues via Steinach, Biberach, and Gengenbach before arriving at Ohlsbach, where the Kinzig Valley merges into the Rhine Plain. Continue past vineyards of the Ortenau region to arrive at Offenburg. Nestled on the Kinzig River, Offenburg is considered the gateway town to the Black Forest and also it’s wine region, and has a traditional baroque feel and historic centre.

Day 5 : Offenburg – Rastatt 60Km

Location: Rastatt

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Rastatt

Meals Included: Breakfast

The route leads over the foothills of the Black Forest Nature Park to the historic and handsome spa town of Baden-Baden. From there continue to today’s destination, Rastatt, where we recommend visiting its baroque palace, Schloss Rastatt.

Day 6 : Rastatt – Ettlingen 44Km

Location: Ettlingen

Accommodation Name: Hotel Watthalden or similar in Ettlingen

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start by cycling to Karlsruhe, where we recommend visiting Karlsruhe Palace. From here, continue to your last stop for the day in Ettlingen, with plenty of time to take an evening stroll through the historic centre or visit Ettlingen Palace and gardens.

Day 7 : Ettlingen – Bad Wildbad 34Km

Location: Bad Wildbad

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Bad Wildbad

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle out of Ettlingen on a route that goes through a forest road and slowly ascends until you get to Schwanner Warte near Straubenhardt. Schwanner Warte is a viewpoint which offers panoramic views of the Black Forest. From Neuenbürg, cycle in the opposite direction of the Enz River. This section of the river is popular for its whitewater rafting. In the rafting museum in Calmbach you can learn more about the region, where rafting has long been used as part of its forestry industry.

Day 8 : Departure

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast or extend your stay.

What's Included

  • Sommerbergbahn Funicular Train

    The tour includes a ride on the Sommerbergbahn funicular train to Sommerberg Plateau.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in various towns including Bad Wildbad, Freudenstadt, Hausach or Wolfach, Offenburg, Rastatt, and Ettlingen.

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included each day of the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not covered.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes cycling along the Black Forest Panorama Cycle Path and the Kinzigtal Cycle Path, with distances ranging from 34km to 60km per day. A funicular train ride to Sommerberg Plateau is also included, providing a unique start to your cycling adventure.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable accommodations in charming towns such as Bad Wildbad, Freudenstadt, Hausach or Wolfach, Offenburg, Rastatt, and Ettlingen, with breakfast included each morning. Experience the local hospitality and relax in well-appointed hotels after a day of cycling through the scenic Black Forest.

Check out our Q&As

  • What activities are included on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in the historic spa town of Bad Wildbad, where you can visit local baths such as Palais Thermal or Vital Therme to relax in their hot springs and pools.

  • What is a highlight of the cycling route on the second day?

    A highlight of the second day is taking the Sommerbergbahn funicular train to Sommerberg Plateau, where you can walk on the tree-top walkway of the Wildline suspension bridge for views of the surrounding hills and valleys of the northern Black Forest.

  • What cultural experience is offered on the third day?

    On the third day, you can visit the Dorotheenhütte in Wolfach to watch and try the traditional craft of making mouth-blown glass.

  • What is a notable feature of the town of Offenburg visited on the fourth day?

    Offenburg is considered the gateway town to the Black Forest and its wine region, featuring a traditional baroque feel and a historic centre.

  • What is recommended to visit in Rastatt on the fifth day?

    In Rastatt, it is recommended to visit the baroque palace, Schloss Rastatt.

  • What can you do in Ettlingen on the sixth day?

    In Ettlingen, you can take an evening stroll through the historic centre or visit Ettlingen Palace and gardens.

  • What unique viewpoint is visited on the seventh day?

    On the seventh day, you will visit Schwanner Warte near Straubenhardt, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Black Forest.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again.

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

Really poor experience with my...

30-Jul-2024

Really poor experience with my recent Tour Du Mont Blanc trip. Our company contact Pierre was so unprofessional and did not care about the safety of travelers. On the second day he left to do a hike and we didn’t hear back until multiple days later. I experienced multiple travel delays which meant the loss of the prepaid travel arrangements and their solution was a 250 euro taxi to the hotel. Do not recommend.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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