Best mountain peaks around Merzhausen are found at the western edge of the Southern Black Forest, serving as a gateway to the Hexental valley. This geographical position provides direct access to the Schönberg mountain and proximity to other significant peaks in the Black Forest. Merzhausen functions as an excellent starting point for mountain excursions, offering diverse hiking opportunities. The region features a variety of elevated natural attractions, from local hills to higher Black Forest summits.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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The Schlossbergturm is a 33.27 meter high observation tower on the Schlossberg. The Schlossberg Tower was erected in 2002 by the Board of Trustees on the Salzbüchslekuppe. For the construction, the architect used 100-year-old Douglas fir trunks from the local Ottilienwald, which fell over due to the severe hurricane Lothar in 1999. The long logs were twisted around the steel staircase. In honor of all donors who made construction possible in 2002, their names were placed on the face of the 153 steps to the top of the tower and can be read when climbing the tower. However, the natural construction with the tree trunks was repeatedly attacked by fungi and pests in the years that followed. In July 2015, the dilapidated logs were finally removed after several rescue attempts. After the tower was inaccessible for a long time, it was finally renewed in 2017 by the board of trustees and the donations they collected. In this step, the tree trunks were replaced by a reliable steel construction. The cost of the renovation was 192,000 euros, but the city expects the galvanized steel pylons to last 100 years. Source: https://www.kuratorium-schlossberg.de/eip/pages/schlossbergturm.php
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A great highlight. Nice to combine with a short hike on the Schloßberg. The tower is easy to reach from the old town. However, you should be good on foot. After a steep climb, you reach the tower via at least 200 steps 😏
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After waiting for almost two hours (due to technical problems) we were allowed to drive to the summit on October 19, 2021. Here is a time-lapse of the entire journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoJWv-GPRDA
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Kybfelsen Castle or Kyburg is the name given to the minimal remains of an earlier castle or defense system that was located south of the Kybfelsen mountain peak on a rock massif of the same name. The remote location at around 820 meters above sea level on this rock massif between Günterstal and Kappel is now a popular excursion destination, with a great view of the Breisgau Bay and Günterstal. Almost nothing is known about the origins of the castle and its end. A written mention comes from the chronicle of Matthias von Neuchâtel from the 14th century, where it is already shown as a ruin. A district plan from the 18th century still shows considerable rubble. The first excavations took place in the 1920s, where finds from the 12th and 13th centuries were discovered. It is concluded that the castle was probably abandoned at the end of the 13th century. Possible residents include relatives of the Counts of Kyburg, a noble family whose main power was in what is now northern and eastern Switzerland. However, it is more likely that it is a coincidental similarity of names. Source: https://www.alemannische-seiten.de/deutschland/freiburg_burg-kybfelsen.php
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You have to see this view. It's great when the fog clears in the morning and hangs around the mountain.
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Nice lookout rocks with a view in different directions. There are various ways to the Kybfelsen, including some less frequented ones 🦊
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You can hike, cycle or drive up the Schauinsland. However, the ride on the 90-year-old cable car is unbeatable. Even at the valley station, you feel like Pan Tau walking into a 1:87 building on the model railway. You can also buy it at the summit station 👍
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Merzhausen offers access to several highly-rated viewpoints. The View from Kybfelsen provides a great perspective of the Breisgau Bay and Günterstal from around 820 meters above sea level. For magnificent 360-degree views of the Black Forest, Freiburg, the Dreisamtal, Kaiserstuhl, and the Vosges, visit the Rosskopf Tower. Another excellent spot is the Schlossberg Tower, offering lovely views over Freiburg and its surroundings, extending to France on clear days.
Yes, the region offers family-friendly options, particularly around Schauinsland. The Schauinslandbahn mountain station is accessible via a cable car, which is an experience in itself and provides comfortable access to higher elevations. Blankets are even provided in winter. From the mountain station, you can explore the area and enjoy the views, making it suitable for families.
Merzhausen is an excellent starting point for diverse hiking opportunities. You can find trails ranging from easy to moderate. Popular routes include the 'Schönberg summit – Schneeburg Ruins loop' and the 'View of Freiburg – Schönberg summit loop'. These trails offer panoramic paths and varied vegetation. For more options, explore the Hiking around Merzhausen guide.
For expansive panoramic views, Schauinsland and Feldberg are highly recommended. Schauinsland, often called 'Freiburg's local mountain,' reaches approximately 1,200 meters and offers breathtaking vistas, accessible via its famous cable car. On clear days, the Schauinsland Observation Tower allows views into the Vosges and the Swiss Alps. Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest at 1,493 meters, can offer views stretching from the Alps in Austria to Mont Blanc on exceptionally clear days.
Yes, you can combine your mountain excursions with historical exploration. The Schönberg area features the historic Schneeburg ruins, which are often included in hiking routes like the 'Schönberg summit – Schneeburg Ruins loop'. Additionally, the View from Kybfelsen is located near the minimal remains of an earlier castle or defense system, with findings from the 12th and 13th centuries.
The most prominent elevated natural feature directly adjacent to Merzhausen is the Schönberg, reaching a summit of 644 meters. It offers diverse hiking opportunities directly from the municipality. The Schneeberg, with a summit elevation of 512 meters, is another peak often included in hiking routes that start from the Merzhausen area, frequently in conjunction with the Schönberg.
Beyond hiking, the region around Merzhausen offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can find various routes for touring bicycles and road cycling. Explore options like 'Eduardshöhe (859 m) – View from Geiersnest loop' or 'Staufen Castle Ruins – View from Schauinsland loop'. For detailed routes, check the Cycling around Merzhausen and Road Cycling Routes around Merzhausen guides.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views and diverse natural landscapes. The panoramic vistas from points like the Rosskopf Tower and the Schlossberg Tower are frequently highlighted. The variety of hiking trails, from leisurely walks on the Schönberg to more challenging routes in the wider Black Forest, also receives high praise. The komoot community has shared over 2100 photos and given more than 3300 upvotes to the area's highlights.
Yes, while not directly in Merzhausen, Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest at 1,493 meters, is a notable excursion destination easily accessible from the wider Freiburg region, including Merzhausen. It's known for its impressive height, the glacial lake Feldsee at its base, and the popular 'Feldbergsteig' hiking route.
Yes, some mountain areas offer facilities. For instance, the Schauinslandbahn mountain station provides amenities, and there's a mountain restaurant that is highly recommended. Near the Rosskopf Tower, you might find a small hut suitable for bivouacking on multi-day tours, and it's a perfect spot for a quick snack or a beer at the grill.
The region offers enjoyable hiking experiences across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with autumn foliage being particularly beautiful. Summer is ideal for longer hikes and enjoying the views, while winter offers opportunities for winter hiking, especially on trails around the Schönberg and potentially higher peaks like Schauinsland or Feldberg, though conditions should be checked for snow and ice.
Many trails in the Black Forest region are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore with your canine companion. The Schönberg, with its diverse hiking opportunities directly from Merzhausen, is generally suitable for dogs. When planning your trip, always ensure your dog is on a leash where required and respect local wildlife and other hikers.


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