Best mountain passes around Sexau are found in the central Black Forest region of Germany, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous mountainous peaks. This area offers scenic routes and a variety of outdoor activities. While not traditional high-altitude road passes, the region features elevated routes and prominent peaks that provide experiences comparable to visiting a mountain pass. These locations offer panoramic views, extensive hiking, and mountain biking trails.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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A pass for cars, bikers come down to the pass, and then it's straight back up again on the other side. There's a good restaurant here, with a terrace in the summer 😜
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The other way around is also very nice to drive. At the top, at the height around Ottoschwanden, you can drive really quickly on the very well-developed road due to the small differences in altitude and you have a great panorama the whole time (provided the weather is good). And I love the descent to Ettenheimmünster.
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The sign says 18%. Yes, I just made it.
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18% says the sign. I feel like there are even more *lol*
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The incline is moderate, but about 10km long. The surface is ..... So it's best to go up here and not down.
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The road to the top of the pass is very steep on both sides. At the top it goes left and right on rough gravel similarly steep.
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From Ettenheimmünster up to the Streitberg you drive easily uphill on a wide, excellently paved route with a very moderate incline. From the high point of Streitberg, it goes down a few meters to the crossroads, where you can either turn into the Bleichetal or Schuttertal. If you continue to follow the route in the direction of Freiamt, it's a few meters uphill again and then winding and slightly downhill to Ottoschwanden, where you turn off in the direction of Reichenbach and can complete the section at high speed with a little more gradient. The route is fun to drive very smoothly, with beautiful views and very moderate climbs in between. However, thanks to good roads and many beautiful curves, it is also very popular with motorized two-wheelers, which can sometimes spoil the enjoyment a bit.
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The region around Sexau offers several challenging ascents. The Gscheid Pass is known for its very steep uphill sections, with peaks reaching 16-18% gradient from multiple directions. Another tough climb is the Kandel Ascent from Waldkirch, a 12-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 8.2%, considered one of the most demanding in the southern Black Forest. The Geisberg Southeast Ascent from Schweighausen also features steep ramps, sometimes up to 12%.
For stunning panoramic views, consider visiting the Lindenbühl Viewpoint, which offers a wonderful vista of the Kandel mountain and has benches for resting. The Streitberg Pass Viewpoint also provides great views along its well-paved route. Additionally, Kandel Mountain itself, Hünersedel with its observation tower, and the Rosskopf Tower near Freiburg are all renowned for extensive views of the region, the Rhine plain, and even the Vosges mountains.
Yes, for a less strenuous experience, the Streitberg Pass Viewpoint offers an easy uphill drive on a wide, excellently paved route with a very moderate incline, providing beautiful views without extreme effort. The Lindenbühl Viewpoint, while having some steep sections, serves as a nice alternative to the Gscheid Pass and rewards visitors with great views and resting spots.
The area around Sexau's mountain passes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For detailed routes, explore the Running Trails around Sexau, Gravel biking around Sexau, and MTB Trails around Sexau guides.
Absolutely. The mountainous areas like Kandel Mountain and Hünersedel offer extensive hiking trails. For example, the Kandel summit provides excellent views and is a popular destination for hikers. Hünersedel features trails like the circular tour to Hünersedel, showcasing varied landscapes. You can find many more options in the Running Trails around Sexau guide, which includes routes like the 'Elz River Path – View of Sexau Valley loop'.
Mountain biking is very popular in the region. Kandel Mountain is a significant destination, with routes like the 'Kandel tour via Schwarzenburg-Langeckhütte-Damenpfad'. Hünersedel is also popular for mountain biking, offering varied landscapes. Near Freiburg, the Rosskopf Tower serves as a starting point for officially built mountain biking trails, including 'Baden to the Bone' and 'Boarderline Downhill'. For more routes, check the MTB Trails around Sexau guide.
Yes, Kandel Mountain, a prominent peak near Sexau, is a popular destination for climbers. It offers numerous routes of varying difficulty on the Great Kandel Rock. The rock quality is noted as excellent, and routes are generally well-secured, making it a good spot for climbing enthusiasts.
While some passes are challenging, there are family-friendly options. The Streitberg Pass Viewpoint is categorized as family-friendly, offering an easy and scenic route. The Lindenbühl Viewpoint also provides a pleasant experience with benches for resting, making it suitable for families looking for views and a gentle walk.
The Black Forest region around Sexau is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your activity. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and biking with vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, though some challenging climbs can be strenuous. Winter can be picturesque, but conditions on higher passes may require specific gear or be inaccessible due to snow and ice.
Yes, some locations offer amenities. Near the Lindenbühl Viewpoint, there is a well-frequented restaurant called 'Linde'. The Gscheid Pass also has a Gasthaus Gscheid, providing a welcome stop after a challenging climb. Many towns and villages in the Black Forest region offer cafes and pubs.
Many popular spots, like Kandel Mountain, offer sufficient parking spaces and bus access from nearby towns such as St. Peter. While specific public transport details for every pass vary, the region generally has good infrastructure. For example, the Streitberg Pass Viewpoint is easily accessible by car on a wide, well-maintained road. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific trailheads.
Visitors particularly appreciate the challenging climbs and the rewarding panoramic views. The steep ascents of passes like Gscheid Pass and Kandel Ascent from Waldkirch are highly rated by cyclists. The scenic viewpoints, such as Lindenbühl Viewpoint, are loved for their vistas of the Kandel mountain and the Black Forest. The variety of routes, from challenging climbs to smooth, scenic drives, caters to diverse outdoor enthusiasts.


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