4.7
(211)
898
hikers
05:20
18.3km
470m
Hiking
Hike the difficult 11.4-mile Pretzel hiking trail in Solingen, gaining 1533 feet with views of the Sengbach reservoir and Schloss Burg.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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2.12 km
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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3.98 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
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10.1 km
Highlight • Bridge
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14.8 km
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18.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.8 km
3.07 km
2.21 km
695 m
531 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.74 km
4.34 km
3.15 km
2.23 km
1.52 km
382 m
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Elevation
Highest point (270 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
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Weather
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Today
Monday 11 May
11°C
3°C
39 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
This trail is categorized as a 'hard hike' due to its length of approximately 18.3 kilometers (11.4 miles) and significant elevation changes, with over 467 meters (1,532 feet) of ascent. It typically takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes to complete and requires a very good level of fitness and sure-footedness.
The trail features a varied terrain, including sections of gravel (6.74 km), asphalt (4.34 km), unpaved paths (3.15 km), natural trails (2.23 km), and paved sections (1.52 km). Be prepared for several ascents and descents. Good, sturdy footwear is essential, as some parts can be very muddy, especially after rain.
You'll experience breathtaking natural beauty, winding through green forests and rolling hills. Key highlights include a Field Path to the Reservoir, fantastic views from the View of the Sengbach Dam, and the historic Wiesenkotten Bridge over the Wupper River. You can also enjoy a View Towards Hünger, glimpses of Schloss Burg, and the impressive Müngsten Bridge in the distance.
The trail typically starts in Solingen Burg. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, Solingen Burg is conveniently accessible, and you can often find parking in the vicinity. It's advisable to check local parking options before your visit, especially on busy weekends.
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it passes through varied terrain and potentially near roads or other hikers, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash. Please also ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the natural beauty of the area.
The trail is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. In spring, you'll see fresh greenery, while autumn brings spectacular colors. Summer can be warm, so an early start is recommended. Winter hikes are possible but require appropriate gear for potentially muddy or icy conditions.
Yes, the Pretzel hiking trail is part of the 'Bergisch parade trails' and integrates sections of several other prominent routes. These include the (B) Brezelweg (Rund um Burg), the (S) Klingenpfad, the X19 Schlösserweg [Solingen], and the Bergischer Weg, among others.
No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to hike the Pretzel hiking trail or other public paths within the Naturpark Bergisches Land. The park aims to be accessible to everyone. However, always respect local regulations, stay on marked paths, and leave no trace.
Given its 'difficult' rating, length, and significant elevation changes, this trail is not recommended for beginners or families with young children. It requires a good level of fitness and experience. There are many other, easier trails in the Solingen area that would be more suitable for a family outing or those new to hiking.
The trail earns its distinctive name because its route forms a large loop around Solingen Burg and the Wupper River, resembling the shape of a pretzel. This unique routing also connects to the local tradition of the 'Burg pretzel,' a sweet treat often enjoyed with coffee in the region.
Yes, as the trail starts and ends in Solingen Burg, you'll find various facilities, including cafes and restaurants, in the town. This makes it convenient to grab a snack, a meal, or a refreshing drink before or after your hike.
Before we set off on the hiking trail, we first went to the Bergische Zwieback Manufaktur and got the burgers🥨. They are delicious 🥰
Everything was there – beautiful autumn colors, the art market at Burg Castle, sunshine, a brief shower, and even a rainbow as a parting gift! 🤗 By the way, I've never tried the real Burg pretzel, the one made with sweet dough. I'll have to take a closer look to see if they might be offered at the café in front of the castle. I've already tried delicious rusks and gingerbread, but pretzels... aren't they a must on a tour like this?!
Sunday, October 19, 2025 9:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Today, I was on the Solingen Pretzel Trail. With a slight modification, I started in Unterburg, so I first went up to Burg Castle. It was quite pleasant to quickly warm up to operating temperature in the morning chill. I continued up past the castle before continuing on more beautiful paths through the forest. Now along the Sengbach Dam and further along beautiful paths down to the Wupper River. The paths and scenery continued to improve; there were already a lot of people out and about today. Along the way, I was able to enjoy some wonderful views, the weather was also improving, and it wasn't so gloomy anymore. Back at the parking lot in Unterburg, it was a nightmare. Traffic jams in half the town, and parking spaces were in high demand. So I left quickly. I highly recommend the Pretzel Trail; you can't really go wrong in this area. The only thing I don't recognize here is a pretzel. 😀
The burger pretzel is delicious! Unlike the lye pretzel, it is made from sweet dough and is often “zopped” in coffee to be eaten. The pretzel hiking trail around Burg owes its name to her. Beautiful tour. I'd love to do it again and preferably in the snow again. It was a relief to trudge through the snow.
Today I was out in Solingen with my hiking buddy Steffen. I've already done parts of the "Brezelweg" a few times, but after I saw it again at @Ela, who hikes in the same team as me for www.motionhilft.de, I decided to complete it completely. We started at the free parking lot in Unterburg and then up to Burg Castle, where the Brezelweg starts. Beautiful passages, past the Sengbachtalsperre and some good climbs make the tour interesting. The sun even appeared in between, which made it even more beautiful and at the end there was of course the Bergische waffle at Burg Castle ;-) IMPORTANT NOTE: Since March 1st My 4th heart project is now running in favor of the Child Protection Association. Here is more information about it: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1422518609 During the period from 01.03. I look forward to your donation until May 10, 2024 to the following bank details: Child Protection Association Willich IBAN DE09 3205 0000 0000 2231 80 Please as intended use “Kerry Way Heart Project” Thank you for your support and have a nice evening everyone. #markusSupertramp
https://www.ich-geh-wandern.de/brezel-wanderweg-solingen Nice hike in a great area! 😀
The SGV's Brezelwanderweg (B) actually goes clockwise and is about 700m longer. Since I didn't want to go through sections twice and the start was still in the same direction, I just went the other way around 🤷♀️. Apart from the first 2 major climbs and the last descent, it is a very leisurely route. The three climbs mentioned are narrow and quite slippery in the current weather, but are still very easy to do.
https://www.ich-geh-wandern.de/brezel-wanderweg-solingen Parking fees castle car park: €1.80 per hour / €12 max. per day