Menzenschwand to the Herzogenhorn

The second-highest peak in the Black Forest after the Feldberg and its subsidiary peaks, the Herzogenhorn is far less well-known than its neighboring mountain opposite, and therefore considerably quieter. The view, however, is almost even more impressive: From here, the view sweeps across the Feldberg, and on a clear day, you can see the Alpine peaks all the way to Mont Blanc, as well as the highest peaks of the Vosges Mountains beyond the Rhine Valley.

This loop from Menzenschwand is challenging, but still manageable for a mountain hike. From the starting point at the Mösle parking lot, you hike through the idyllic Krunkelbach Valley until you turn around at the Kriegsbach stream and ascend to the Krunkelbach Saddle. From here, you enter the mountains of the High Black Forest with their expansive alpine meadows and magnificent views.

After two more short but steep sections, you reach the 1,415-meter-high summit of the Herzogenhorn and can enjoy a well-deserved break with a panoramic view. On the descent, you'll pass another, slightly lower peak, the Grafenmatt, before descending into the Alb Valley and reaching the town of Feldberg. The Menzenschwander Hut invites you to take a rest here.

Now you'll follow the Menzenschwander Alb downhill. Along the way, you'll pass several small waterfalls and the so-called Menzenschwander Kluse, where the stream carves its way through the terminal moraine of a former Feldberg glacier. If you have some time, a short detour to the impressive Menzenschwander Waterfalls is worthwhile before you return to your starting point in the valley floor.