Bad Herrenalb loop on the Albtal.Abenteuer.Track

!Notice! Westweg diversion between Weithäusleplatz and Kreuzlehütte:
The Westweg is diverted here due to logging operations. In the Langmartskopf (Kreuzlehütte) area, the trail rejoins the regular route. The diversion is well signposted! Please note! Danger to life exists within the closed areas! The diversion runs along the Seemißweg, Dürreychweg, and Lerchensteinweg forest roads.
The expected and foreseeable duration of the closure will be announced later.

The first stage of the Albtal.Abenteuer.Track, with its more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain, is quite challenging. But in return, you can expect plenty of exciting trail sections and magnificent views – and the trail through the wilderness can be a bit strenuous. The 26-kilometer hike is designed as a circular route. The starting point is at the train station in Bad Herrenalb.

You leave the spa town and immediately head uphill. At first, you'll hike along a wide forest path, then the adventure track seemingly turns into the middle of the forest, so keep your eyes peeled for the markings. At times, you'll hike quite steeply up the forest, and the path is often only vaguely visible. If you ever lose sight of the trail, just keep going uphill. At one point, the trail is so steep that a few ropes will help you scramble. You'll negotiate roots, rocks, and fallen tree trunks on your way up.

Once you reach the top, you'll be on the Westweg. You'll follow the popular long-distance trail for a few kilometers, passing beautiful viewpoints along the way. Enjoy the magnificent view over the Northern Black Forest and the Rhine plain—you've more than earned it.

At the Hahnenfalz Hut, you'll leave the scenic Westweg and hike back down a narrow path into the Alb Valley. Shortly after, the trail climbs back uphill, with a few more meters of elevation to conquer. You zigzag your way back uphill. Enjoy the peace and the spicy scent of the dense forest. As the trees open up again, you'll have a fantastic view of the distance you've already covered. Time to take a short breather. But the view gets even better. The flat trail continues along a rocky path to the Teufelsmühle (Devil's Mill). From here, the Rhine plain practically lies at your feet. The viewpoint is over 900 meters above sea level and offers a stunning panorama. You can refresh yourself at the neighboring hiking lodge.

From now on, it's all downhill – and quite steep in places. Back down in the valley, it's not far until you see the first houses of Bad Herrenalb again. You walk past the outdoor pool and continue to the town center. Around the spa gardens, you'll find several options for a well-deserved rest.