Black Forest Highlands heritage trail - mills and saws in the gorge
Medium
Breathtaking hike from Hinterzarten through the Löffeltal valley and the Ravenna gorge. A number of Black Forest Highlands cultural monuments can be discovered along the way, e.g. historic mills.
Tour details
Best time of year
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Specifics of the tour
Cultural highlihts
Path condition
This varied hike combines a visit to the Ravenna Gorge with lively Black Forest cultural history.
The trail leads through the idyllic Löffeltal valley with its historic saws to the traditional Hofgut Sternen estate, where craftsmanship, history and regional identity can be felt - even Goethe once stayed here. The Ravenna Viaduct and the wild and romantic Ravenna Gorge are impressive natural highlights.
The Black Forest Highlands Heritage Trail is like an open-air museum with cultural monuments. The Black Forest Highlands Heritage Trail Association is committed to preserving old crafts and listed buildings. The roots of Black Forest cultural history can be experienced and seen along the trail: evidence of rural life, historic buildings and traditional crafts tell of times gone by.
Each object has a very special aura and invites you to discover, explore and pause for a moment - a hike that impressively combines the experience of nature and Black Forest history.
Author's recommendation
Experience at first hand how special glass tubes are used to make stylish vases, oil lamps and decorative glass baubles of all kinds in the glass-blowing workshop at Hofgut Sternen.
Refreshments available:
Hofgut Sternen with glass blowing workshop
Höllsteig 76, Breitnau
Tel. 07652/ 9010
In 2 cosy, Black Forest-style rooms and a wonderful sun terrace, you can enjoy local specialities and international dishes.
Directions
You start this tour at the Kurhaus Hinterzarten. From here, turn right onto Freiburger Straße. Follow the mill wheel symbol on Freiburger Straße to Löffeltalweg in the direction of Löffeltal. Next to the railway line, walk down the Löffeltalweg to the Klopfsäge. Just a few minutes after the Klopfsäge, you will reach the Hochgangsäge. Continue along the Rotbach stream to the exit of the Löffeltal valley at the B31. You continue through the subway of the B31, pass the ropery and the Wohn-Mahl-Mühle (demonstrations every 1st and 3rd Sunday from May to 1st October between 11:30 and 15:30) and walk to Hofgut Sternen, where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spent the night. Here you have the opportunity to visit the glass-blowing workshop and the old customs house. The key to the St Oswald Chapel - the oldest parish church in the region - is available at the hotel reception. Behind the Hofgut Sternen, you will reach the highlight of the hike, the Ravennaviadukt, an impressive stone arch structure. Go through it and hike uphill through the wild and romantic Ravenna gorge, past a small lake until you reach the Großjockenmühle mill. At the next crossroads, turn left towards Ravennasäge. You then have the option of returning directly to Hinterzarten via the Birklehof school or following the mill wheel symbol. The path then leads you over the Rössleberg into the Hinterzarten high moor. Head back towards the railway station or alternatively towards Titisee to the Jockeleshofmühlensäge.
Equipment
We recommend sturdy shoes!
Safety information
In the Ravenna Gorge, the trail leads partly over bridges and steep steps, which can be quite slippery depending on the weather.
More information
"Schellsch halt mol": If you see a sign with this inscription on a front door or business along the way, it means that you are welcome to ring the doorbell and ask for information.
Ask for an idea for a detour or other favourite recommendations and get to know the area from the locals' perspective!