THE BLACK FOREST PANORAMA CYCLE TRAIL

There’s so much more to the beautiful Black Forest than pine trees. With peaceful lakes and meadows, traditional farmhouses and small villages, as well as the freshest air, it’s a terrific place to cycle. The Black Forest Panorama Cycle Trail (Schwarzwald Panorama Radweg) has five stages that take in breath-taking scenery as well as local attractions. From north to south, the paved bike path swoops across the low mountain ranges to Waldshut-Tiengen on the Swiss border, a total of 276 km / 172 miles. From Pforzheim, famous for its jewellery-making tradition, join the Enz Valley Cycle Path on the way to the spa town of Bad Wildbad and then Enzklösterle, known for its blueberries. Each day has highlights – and Höchstberg Mountain is one. At 1,084 m / 3,550 ft high, this is the highest point on the route! The reward for the climb is the glorious vista. Alternatively, from Bad Wildbad, you can climb 300 m / 1,000 ft effortlessly, by taking the Sommerberg funicular railway. Having pedalled past lakes and through villages, the final stretch is downhill to Waldshut-Tiengen. Celebrate with authentic Black Forest Cake (real cherries, thick cream and chocolate) and cheeses, sausages and home-baked breads from local farmers.

Start: Pforzheim, 1 hour west of Stuttgart.

Finish: Waldshut-Tiengen, 2 hours southwest of Stuttgart

www.schwarzwald-panoramaradweg.de