Gravel biking in the Black Forest: "Great! But where to go, what to do, where to sleep?"

Cuckoo clocks, Bollenhüte hats, cherry cake, smoked ham and lots of dense, dark forest - these are the Black Forest clichés. Beautiful clichés. True clichés. Because we need home and landscape, peace and quiet and a chance to breathe in an increasingly confused world. The Black Forest in the south-west of Germany is regarded as the Canada of Germany. A miniature British Columbia. Without bears and dangers, but with inns and snack huts. Canada light. Ideal for a time-out. Ideal in summer. Ideal for gravel biking and gravel packing. Because there really is one thing in abundance in the Black Forest: Forest tracks full of the most beautiful gravel.

Ideal terrain: not too flat, not too steep

The Black Forest presents itself as the ideal terrain for gravel-packing enthusiasts with four demanding three-day tours that combine natural adventure and sporting challenge. These routes, which lead through both the southern and northern Black Forest, offer you the opportunity to explore the diverse landscape on your gravel bike during the day and round off the day by the campfire in one of the trekking camps in the evening. The tours are not signposted on site, but designed for digital navigation, giving you maximum flexibility and an authentic outdoor experience.

Hardcore or not so hardcore?

On these hardcore-style gravel-packing tours, you carry all your own equipment for the overnight stay and catering. This requires careful planning and the right balance between necessary equipment and weight optimisation. We recommend lightweight tents, compact sleeping bags and efficient cooking utensils that have been specially developed for bikepacking adventures. High-energy, light snacks and freeze-dried meals that are easy to prepare are suitable for catering on the go. Don't forget to take enough water with you and find out about refuelling options along the route. And not so hardcore? Well, the gastronomy in the Black Forest is world-famous. There are inns everywhere. Perhaps a small diversions is necessary. There are also plenty of springs and fountains to ensure you don't fall off your bike dehydrated.

Overnight stay in trekking camps

A special highlight of these tours are the overnight stays in the trekking camps. These specially equipped sites offer you the opportunity to spend the night in the middle of nature without having to do without basic infrastructure. The camps can be booked via the trekking-schwarzwald.de website and usually offer fireplaces, basic sanitary facilities and sometimes even shelter. It is important that you plan and book your overnight stays in advance, as capacities are limited and the camps are often fully booked quickly, especially in the high season.

The tours: something for everyone!

Tour 1: Brooks & waterfall

The first tour, entitled "Bächle & Wasserfall", takes you from the famous Bächle in Freiburg to the highest waterfall in Germany in Triberg. This circular tour offers you an impressive variety of landscapes and sights over three stages. You will tackle challenging metres in altitude, ride on gravel paths through dense forests and enjoy low-traffic side roads with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Highlights of this tour include the Linachtal dam, an impressive example of modern hydropower technology, the majestic Triberg waterfalls and the Breg spring, the source of the Danube.

Tour 2: Feldberg & Schluchsee

The second tour "Feldberg & Schluchsee" starts in Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest, and takes you on a three-day round trip to some of the highest elevations in the region. On your gravel bike, you will climb the Schauinsland and Feldberg, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Black Forest. This route lets you experience the idyllic Upper Black Forest up close. A special highlight is the opportunity to cool off in the Schluchsee, the largest lake in the Black Forest. Beer lovers can make a stop at the Rothaus brewery, where you can enjoy a refreshing Zäpfle. The route leads along well-maintained forest tracks as well as quiet, tarmac side roads, making it ideal for gravel bikers who appreciate variety.

Tour 3: 3 valleys & far-reaching views

The third tour "3 valleys & panoramic views" promises an unforgettable adventure through the picturesque valleys of the northern Black Forest. This three-day gravel bike tour takes you through the Achertal, Renchtal and Kinzigtal valleys, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and impressive views. Every steep climb is rewarded with magnificent views that will make the heart of any nature lover beat faster. The route offers a perfect mix of challenging climbs and enjoyable descents as you explore the diverse landscape of the northern Black Forest.

Tour 4: 7 in 1 go

The fourth and final "7 in 1 go" tour starts in Rastatt and takes you through the varied landscape of the deep northern Black Forest. The special thing about this circular tour is that it connects seven exciting lakes. This route offers you the opportunity to explore the unique water landscape of the northern Black Forest and experience the diversity of the region. It is important to note that this tour is only recommended from 1 June for nature conservation reasons. This ensures that you can enjoy nature in its full splendour without disturbing sensitive ecosystems.

Preparation and navigation

Thorough preparation is essential for all four tours. As the routes are not signposted, it is important that you have a reliable GPS device or a smartphone with a corresponding navigation app. Download the tracks in advance and make sure that your devices have sufficient battery life or take a power bank with you. Find out about the current weather conditions and adapt your equipment accordingly. It is also advisable to carry spare parts and tools for minor repairs, as you will be far away from bike shops or workshops on some sections.

Further information:

Trekking camps: - Booking: Via trekking-schwarzwald.de - Facilities: Fireplaces, simple sanitary facilities - Special feature: Pre-booking required

Tours: - Number: 4 three-day tours - Regions: Southern and northern Black Forest - Navigation: Digital tracks, not signposted - Difficulty level: Demanding

Tour "7 in 1 go": - Start: Rastatt - Special feature: Connects seven lakes - Recommended start time: From 1 June (nature conservation)

Equipment: - Required: Complete camping and catering equipment - Recommended: GPS device or smartphone with navigation app - Important: Sufficient water, spare parts, tools

What else might interest you:

+ Mini adventure: From Munich to Freiburg on a gravel bike
+ Gravel biking with a motor? Sensible or rubbish? The new Simplon
+ What a load of rubbish: Greetings while graveling