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Bannwald

Although the Black Forest is a managed environment, there are quite a few areas known as Bannwald (special protection areas) that are set aside for scientific study. They are neither managed nor cut, although if necessary the forestry service may clear obstructed trails. Thus, walkers should be especially careful of falling branches and other unsuspected dangers when entering a Bannwald. On windy days they are best avoided.

In protected areas (Naturschuzgebiet) special rules apply:

 keep noise down (ie no portable stereos etc)

 keep to the trails

 do not pick mushrooms

 do not collect stones or minerals

 do not feed the wildlife

 do not litter

 no open fires

 use official campsites

 do not remove plants or animals

 keep dogs on a leash

 do not fly model airplanes or kites.

Walking the Westweg

The Westweg leads from the northernmost outpost of the Black Forest in Pforzheim to Basel in the ‘tri-country corner’, where Switzerland, France and Germany meet. Starting in Pforzheim, the route follows the River Enz to Neuenbürg an der Enz, with its medieval castle towering above the town. From here it climbs up to the Dobel plateau. Although on the first day it takes a little while to leave civilisation behind, the second stage runs high above the towns and villages nestled in the valleys, with many beautiful, long-ranging views to the north and west. After passing through the nature reserve at Kaltenbronn, which protects the largest coherent upland moor in Germany, the trail heads down to the valley of the Murg, where the second stage ends in the picturesque town of Forbach.