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Water

The importance of plentiful hydration cannot be stressed enough. In general, the Black Forest is a water-rich area and there are many public water fountains. Unfortunately, they often display signs giving a warning that their water is not potable (‘Kein Trinkwasser’). What this usually means is that no-one actually comes to check the water on a regular basis to make sure it is safe for human consumption and thus, if you drink it, you do so at your own risk. To be on the safe side, fill your water bottle at your hotel or ask at a serviced hut, restaurant or farm.

Dangers and annoyances

As mountain ranges go, the Black Forest is quite ‘civilised’ and comparatively ‘easy’. Trails are well maintained and clearly marked and the nearest village is never more than a few kilometres away. Even so, don’t underestimate the mountains – however bucolic they may seem!

If the weather suddenly turns you may be lucky and find a shelter hut nearby, but if you get caught in a raging thunderstorm be sure to avoid seeking shelter in the observation towers (which were built at the top of many hills in the region about 100 years ago to provide views above the tree cover, and which are therefore rather vulnerable to lightening strikes!). On windy days falling branches can become dangerous projectiles, and after heavy rain mudslides and falling rocks can make hiking treacherous.