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Comprising a total area of about 6000km2 (about a third of the size of Wales), the region has an excellent infrastructure for walkers: about 23,000km of well maintained, waymarked trails, a very efficient public transport system and just enough conveniently placed benches, huts and farmhouse inns – often located in beautiful settings – offering not only physical sustenance, but also nourishment for the senses.

The Westweg

Despite the fact that tourism development in the region started more than a hundred years ago, hospitality retains an authentic ‘home-grown’ feel. In part this is due to the early pioneering efforts of the Schwarzwaldverein. Founded in 1864 by a small group of innkeepers, the ‘Schwarzwaldverein’ (Black Forest Association) made it their task to promote and preserve the region’s cultural and natural heritage, and to promote its appreciation by making it more accessible to tourists. They set to work immediately. Their very first project was to establish a long-distance walking trail right across the entire length of the Black Forest that was to incorporate as many of the region’s highlights as possible.