BEAUTIFUL EXCURSIONS IN AND AROUND
HERZOGWEILLER IN THE BLACK FOREST
The Black Forest is simply beautiful. Endless forests, impressive mountain ridges, clear lakes, lush green meadows, picturesque views and... pure nature.
I know - as a native of the Black Forest, I'm perhaps not quite as objective as I should be when looking at my home. But I'm sure once you've been here you'll see it the same way!
There are so many wonderful things to do in the area. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski or celebrate summer festivals here. There is always something new to see and discover. You can find the current program on the website Black Forest Tourism.
And then I have put together my personal favourite places and excursions for you here. Due to our children, excursions have to be accessibility and here are six of my favourite destinations that are wonderfully suitable for visitors with and without wheelchairs.
TIP 1:
Kniebis – Ellbachsee view
A trip to Ellbachsee platform is a relaxed hike for adults, children, seniors and wheelchair users. After a wonderful walk in the forest (there are several paths to choose from) you come to an accessible viewing platform with a fantastic view over Lake Ellbach and the beautiful central valley with the Hornisgrinde mountaintop in the background.
From above, the quiet, dark Ellbachsee sometimes seems enchanted. It is one of 12 remaining cirque lakes in the northern Black Forest and a remnant from the Ice Age.
At that time, huge glaciers and boulders slid down the valley and an enormous depression was created that filled with meltwater and water from streams and springs. That's also how the Ellbachsee was formed.
Kar lakes are habitats for many endangered plants and animals and there are a lot of legends and stories about these lakes, which somehow have something mysterious about them.
When you've had your fill, the Kniebishütte is a good place to stop off.
Here you can sit in a rustic and cozy restaurant and eat really tasty food.
Wheelchair accessibility
As a stroller tour it is also ideal for wheelchairs.
The route can be easily extended as there are trails for cross-country skiing and therefore many paved paths directly in the forest.
The Kniebishütte is completely accessible and has a disabled toilet.
TIP 2:
Hiking in Herzogsweiler
There is a wonderful hiking route right on our doorstep - the Waldachtal circular hiking trail 11.
A beautiful hike that leads through meadows, forests and idyllic villages. The entire circular route via Cresbach and back takes approximately
3 hours and is an easy walk.
You can have a nice stop at the Hotel Panorama in the Waldachtal. Homemade cakes are served on the terrace or in the cozy cafe.
Or you can stop at the Gasthof Waldeck for a hearty snack or delicious ice cream.
And then of course there is Cafe Brünz with its irresistible cakes...
A nice day trip that will bring you home completely relaxed.
Wheelchair accessibility
Suitable for adults and children. Wheelchair users require powered assistance and/or an outdoor wheel.
TIP 3:
Grandfather fir
Another favourite place of ours is the Grandfather fir, which is located in the Freudenstadt Forest Nature Park.
It is said to be 250-300 years old and I sometimes imagine what this tree must have seen...
It takes several people to hug because the trunk now has an impressive diameter of 1.64 m. And if you look up, all you see for 46 meters is a fir tree. Really impressive.
Here, too, there are many small and large circular paths that lead to the Grandfather fir - it is about 4 km and a 50-minute walk from Freudenstadt city center. From Kienberg, 30 minutes or 15 minutes from the Lauferbrunnen hiking car park. The hiking car park is also the accessible route we prefer to take.
Wheelchair accessibility
You can also get to Grandfather fir in a wheelchair.
With a powered wheelchair it's easy to get to the top of the hill, but without it you need a little help when pushing. An outdoor wheel is recommended.
TIP 4:
Panoramabad Freudenstadt
The Panoramabad Freudenstadt is something for the whole family. Children big and small get their money's worth here. There are slides, climbing walls and diving pools, non-swimmer pools and lots of entertainment. With our Schwarzwald Plus Card you get free entry to the Panoramabad Freudenstadt.
Adults can have a good time in the vitality area or the sauna area.
There are adventure grottos and massage jets in the wellness pool, or you can relax in one of the saunas in the 1,300 square meter sauna area.
There is also a restaurant and a bikini bar in the Panoramabad. Or you can go out for a nice meal somewhere in Freudenstadt after your visit.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Panoramabad also welcomes wheelchair users:
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There is a separate entrance for wheelchair users
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Changing rooms for people with disabilities
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A disabled shower with toilet
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The wheelchair can be taken into the pool area
And the Panoramabad team is happy to help wheelchair users get into the water.
TIP 5:
Freudenstadt market square
And then there is theFreudenstadt market square …. If you feel like strolling and experiencing something, then you've come to the right place. Right in the middle of Freudenstadt you can find everything your heart desires. Shopping mall, gourmet temple, nice little cafes, events, street festivals and, and, and.
The largest market square in Germany is also an architectural feast for the eyes: modelled on a chess board and almost a kilometer long.
There is something to see everywhere and it's really fun to stroll around: along the historic arcades, pop into the town church, to the water fountains or you can just marvel at the lush flowers all over the square. Take a sightseeing tour on the "Freudenstädter Bähnle", free of charge with our Schwarzwald Plus Card.
In summer there are numerous events and in winter a magical Christmas market.
Parking is also no problem, as there is a huge public underground car park under the market square.
Wheelchair accessibility
Since everything is at ground level, wheelchair users can navigate here quite easily. However, most shops have one or two steps at the entrance.
TIP 6:
Pforzheim Wildlife Park
The wildlife park is a little further away - it's just under an hour by car from Herzogsweiler to Pforzheim. But just the journey is worth it, because along the B294 you go through the countryside, small villages and through the forest and before you know it, you're already there.
The Wildlife park in Pforzheim is quite well known. He is constantly receiving awards and regularly receives great praise from his visitors.
The park is incredibly imaginative when it comes to its family-friendly program and you can see it everywhere - they really have a heart for animals here!
There are guided tours, show feeding, a petting zoo for children, events and attractions and four-legged friends on a lead are also allowed into the park.
The park opens early at 7 a.m. and you have until 8 p.m. to look around and try everything out.
For the very sporty there is Forest climbing garden and a nice beer garden invites you to relax.
Wheelchair accessibility
The zoo has a well-developed accessible network of paths.
There are two disabled toilets.
There you go, my very personal insider tips.
I hope you enjoy trying them out!
Best
Svenja