Microadventure #1: Black Forest Hiking

Off to Badenweiler in the Black Forest

Winter time is perfect for treating yourself to a little wellness. But where? Just lying around is not my strong suit, so I decide to take a two-night trip with my partner to Badenweiler on the edge of the Black Forest, combining wellness and hiking. The Black Forest has a network of signposted hiking trails spanning 24,000 km (according to outdoor-magazin) and it's time to explore the first ones.

Sehringen Circular Trail

On the day of arrival, we manage to do a smaller hike, the Sehringen Circular Trail, covering 6.2 km. The sun actually comes out and gives us a view of the surrounding villages (https://www.badenweiler.de/Media/Touren/Sehringer-Rundweg-violette-Route).

Off to the 'Blauen'

The next morning we have a good breakfast and then head out for a longer hike in the forests around Badenweiler. To avoid time pressure due to early darkness, we have chosen the 'Blauen' route (https://www.badenweiler.de/Media/Touren/Blauen). It's a 15 km climb to the local mountain, and since we enjoy hiking but don't do it regularly, the ascent, which is entirely uphill, demands quite some strength. Nevertheless, we try to still have an eye for the beautiful and expansive view :) The view reaches as far as the Vosges mountains in Alsace (France), where we recently took a trip, and we spot the city of Colmar, which we visited back then. We have to go higher and the paths become narrower and rockier. But eventually, we actually made it: we're at the top! Us and all the people who came by car. Never mind - the panoramic view is fantastic and being here through our own effort gives me a proud feeling.

After a snack and tea from the thermos flask, we start the descent.

Back at the hotel, right on schedule, we collapse onto the bed and only move to eat and go to the sauna for the rest of the day - our burning thighs are thankful. It certainly won't be the only time we're in the Black Forest.