4.4
(57)
457
riders
38
rides
Gravel biking around Gaggenau offers diverse terrain at the northern foothills of Germany's Black Forest. The region is characterized by picturesque valleys, lush forests, and rolling hills, providing varied routes for gravel cyclists. Trails often follow the Murg River through the scenic Murg Valley, combining paved sections with unpaved roads and gravel surfaces. This landscape provides both challenging climbs with significant elevation gain and more moderate paths through woodlands.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
14
riders
71.8km
04:32
1,130m
1,130m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
29.4km
02:25
690m
690m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
24.0km
01:51
600m
600m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
9
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Traffic-free bike rides around Gaggenau
Below this spot, an aircraft crashed on November 1, 1945, shortly after the end of the war. In the most severe air disaster ever to occur in our region, 26 American military personnel lost their lives. The aircraft was a Douglas C-47 (DC3) transport aircraft in its military version. It was put into service a year earlier and participated in "D-Day", the Normandy invasion, as a paratrooper transport. It had space for up to 32 people and was also known as a "raisin bomber" during the Berlin Airlift. On the day of the accident, 4 crew members and 26 U.S. Air Force soldiers were on board. They had been on vacation in London and were supposed to return to their units at the Oberschleißheim Air Force Base near Munich. Despite bad weather over the mainland, the 23-year-old pilot and his 22-year-old navigator decided to fly. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot had to climb above the cloud cover due to dense cloudiness and continue the flight using instruments. According to the navigator's calculations, a point near Augsburg should have been reached after 3 hours of flight, where the pilot could descend below the cloud cover and begin the approach using visual orientation. Due to strong headwinds, the calculated position was missed by more than 200 km. Consequently, the cloud cover was descended through north of Karlsruhe, and the navigator lost orientation. They followed the Rhine in a southwesterly direction until near Wintersdorf, a 90-degree correction was made to the original course towards Munich. The DC3 thus steered directly towards the 693-meter-high Bernstein. The pilot and navigator continued to try to determine the correct position from low altitude, which became increasingly difficult due to the approaching fog. Despite the dense fog, the silhouette of the aircraft was recognizable when flying over Michelbach. Around 4:30 PM, the aircraft crashed at an altitude of 620 meters, where it broke into several pieces and went up in flames after explosions. Many victims died because help arrived too late. That help arrived at all four hours after the accident is thanks to three survivors who, despite severe injuries, made their way to Sulzbach and Bernbach. Until now, only rumors had surrounded this event, and it eventually fell into oblivion.
5
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Very beautiful view from the Merkur, located at 668 m altitude, into the Rhine plain, Vosges and Black Forest
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Beautiful forest path through the Alb valley
5
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There is also a beautiful circular hiking trail around the half-timbered village of Michelbach and places to stop for a break.
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Few villages in the area boast so many old half-timbered buildings, and the stream flowing through the village (complete with mill wheel) creates a lovely atmosphere. There are also places to stop for refreshments.
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A very beautiful section of the Tour de Murg with impressive views of the valley. The altitude can almost make you dizzy. The climb is very pleasant with a gradient of ~4%. Extreme caution is required on the descent. The path becomes quite narrow when encountering oncoming traffic; the curves are confusing. You should also expect pedestrians – especially on weekends, it's busier. Simply letting it roll and blasting down the valley at over 50 km/h is absolutely irresponsible!
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Komoot offers over 30 dedicated gravel bike routes around Gaggenau that are designed to be traffic-free. These trails provide a diverse range of experiences, from moderate to more challenging rides, allowing you to explore the beautiful Murg Valley and the foothills of the Black Forest without vehicle interference.
The region around Gaggenau is excellent for gravel biking from spring through autumn, when the weather is generally mild and the trails are dry. While some routes might be accessible in winter, be mindful of potential snow or ice, especially at higher elevations in the Black Forest foothills. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, while many routes are rated as 'difficult' due to elevation changes, the Murg Valley itself offers flatter sections that can be suitable for families. Look for routes that incorporate parts of the 'Tour de Murg' cycle path, which often features smoother surfaces and less challenging terrain, though specific family-friendly gravel routes without traffic may require careful selection based on distance and elevation.
You'll experience a rich variety of landscapes. Many routes wind through lush forests and rolling hills of the Black Forest foothills, offering panoramic views. Trails along the Murg River provide tranquil riverside scenery, while others might lead you through picturesque valleys and past charming villages. The area is known for its natural beauty and diverse flora.
Yes, many of the gravel routes around Gaggenau are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Murgtal Gorge – Tour de Murg cycle path loop from Gaggenau offers a substantial circular ride through varied terrain. Another option is the Tannschach Hut – View of Bernbach loop from Gaggenau, which provides a challenging circular experience with rewarding views.
The trails often pass by historical and natural points of interest. You might encounter impressive natural features like the Geroldsauer Waterfall or the serene Wildsee raised bog. Historical sites such as the ruins of Old Hohenbaden Castle are also accessible from some routes, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Absolutely! The region is dotted with rewarding viewpoints. The View from Merkur Mountain – View from Merkur Tower loop from Gaggenau, for instance, takes you to Merkur Peak, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding Black Forest landscape. Other routes provide stunning views of the Rhine Plain or the picturesque Murg Valley.
Given the varied terrain and potential for elevation, it's advisable to bring appropriate gear. This includes a well-maintained gravel bike, a helmet, sufficient water and snacks, a repair kit (spare tube, pump, multi-tool), and navigation tools (like komoot's app). Layered clothing is recommended as weather can change, especially in the Black Forest foothills. Don't forget your camera for the scenic views!
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Gaggenau, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders frequently praise the quiet, car-free paths, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the stunning natural beauty of the Black Forest foothills and Murg Valley. The variety of terrain and the sense of immersion in nature are often highlighted.
Yes, many of the traffic-free gravel routes around Gaggenau are rated as 'difficult' and feature significant elevation gains, making them ideal for advanced riders. For example, the Graf-Rhena-Weg Forest Path – Panoramic View of Bernbach loop from Gaggenau offers over 600 meters of ascent over nearly 50 km, providing a substantial challenge. These routes often include steep climbs and technical descents on varied gravel surfaces.
Gaggenau is well-connected by public transport, making it possible to reach the starting points of many trails. The Murgtalbahn (Murg Valley Railway) runs through Gaggenau and along the Murg Valley, offering convenient access to various points along the river, from where you can often connect to the gravel trail network. Check local transport schedules for specific connections and bike carriage policies.
Yes, the region is rich in natural wonders. You can find highlights like the Wolf Gorge and the Käthenklamm Trail, which offer rugged beauty. The Geroldsauer Waterfall is another beautiful natural monument that can be incorporated into or accessed from some of the gravel routes, providing a refreshing stop.


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