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Germany
Baden-Württemberg
Karlsruhe

Ettlingen

The best mountain hikes around Ettlingen

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Mountaineering routes around Ettlingen provide access to the northern Black Forest, a region defined by dense forests, rolling hills, and the picturesque Alb Valley. The terrain features elevated areas with numerous peaks and scenic viewpoints, with local elevations reaching up to 613 meters. While not a technical climbing destination, the area offers diverse and challenging mountain hiking routes.

Best mountaineering routes around Ettlingen

  • The most popular mountaineering route is Bad Herrenalb monastery ruins – Bad Herrenalb Spa Park loop from…

Last updated: June 4, 2026

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#1.

Bad Herrenalb monastery ruins – Bad Herrenalb Spa Park loop from Bad Herrenalb

21.2km

06:44

780m

780m

Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

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Tips from the Community

Kristian
May 1, 2026, Bernstein Plane Crash Memorial

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.

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Small bridge over the Alb as a connection between Schweizer Wiese and the Falkensteinfelsen, as well as a beautiful view of the water.

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The spa park in the heart of the city is characterized by its historic trees and spacious green spaces, making it a place to recharge your batteries. Its design offers two atmospheres: a "classic" one with cultivated park meadows, and a "wildly romantic" one with blooming riverside and forest meadows. The two sections are connected by bridges over the renaturalized Alb River.

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A hall church with a recessed, Gothic choir with a three-eighth-window end. The church hall has a barrel-vaulted wooden ceiling with a three-part trefoil arch. The porch (Paradise) was built around 1200, now a ruin. The Paradise was raised in 1462 (tracery), the choir was built in 1478, and the tower and nave were built in 1739 (after extensive damage). Remodeled in 1903 by Heinrich Dolmetsch, painted by Wörnle, and renovated in 1987/1988.

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On the facade of the former monastery administration building is the stone sculpture "Devil of Herrenalb." The sculpture was donated in 1999 by the Gernsbach artist Rolf Michels for the premiere of the medieval open-air play "The Devil of Bad Herrenalb."

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The monastery tavern, probably founded in 1148, is one of the oldest inns in southern Germany. At the entrance, there's a distinctive sign featuring a dragon figure.

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The serving of Bad Herrenalb's healing waters at the drinking pavilion by the spa building has a long tradition. Thermal springs were suspected to exist in Bad Herrenalb long ago. In 1963, the healing waters were discovered at a depth of 600 meters during drilling on the Schweizer Wiese (Swiss Meadow). Construction of the drinking pavilion began in the summer of 1965, and by September of that year, the healing water was flowing from the taps. This allowed the first drinking cures to be offered.

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Bad Herrenalb station opened on July 2, 1898, and has served as the terminus of the Albtalbahn (Alb Valley Railway) from Karlsruhe ever since. The station building from that year has been preserved in exemplary condition and now houses the station restaurant, a passenger waiting room, the local driving school, and several apartments. An old goods shed also still exists. Unfortunately, the old two-bay locomotive shed with its turrets was demolished during the gauge conversion. A new depot for light rail vehicles has served as its replacement since 1975, and was expanded to two tracks in 1990. The gauge conversion also changed the entire appearance of the station, as a turning loop had to be built around the station building to allow the light rail vehicles to turn around. In 1979, the platforms were given a hall roof, created from the roof of the former Baden-Baden city station. To mark the official handover of the new hall, a station festival was held, which remains an integral part of the city's events calendar to this day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of mountaineering can I expect around Ettlingen?

The region around Ettlingen, bordering the northern Black Forest, offers diverse and challenging mountain hiking routes rather than technical climbing. You'll find trails through dense forests, rolling hills, and scenic river valleys, with some routes requiring good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy shoes due to significant elevation gains.

Are there any routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier mountain hike?

While many routes offer a challenge, there are options for varying skill levels. For a moderate experience, consider the Bernstein Hut (654 m) – Stone Cairns on the Alb River loop from Bad Herrenalb, which is 14.6 km long and offers rewarding views without extreme difficulty. Another moderate option is the Bad Herrenalb Spa Park – Bad Herrenalb monastery ruins loop from Bad Herrenalb, covering 13.4 km through varied terrain.

Which routes offer the most challenging mountain hiking experience?

For a more demanding mountain hike, the Bad Herrenalb monastery ruins – Bad Herrenalb Spa Park loop from Bad Herrenalb is a difficult 21.3 km trail with an elevation gain of over 780 meters. This route requires good physical condition and can take nearly seven hours to complete, offering a true test of endurance through the Black Forest landscape.

What are the best viewpoints or landmarks to see on a mountain hike near Ettlingen?

The region is rich with scenic viewpoints. The Bernsteinfels summit and viewpoint offers expansive views of the Rhine, Vosges, and Palatinate mountains. For even broader panoramas, the Mahlberg Tower, at 613 meters, provides extensive vistas into the Murgtal, Odenwald, and Palatinate Forest after ascending its 160 steps. Additionally, the Turmberg Ruins and Viewpoint near Durlach offers magnificent views of Karlsruhe and the Rhine plain.

Are there any historical sites or castles I can visit near the mountain hiking routes?

Yes, Ettlingen and its surroundings boast several historical attractions. You can explore the charming Ettlingen Old Town and Castle. Further afield, the impressive Karlsruhe Palace is also within reach, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Are there circular mountain hiking routes available?

Many of the mountain hiking routes around Ettlingen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Bad Herrenalb monastery ruins – Bad Herrenalb Spa Park loop and the moderate Bernstein Hut – Stone Cairns on the Alb River loop, both starting from Bad Herrenalb.

What is the best time of year for mountain hiking in Ettlingen?

The region is generally suitable for mountain hiking from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter hiking is possible, but conditions can be more challenging, with potential for snow and ice, especially at higher elevations.

Can I bring my dog on the mountain hiking trails?

Many trails in the Black Forest region are dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to check specific route regulations or local signage. Generally, dogs should be kept on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife, and ensure you carry water for them and clean up after them.

Are there family-friendly mountain hiking options around Ettlingen?

While the term 'mountaineering' here refers to mountain hiking, some routes might be too strenuous for young children. However, the broader Black Forest and Alb Valley areas offer numerous easier hiking and adventure trails suitable for families. Look for shorter, less steep paths, especially those along the Alb River, which provide a gentler introduction to the region's natural beauty.

How accessible are the mountain hiking routes by public transport?

Ettlingen itself has good public transport connections. Many trailheads, particularly those starting from towns like Bad Herrenalb, are accessible by local buses or trains, making it possible to reach the starting points without a car. It's recommended to check local transport schedules for specific route access points.

Are there places to eat or drink near the mountain hiking trails?

Yes, towns like Ettlingen and Bad Herrenalb, where many routes begin or pass through, offer various cafes, restaurants, and traditional inns. Along some longer routes, you might also find mountain huts or taverns (such as near the Bernstein Hut) that provide refreshments, especially during peak hiking seasons.

What is the highest point I can reach on a mountain hike near Ettlingen?

While not directly on a specific Komoot route listed, the Mahlberg Tower stands at an altitude of 613 meters, offering one of the highest accessible points in the immediate vicinity with extensive panoramic views.

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