Welcome to the "Bütthof" trailhead
Welcome to Baden-Baden’s Municipal Recreational Forest and the North/Central Black Forest Nature Park ("Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord").
From the Bütthof trailhead, you can explore the tranquil Grobbachtal Valley and the serene forests between the Scherrhof restaurant and Badener Höhe, with some routes extending into the Black Forest National Park.
Start your journey with the gorge-like Grobbachtal Valley, characterized by its fast-flowing streams, cliffs, and rocks. The "Kreuzfelsen-Rundweg," a circular route through this picture-perfect Black Forest landscape, is one of the most beautiful walks in Baden-Baden’s municipal forest. This trail begins along the Grobbach and Littersbach streams, ascends to the Kreuzfelsen rock outcrop, and then descends through ancient beech forests back to the Grobbach, following the stream through lush grazing meadows.
This rugged landscape owes its existence to Bühlertal granite, a resilient rock that withstands erosion's forces. As you take in the dramatic scenery, keep an eye out for the vibrant meadow flowers and ferns thriving in the gorge’s damp climate. You might also spot dippers, small birds often seen in clear mountain streams, as they frequent this area.
Bütthof also serves as the gateway to one of the most remote parts of Baden-Baden’s municipal forest. A path leads you through diverse forests, eventually reaching over 1000 meters at the summit of Badener Höhe. On this route from the Grobbach Valley to one of the highest points in the northern Black Forest, you’ll observe the gradual transition in tree species as you climb. Deciduous forests, rich in flora and fauna, dominate the lower elevations, while the summit plateau of Badener Höhe is home to hardy species like spruce, fir, beech, mountain ash, and pine, which thrive in the harsher conditions.
Suggested routes from Bütthof trailhead
To the Geroldsau Waterfall on the Waterfall Circular Trail:
This 3 km trail has a total ascent of 70 meters. It’s an easy walk along mostly level paths, with a few stony sections. There is a restaurant at Bütthof.
"Kreuzfelsen-Rundweg" Circular Path:
This 11 km loop features a total ascent of 330 meters. The route begins at the Geroldsau Waterfall and follows the Littersbach stream, ascending to the Kreuzfelsen rock outcrop, and continuing via Neubrücke (bridge) to Bütthof (restaurant) before returning to the car park. There is a restaurant at Bütthof.
To "Badener Höhe" Mountain, Returning via Scherrhof and Kreuzfelsen:
This challenging 18 km hike includes a total ascent of 750 meters. The route starts at the car park and continues via Neubrücke (bridge), Lokus, Mittelfeldhütte (shelter), Herrenwieser Sattel, and reaches the summit of Badener Höhe, which features a viewing tower. The descent passes through Badener Sattel, Immensteinhütte (shelter), Scherrhof (restaurant), and Kreuzfelsen before returning to the Bütthof car park. There is a restaurant at Bütthof.
Recreation for All in Baden-Baden’s Municipal Forest
Covering an area of 7,500 hectares, Baden-Baden’s municipal forest is one of Germany’s largest publicly-owned forests, primarily serving as a place of recreation for all visitors. Ensuring that you have an enjoyable experience while preserving the forest for future generations can only be achieved if we all respect one another's needs and care for the plants and animals that call this forest home.
We kindly ask that you stay on the designated paths and keep your dogs on a lead. Mountain bikers are requested to use only tracks that are at least two meters wide or the specially designated mountain-bike trails. Please ride with care.
As you take home wonderful memories, please also take your rubbish with you.
The Baden-Baden municipal council wishes you a pleasant and memorable visit.