Welcome to the "Altes Schloss und Battert" trailhead

From the "Altes Schloss und Battert" trailhead, you can access one of Baden-Baden’s most impressive natural landmarks: the Battert rocks (Battertfelsen). These crags and rock faces were first made accessible to outdoor enthusiasts in the early 19th century. Many of the trails you see today, such as the "Unterer Felsenweg" and "Oberer Felsenweg", along with the paths connecting the Battert area to the town center, were created during this period to complement the town’s main promenade, the "Lichtentaler Allee". This makes the Battert rocks one of Germany’s oldest natural landmarks open to the public.

Battert also played a significant role in the early 20th century as a key site for the development of climbing in Germany’s sub-Alpine mountains.

Today, Battert is recognized as one of Germany’s most important geosites and is a protected area. The rock faces are designated as a nature conservation area, while the surrounding forest enjoys protected unmanaged status ("Bannwald").

A walk around Battert offers not only spectacular views but also a glimpse into valuable ecosystems and the diverse flora and fauna that thrive here. Interpretation boards along the way provide detailed information about these natural treasures.

Please note:

The wooden bridge at the top of the rock face (Felsenbrücke) is closed from January to the end of July to protect nesting birds. "Bannwald" is an unmanaged forest, left entirely to nature, which increases the risk of falling branches or trees. It is advisable not to enter the forest during high winds, heavy rain, or snow.

Suggested routes

"Battert-Rundweg" Circular Route (2.8 km): This scenic loop starts at the Altes Schloss (Old Castle) and takes you through key points such as Ritterplatte, Obere Batterthütte (Upper Battert Shelter), Bergwachthütte (Mountain Rescue Shelter), Untere Batterthütte (Lower Battert Shelter), and the Unterer Felsenweg (Lower Rock Path) before bringing you back to the Altes Schloss.

"Ebersteinburg-Rundweg" Circular Route (10 km): This longer route begins at the Altes Schloss and follows the Unterer Felsenweg (Lower Rock Path) to Untere Batterthütte (Lower Battert Shelter). It then passes by the Furtwängler Memorial Plaque, Engelskanzel and Teufelskanzel (rock outcrops), Wolfsschlucht (small ravine), Verbrannter Felsen (Burnt Rock), and the Ruins of Alt Eberstein Castle. The path then returns via Untere Batterthütte and Oberer Felsenweg (Upper Rock Path) to the Altes Schloss.

"Panoramaweg" – Panorama Trail: The "Panoramaweg" is a 40 km-long circular trail that loops around the town of Baden-Baden. It consists of four sections, which can be walked individually or combined, depending on your fitness level.

From the Altes Schloss, you can follow the "Panoramaweg" to the "Sophienruhe" viewpoint and then continue down into the spa town of Baden-Baden. Alternatively, you can head in the opposite direction to the Merkur Funicular Railway lower terminal (Merkur-Bergbahn), passing through the Eckhöfe farmsteads and the meadow orchards above Oberbeuern, ending at the Forellenhof hotel and restaurant. This route takes you through the Märzenbach and Pfrimmersbach valleys, both of which are located within a nature conservation area.

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.