Welcome to the Wolfsschlucht trailhead
Welcome to Baden-Baden’s municipal recreational forest and to the North/Central Black Forest area of outstanding beauty (“Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord”). From the Wolfsschlucht trailhead you can access the forests around Ebersteinburg with their rocky outcrops and castle ruins, and one of Baden-Baden’s most impressive natural features: the Battert rocks (Battertfelsen). The crags and rock faces were made accessible for lovers of the outdoors at the beginning of the 19th century. Many of today’s paths, including Unterer Felsenweg and Oberer Felsenweg as well as the paths linking the Battert area with the town centre were created at that time to complement the town’s main promenade, the Lichtentaler Allée. This makes the Battert rocks one of Germany’s oldest natural features opened up to public access.
A walk around Battert thus offers not only spectacular views to the valley below, but also an insight into precious ecosystems and the flora and fauna to which they are home. The interpretation boards provide detailed information on these.
Please note: The wooden bridge at the top of the rock face is closed from January until the end of July because of nesting birds. “Bannwald” is unmanaged forest which is left completely to its own devices. This increases the risk of branches breaking off trees or trees falling down. Do not enter this forest in high wind, heavy rain or snow.
From the other side of Wolfsschlucht you can climb Baden-Baden’s ‘local’ mountain Merkur. Awaiting you at the top are a viewing tower, restaurant, a lawned area and a copy of the Roman relief sculpture of the messenger god Mercury which was found on the mountain. You’ll also find a feature called Mercury’s Cubes (“Merkurs Würfel”) – follow the path to gain an insight into the geology of the local area. If you like you can descend the mountain in the funicular railway, one of the steepest of its kind in Germany.
Suggested routes from Wolfsschlucht
Ebersteinburg-Rundweg, circular route, 10.5 km, total ascent: 400 m: Wolfsschlucht (small ravine) - Verbrannter Felsen (rock outcrop) - Ruine Alt Eberstein (castle ruins) - Untere Batterhütte (shelter) - Oberer Felsenweg (path) - Altes Schloss (castle) - Unterer Felsenweg (path) - Untere Batterthütte (shelter) - Furtwängler Gedenktafel (memorial plaque) - Engelskanzel und Teufelskanzel (rock outcrops) – Wolfsschlucht.
Circular route up Merkur mountain 6.5 km, total ascent 315 m: Wolfsschlucht (small ravine) - Merkur summit - Meisenköpfle - Teufelskanzel (rock outcrop) – Wolfsschlucht.
Alternative circular route up Merkur mountain descending via funicular railway, 4.5 km: from lower terminal via Langengehren - Meisenköpfle - Teufelskanzel (rock outcrop) and back to Wolfsschlucht.
"Panoramaweg" – Panorama Trail
The "Panoramaweg" is a 40km-long circular trail around the town of Baden-Baden. It comprises four sections which, depending on fitness levels, can be walked individually or combined.
From Wolfsschlucht you can follow the Panoramaweg to the Battert rocks, then on to Altes Schloss (castle) 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), continuing via the Eckhöfe farmsteads through the meadow orchards above Oberbeuern to the hotel and restaurant called Forellenhof. This route takes you through the Märzenbach and Pfrimmersbach valleys, both of which are 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.