Three days of hiking in the Southern Black Forest — Route suggestion starting from Ühlingen-Birkendorf

If you have three days and really want to see the Southern Black Forest, the best place to start is Ühlingen-Birkendorf. From here, the region's most spectacular hiking destinations can be reached in under an hour's drive: the Wutach Gorge to the north, the suspension bridge in Todtnau to the west, Lake Schluchsee to the east, and the Feldberg to the north-east. We have put together a proven three-day itinerary for our guests that can be completed without long car journeys — and the sauna awaits you every evening.

Day 1 — Wutach Gorge: Schurhammerhütte or full tour

Breakfast until 10 am, then 25 minutes by car to the Schattenmühle car park. From there, there are two options:

• Short tour (12 km, 4 hours): Schattenmühle to the Schurhammerhütte and back. Entrance gate to the gorge, wooden walkways over the raging water, many photo opportunities on the rock faces. Stop for a bite to eat at the Schurhammerhütte (regional, hearty cooking).
• Full tour (18 km, 6 hours): Schattenmühle to Wutachmühle. Complete gorge crossing, bus or taxi return journey at the end. Recommended only for sure-footed hikers.

Those who go in May are in luck with the rare lady's slipper orchids along the paths. In September, the foliage is golden yellow, the air is cool, and the paths are almost deserted.

Return journey to the hotel, 6 pm sauna, 7:30 pm dinner.

Day 2 — Todtnau Suspension Bridge: Adrenaline and views

The Blackforestline suspension bridge over the Wasenbach valley is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Southern Black Forest since its opening in 2023. 450 metres long, 120 metres high above the valley. Anyone with a fear of heights can walk around the bridge (there is a bypass path).

• Directions: 60 minutes from the hotel via Bonndorf, Todtmoos, Todtnau-Aftersteg.
• Walk: From the Aftersteg car park over the suspension bridge to the Stübenwasen viewpoint (two hours). If you want more, you can then continue to the summit of the Belchen (6 hours in total).
• Cost: €14 per person for the bridge (as of 2026), online booking recommended, tickets are in short supply on peak days.

Stop for lunch in Todtnau (the „Zum kleinen Wasserfall“ café has its own town stream running through the terrace). Return trip in the late afternoon, sauna and restaurant again in the evening.

Day 3 — Schluchsee, Feldberg or Hochfirst — depending on the weather

The third day is the most flexible. Three tried and tested options:

• Schluchsee Circular Walk (18 km, flat): 25 minutes' drive to Schluchsee, whole day walking by the water, stopping for lunch at Strandcafé Aha. In summer: swimming available at the lido. Dogs are welcome.
• Feldberg-Steig (12 km, 600m elevation gain): 35-minute drive, mountain hike over the Black Forest's highest mountain (1,493 m). On a clear day, views as far as the Alps.
• Hochfirst Tour (8 km, 350 m gain) in bad weather: 30 minutes' drive, shorter hike with a viewing tower, stop for refreshments at the Raimartihof hut.

Return to the hotel, 5:30 pm sauna with pine infusion (Wednesdays and Saturdays at 6 pm), 7:30 pm dinner with our 4-course menu.

What is included in the „Three Days of Hiking“ package

We offer this package from €164 per person per night in a Comfort double room. Included are:

• 3 nights with half-board pampering
• South Black Forest walking map (1:50,000)
• Itinerary with our personal recommendations
• Packed day picnic (bread, cheese, fruit, water)
• Full use of the 450 m² wellness area
• Sauna schedule with daily Aufgüsse
• Free parking in front of the house
• EV charging station

Best time for the tour

May and September are the quietest and most beautiful months. In July and August the paths to the suspension bridge are crowded, but Schluchsee offers swimming opportunities. In October the Wutach Gorge is spectacular in its golden foliage. In winter many gorge paths are closed due to the danger of falling ice — then snowshoe tours starting from the hotel are well worth it.

Direct booking with 35 % benefit

Booking directly via sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de saves up to 35 % compared to booking portals. Upon request, we can reserve the „Three Days of Hiking“ package with your preferred date and room category. Enquire by telephone on 07743 9201-0 or by email at info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de.