Since its opening in the summer of 2023, the Blackforestline suspension bridge has been the most visited new hiking destination in the Southern Black Forest. It spans the Wasenbachtal valley near Todtnau-Aftersteg with a length of 450 metres and runs 120 metres above the valley floor. This makes it one of the longest freely accessible pedestrian suspension bridges in Germany — only the Geierlay in the Hunsrück and the Titan RT in Oberharz am Brocken are longer.
From the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde wellness hotel in Ühlingen-Birkendorf, it takes an hour by car to the Aftersteg car park. Over the last two years, we've sent many guests to the bridge and developed a daily itinerary that avoids the crowds and showcases the surrounding region — anyone who arrives early and plans a detour via the Belchen has a full day of hiking with a strong finish in the sauna.
What the suspension bridge is
The bridge was built by the Schweizer family from Todtnau, who have been involved in catering and tourism in the region for generations. It is designed purely as a tourist attraction and has no practical transport purpose. Construction took around two years, and the official opening took place on 30 June 2023. According to the operators, around 250,000 visitors came within the first twelve months.
Specifically regarding the bridge:
- Length: 450 metres
- Height above the valley floor: 120 metres
- Width: 85 centimetres
- Maximum capacity: 600 people simultaneously
- Material: Steel cables with wooden planks as the walking surface
- Balustrade: 1.15 metres high
- Vibration in wind: noticeable, but easily controllable
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians from 9 am until sunset. In the event of storms, ice or heavy snowfall, it is closed for safety reasons — the current situation can be found on the operators' website.
Tickets, prices and reservation
The bridge is not free of charge. Tickets are sold in the service building at the Aftersteg car park, and online reservation with a time slot is possible. As of 2026:
- Adults: €14
- Children aged
- Children under 6 years of age: free of charge when accompanied
- Family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children): €32
- Dogs allowed, but must be kept on a lead, no extra charge
We strongly recommend that our guests book online. At weekends and on bank holidays, the morning slots are often sold out days in advance. Anyone who turns up without a reservation will, in the worst-case scenario, be queuing for an hour.
Directions from the hotel
From Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde in Ühlingen-Birkendorf:
- Distance: 65 kilometres
- Travel time: 60 to 70 minutes depending on traffic
- Route: B500 towards Bonndorf, continuing via the L154 to Todtmoos and via the L148 to Todtnau-Aftersteg
- Car park: pay and display, €5 per day, about 250 spaces, full on peak days
Travelling by public transport is possible, but complicated. From the hotel, take bus 7321 to Bonndorf, continue by train to Schopfheim and then take bus 7300 to Todtnau. The total journey time is around three hours; we only recommend this for guests without a car.
What is waiting at the bridge
From the car park, a ten-minute walk leads along a wide gravel path to the bridgehead at Aftersteg. Anyone with a fear of heights can turn back at the bridgehead — there is a bypass path through the forest that goes around the bridge and comes out on the other side of the valley.
Crossing the bridge itself takes twelve minutes at a normal pace. Those who take photos will need longer. In clear weather, the view extends across the south-western Black Forest to the Belchen massif in the west. Directly beneath the bridge, the Wasenbach flows through a wooded gorge.
On the opposite side there is a viewpoint with a bench, a small chapel and a snack bar. Anyone wanting more of a programme can hike further from there.
Three hiking options starting from the bridge
Most guests visit the bridge just as a whistle-stop tour — an hour, a photo, and on they go. However, we recommend our walking guests make a full day of it. Three tried-and-tested routes:
Option 1 — the short loop (8 km, 2.5 hours, 250 vertical metres)
From the Aftersteg car park across the suspension bridge, then along the Stübenwasen trail to the viewpoint of the same name (1,388 m), returning via the Belchen trail to the car park. Particularly worthwhile in May with the alpine flowers and in October with the golden beech forest.
Option 2 — the Belchen tour (15 km, 5 hours, 600 metres of elevation gain)
As variant 1, but instead of returning directly to the car park, continue to the Belchen summit (1,414 m). On a clear day, views as far as Alsace and the Swiss Alps. Stop for refreshments at the Belchenhotel or the Belchen-Hütte. Return via the Belchen cable car (£8 single, runs until 17:00).
Option 3 — the Wasenbachtal gorge (6 km, 2 hours, hardly any incline)
If you want to see the bridge and the forest from below, walk down from the car park into the Wasenbach valley, through the gorge and past the Wasenbach spring. The path leads underneath the bridge — a different perspective of the structure. Not one for sandals, the path is muddy.
When is the best time?
The bridge is open all year round (except during storms and ice). From experience:
- Spring (May)Ideal. Mild weather, fresh greenery, fewer tourists than in summer. May is also the month of the beech blossom and the first alpine flowers.
- Summer (June–August)Peak time. At weekends reservation is essential, otherwise long waiting times at the entrance. Anyone who still comes in July: choose a weekday and start early (before 10 am).
- Autumn (September–October)Our favourite time. Crisp air, golden-yellow beech trees, empty paths. In October we like to go there ourselves.
- Winter (November–April)Restricted. Closed in snow, ice or gales. When open: fascinating silence, but bring sturdy footwear and warm clothing.
The longest days are from mid-June to mid-July — light until after 9 pm, ideal for a late tour without the crowds.
What to wear, what to bring
Despite the spectacular setting, the bridge is not a high-alpine experience. What is sufficient:
- Sturdy footwear with tread (even in summer; the gravel path gets muddy after rain)
- Water bottle and a snack
- Sun cream and a cap (there is no shade on the bridge)
- In windy conditions: a lightweight jacket that wraps around the body
- Camera equipment: Wide-angle lens or smartphone with panorama function
What we do not recommend: high heels or flip-flops (the wooden slats of the bridge have gaps), drones (are prohibited throughout the bridge area) and selfie sticks over the railing (dangerous and forbidden).
With children
The bridge is easily manageable from primary school age (around 6 years old). Younger children can be brought along in a carrier or buggy — but the buggy must have large wheels (small wheels get caught in the wooden slats). Pulk-style pushchairs with swivelling wheels feel cumbersome across the entire bridge.
With small children we recommend the bypass path. It is well signposted, easily manageable with a baby carrier, and in any case you end up at the same viewpoint at the end.
With dog
Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a short lead. Very anxious dogs feel uncomfortable on the swaying bridge — we have experienced guests who turned back after ten metres. Anyone who wants to get their dog used to height and swaying beforehand can practise on a shorter suspension bridge (for example, the Wutach suspension bridge near the Schattenmühle, which is much less spectacular, but good practice).
What else is worth seeing nearby
The bridge alone takes 90 minutes. If you want to make a full day of it, you should include one or two of the following:
- Todtnau Waterfall — six kilometres away, 97 metres high, one of Germany's highest waterfalls. A half-hour walk from the car park, free of charge, well signposted.
- Hasenhorn Coaster — Germany's longest summer toboggan run, 2.9 kilometres down into the valley. Right in Todtnau, about ten minutes from the bridge. A highlight for families, costs €5 per ride.
- Belchen summit — in clear weather, the finest viewpoint in the entire region. Accessible without hiking via the Belchen cable car.
- Coin head path — short themed walk with a stop for refreshments at the Munzhof, suitable for children.
In the „Haus der Natur“ at the Feldberg Pass (40 minutes from the bridge) there is a small, but well-done exhibition about the geology and fauna of the southern Black Forest. In the rain or with children, a good activity to round off the day. Free admission.
Suspension bridge and hotel — how we can combine the two well
For a three-day stay, we usually send our guests to the bridge on day 2. Day 1 is arrival and a short walk in the Wutach Gorge (from 25 minutes drive from the hotel), Day 2 the bridge, Day 3 relaxing at the Schluchsee or with wellness at the property.
The „Three Days of Black Forest Highlights“ package includes: three nights with pampering half-board, admission to the suspension bridge for two people, a takeaway daily picnic, a hiking map and route suggestion, and full use of the wellness area.
Price: from €198 per person per night in a Comfort double room, with the direct-booker benefit of up to 35 per cent compared to booking portals.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bridge accessible?
Restricted. The path from the car park is accessible, the bridge itself has a flat wooden floor, but due to vibration and gaps between the boards, it is not ideally suited for wheelchairs. Rollators work with assistance.
Can you turn around at the top of the bridge?
Yes, at every point. Passing is possible due to the width of 85 cm, although it is tight.
Is there a toilet?
At the service building at the Aftersteg car park, free of charge. On the opposite side of the valley there is a small snack bar with a toilet.
What happens in the event of a sudden storm?
The bridge is closed from a wind speed of 80 km/h. Anyone already on the bridge is asked via loudspeaker to leave. In practice, this happens a few times a year, especially in November.
Are there time slots?
Online tickets have a 60-minute time slot for entry. Anyone who is not there within that window can no longer enter — the ticket becomes invalid.
Direct booking with 35 % benefit
We would be happy to reserve the suspension bridge package for your preferred date. Enquire by phone on 07743 9201-0, by email at info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de or directly online via the Package overview.
