Hiking in the Black Forest: family holidays with relaxation and adventure
The perfect family holiday with relaxation and adventure
The Black Forest inspires with its dense forests, picturesque landscapes and well-developed hiking trails - the ideal destination for families who want to be active together and discover nature. Our family-friendly Hotel Sonnhof-Sonnhalde offers the perfect accommodation for your next hiking holiday in the Black Forest. Here you can find out which hiking trails are particularly suitable for families and why hiking has numerous positive effects on body, mind and family bonding.
Why hiking in the Black Forest with the family is so special
Hiking in the Black Forest offers a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the family and experience nature at the same time. Especially for children, the so-called Enchanted forest trails offer an exciting mix of play and adventure. There are also many health and psychological benefits that hiking brings for all age groups.
The benefits of hiking for body and mind
Physical health through hiking
Hiking is an excellent form of exercise that is particularly suitable for promoting physical health. As well as preventing cardiovascular disease, it helps to train the sense of balance and strengthen the muscles. For children in particular, regular exercise is crucial for healthy development.
Mental health - recovery for the soul
Hiking in the countryside helps to reduce stress and lift the mood. The tranquil nature of the Black Forest has a calming effect and creates a relaxed atmosphere in which the family can leave everyday life behind.
Strengthening the social bond within the family
Joint activities strengthen the family bond. Studies show that experiences in nature lead to more intensive communication and co-operation. Children and adults alike collect valuable shared memories that stay with them for a long time.
Environmental awareness and education for children
Hiking offers children the chance to get to know nature. They discover animals and plants, which helps them to develop an awareness of the environment. The enchanted forest trails in the Black Forest are particularly educational and entertaining for children.
The most beautiful family hiking trails in the Black Forest
The Black Forest offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Below we present some of the most popular routes that combine adventure, learning and exercise.
Enchanted forest trail in the Bernau high valley
A real highlight for families is the Enchanted Forest Trail in the Bernau high valley. This 2.4 kilometre circular trail is both suitable for pushchairs and easy to manage and leads through the idyllic Taubenmoos raised bog. There are interactive stations along the way where children can play and learn. Stories about the sunken monastery and the mysterious Schweinewiibli stimulate children's imaginations.
Practical information about the Enchanted Forest Trail
- Length: 2.4 kilometres
- Suitable for: Pushchairs and families with small children
- Best time of year: Accessible all year round
- Attractions: Play and storytelling stations, flora and fauna experiences
Fairytale trail "The cold heart" in Bad Wildbad
The Fairytale trail "The cold heart" is an exciting 3.2 kilometre hiking trail that begins on the Sommerberg near Bad Wildbad. Here, visitors immerse themselves in the world of Wilhelm Hauff's famous fairy tale. The story of Peter Munk and the Dutchman Michel is told at various stations. The trail is barrier-free and therefore also suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Practical information about the fairytale trail "The cold heart"
- Length: 3.2 kilometres
- Suitable for: Pushchairs and wheelchairs
- Attractions: Radio plays, information boards, interactive web app
- Other attractions in the neighbourhood: Black Forest treetop walk, adventure forest and WILDLINE suspension bridge
Magic trail on the Hasenhorn in Todtnau
The Magic trail on the Hasenhorn is a 4-kilometre-long children's hiking trail in Todtnau, which leads down from the mountain station of the Hasenhorn chairlift. Here, the little adventurers are whisked away into a world full of magic by the gnomes Illex and Farfara. Along the trail there are numerous play stations, a bat cave and a barbecue area.
Practical information about the magic trail on the Hasenhorn
- Length: 4 kilometres
- Height difference: 400 metres
- Attractions: Play stations, bat cave, barbecue area
- Access: All year round
Schlüüwanapfad in Grafenhausen
The 2.6 kilometre long Slipway path is an adventure trail in Grafenhausen that is particularly characterised by its interactive and sensory stations. Here, children can experience nature on a barefoot trail, make music on the forest xylophone and balance over bridges.
Practical information about the Schlüüwanapfad
- Length: 2.6 kilometres
- Suitable for: Pushchairs and family outings
- Attractions: Wooden figures, barefoot path, forest xylophone
- Tip: You can also visit the "Black Forest House of the Senses" nearby
Tips for hiking with the family in the Black Forest
Planning and route selection
Choose a route that is suitable for all family members, taking into account the age and fitness level of the children. Magic trails and child-friendly routes such as those in the Black Forest are ideal as they usually offer interactive stations for the little ones.
Equipment and catering
Make sure you wear weatherproof clothing and comfortable hiking boots. Also pack enough food and water. Breaks are particularly important for children on longer hikes.
Safety and weather conditions
Before you set off, check the weather and the current route conditions. It is advisable to follow marked trails and teach children the safety rules.
Motivation and game ideas for children
Integrate games or tasks into the hike. This way you can motivate children and keep them entertained - for example with a little nature quiz or a treasure hunt along the way.
Family hiking in the Black Forest
The Black Forest is a paradise for families who want to discover nature together. The many family-friendly hiking trails, especially the magic and fairytale trails, offer unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to get to know nature in a playful way.
Experience your next Hiking holiday in the Black Forest and enjoy your time at the Hotel Sonnhof-Sonnhalde, which is the ideal starting point for these adventures.
