The wind through the trees, the chirping of the birds, the rustle of your footsteps on the trail: these are the sounds of the Black Forest. Not just a 285-km hike, but a true life experience to rediscover the rhythm of nature and ourselves.
The itinerary along the Westweg
The Black Forest is one of the most magical places in Germany. This 14-day journey from Pforzheim to Basel (or vice versa) along the so-called “Westweg” is the perfect way to visit it!
Between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century some German hikers decided to create a path through the woods to allow anyone to cross this immense expanse of mountains and trees. This is not just a holiday for athletic and experienced people. It’s also perfect for those who are beginning to familiarize themselves with the hiking world. The trails are well marked, the elevation and distance on each day are not too demanding, and the views are spectacular! To never get lost, one just needs to follow the iconic red diamond, especially visible when hiking from north to south. It’s important to remember, however, that the Black Forest is an intricate network of more than 23,000 km of trails. Knowing how to read a map never hurts. The journey usually starts in Pforzheim, a city rebuilt after World War II, and reaches Basel through dark and gloomy forests and enchanting places like the Titisee and Mount Feldberg. Needless to say that culinary delights abound: Schnitzel with blueberry jam and Schwarzwälder Torte.
The philosophy of SLOW TRAVEL
But the Black Forest is not like any other tourist destination. This enchanted place allows hikers to practice the so-called “slow travel”. This is a way of traveling that prioritises quality, sustainability and connection with the environment. The silence of the forest, the little amount of tourists and the contact with nature allow one to experience the sense of Waldeinsamkeit. This is an untranslatable German term that literally reflects the solitude felt in a forest. However, Waldeinsamkeit is more than this. It’s a feeling of peace and connection with nature, to return to the origins and forget the chaos we live in every day. This is a moment of introspection that allows us to rediscover our inner harmony. The strength of this journey lies in the opportunity to leave the overwhelming thoughts behind and begin a path of rebirth through nature and the so-called green lifestyle, meeting the locals and creating authentic connections.
Read this article to submerge yourself in the world of slow travel!
Are you ready to let the Westweg take you back to your roots? Choose slow travel, respect the silence of the forest and let the red line of the Black Forest guide you. You will discover that a holiday can also become a gesture of love for the planet!
Cover Image: Photo by Elisa Peron
