Best of the Black Forest

St Peter’s Way

This hiking tour takes you from the high Black Forest mountains down into the valley to Freiburg - the capital of the Black Forest. It is the right trail for people who want to immerse themselves into the beauty of the deep Black Forest: wilderness, waterfalls, streams, deep forest and lots of scenery. Due to the distances and elevations this is not a trail for first time hikers.

Location

Black Forest

Start / End

freiburg

Activity

hiking

Distance

9 - 18 km daily

Difficulty

easy-moderate

Duration

3 days of hiking

Tour format

self-guided, with hotel

St Peter’s Way

spring, summer, fall
3 days of hiking

New in 2023, St Peter’s Way has become our most popular tour this season! The trail takes you from the high Black Forest mountains, all the way into Freiburg – the capital of the Black Forest. This is a trail for people who want to immerse themselves into the beauty of the Black Forest. St Peter’s Way offers scenic views, waterfalls, hikes along streams and remote mountain towns. On the last day the distance can be challenging due to length, therefore this is not necessarily a trail for first time hikers.

  • We Handle All The Details and Logistics
  • Luggage Transfer Included
  • Hotels Included
  • 3 days
  • Detailed Route Descriptions & Maps
  • We are a phone call away, just in case

Moderate hikes and plenty of scenery

Partially unknown to tourists

St Peter’s Way offers a good combination of scenic views, forest and fauna, streams and waterfalls, remote mountain towns and family-run hotels. Although you may encounter a tourists or two at well known points of interest (we will point them out so you know what to expect), the trails of St Peter’s Way are mostly unknown – except to local hikers.

Some days can be challenging due to the rather long distances (18 km on the last day) – the trail is therefore not recommended if you have never hiked before.

If you prefer to hike with a guide at the beginning of St Peter’s Way you can add-on one of our hiking guides on the first day. This gives you a change to meet a local and get the insights on the area.

From the mountain top into the valley

To get to the trail head you will take the train from Freiburg into the the mountains. Here, a little below 1000 metres, you find your first hotel. Explore town prior to your first hiking day. (Good to know: If you are interested in some touristy sights, for example Lake Titisee you could visit them on your arrival day).

Day by day, the trails of St Peter’s Way slowly wind themselves through the mountains, along streams and passing by waterfalls. Each night you have the opportunity to enjoy local foods at restaurants we recommend.

Looking for a challenge?

If you are looking for a challenge we are giving you a chance on day 2.

Either choose the shorter trail of 9 km which is easy and offers gorgeous panoramic views.

Or choose a challenging trail of 14.5 km which takes you into some difficult terrain (pictured below). On this trail good shoes are neccessary and hiking poles are a must. Be careful – on a rainy day this trail should be avoided altogether. If you want to add-on even more distance you can do a 4 km detour and eat lunch at a farmhouse. Those who know, come from far away to eat their homemade sausages here.

Difficult terrain on the extra hiking day
You will be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall
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Black Forest Tours
Average rating:  
 3 reviews
 by Eric

We had a great time walking the St Peter’s Way.
The information you provided by way of maps, booklet and the app were very useful. We used the app throughout and found it very helpful and foolproof especially on the alternative route on day 2.
The walks themselves were picturesque and gave a good impression of the Black Forest and surrounding countryside. We were lucky with the weather in that it wasn’t too hot and we managed to avoid the rain when it came.
The hotels were all of a good standard and we thought the the third was a standout venue. The people at all the hotels were very helpful and accommodating. The food on offer at each of the hotels varied but it was all of a good standard with the breakfast at hotel 1 and hotel 3 being of a high standard. We found each of the villages we stayed in charming in their different ways and had the energy to complete the walking tour of Freiburg using your app.
The baggage transfer went without a hitch.
All the hotels were perfectly situated for the walks. The only problem being that the lift in the hotel in Freiburg was not working but at least our luggage had been taken to our rooms on the second floor.
All in all a very enjoyable trip with great information provided by your company
Thanks Eric

 by Jude

Hi Simone,

​We loved our Black Forest holiday!

​The app was really useful. The printed guide was good for reading up on the hikes before we did them. Also useful for restaurant information etc.

​The luggage transfer went really smoothly. The hotels were great.

​Our favourite hike was the second one - we did the alternative route, which was spectacular.

​I was worried the last day's hike might be a bit dull, but it wasn't at all! The arrival into Freiburg was magnificent! I liked how we were able to get right into the forest on some of the paths.

​Thank you!

 by Becky L

Hello,

My husband and I hiked the St Peter's Way part of the Black Forest, as arranged by Black Forest Tours. What a great way to first encounter the beauty and majesty of this wonderful area! The hotels were at least very nice and some amazing, one with a spa amenity that was very welcome to our tired legs. The folks along the way were friendly and we appreciated the quiet, with only seeing a couple of other hikers on our 3 days.
The suitcase transfer service made it possible to hike with just day packs for our lunches and rain gear. Black Forest Tours made the arrangements and picked the best trails for us to follow, which were easy to find and stay on with their mobil app that does not require cell service, just the standard GPS it seems most phones have these days. They pointed out points of interest, including some we would not have found without their careful guidance.

Is it for me?

This hike is great for people who prefer moderate hikes. and prefer to be out in nature (instead of in town). Whereas some of our other hikes put the focus on mingling with locals, our St Peter’s Trail is all about the beauty of the Black Forest. You will see waterfalls, mountain towns, and experience the deep forest. All combined with comfy hotels or a typical Gasthaus at the end of the day.

Great hike to be combined with some sightseeing (Freiburg) at the end. Opt to see some of the more touristy areas (Lake Titisee) on your arrival day. Add-on more days either at the beginning or end for more sightseeing options.

Good choice if you prefer to hike with a guide. We can add a local guide on the first day of St Peter’s Way.

 

 

Itinerary

Arrival Info

Arrive in Freiburg by train. From here you switch to a regional train which takes you to your first hotel up in the mountains within 45 minutes.

If you arrive early afternoon, there is still time to include some sightseeing to nearby sights (e.g. Lake Titisee, Feldberg Mountain). We are happy to provide recommendations on what to see and do on your arrival day.

Dinner

Your hotel has a restaurant. But there are also other options in town.

Accommodation

  • standard hotel

We work with a family-owned hotel in a small mountain town –  located very close to the train station.

Elevation Profile:

 

Description of your day

  • Morning. Today’s hike is pretty short. You will cover some heights, but you should be able to cover the required distance in half a day. Recommendation: Explore town after breakfast, then get on the trail by lunch time. Hit the trail late morning (after 10 AM) to avoid othert tourists.
  • Your hike takes you through famous Hell’s Valley – you will follow the streams up to the mountain top.
  • Take a short break enjoying a piece of cake and coffee (or a beer!) at the local cafe – then hop on the bus to get to your next hotel
  • Enjoy the short bus ride on the Panorama road. You are staying in cozy Gasthaus in the middle of town
  • Evening. Dinner at your Gasthaus or different place in town.

Accommodation

  • standard hotel (small Gasthaus)

 

 

 

Elevation Profiles

Easy trail:

Challenging trail:

Description of your day

Today you have 2 options to choose from.

  1. Option 1 is an easy and short hike of 9 km. Enjoy a pretty flat walk along the edge of the forest with scenic views throughout the hike. On clear days you can see as far as the Vosges mountains in Alsace
  2. Option 2 takes you on a challenging trail of 14.5 km in length in difficult terrain. You will stop at a waterfall which can only be visited by foot. You can even add-on more km to eat at a farmhouse for lunch. On a rainy day this trail needs to be avoided, it will be too slippery.

Accommodation

  • standard hotel

Our family-owned hotel is located in the heart of town.

  1. You are staying in a small mountain town providing a good opportunity to peak inside one of the Black Forest’s oldest monastery churches.

Elevation Profile:

Description of your day

  • Today’s hike is long – but the trail is not strenous and easy to walk on. Since you are located in the mountains you will mostly walk slightly downhill – straight into Freiburg.
  • We keep you on small trails – a very enjoyable hike. Don’t let the long distance scare you!

Accommodation

  • standard hotel inside the old town of Freiburg. We place you right in the centre of town. 

 

 

 

 

 

Departure Info

From your hotel it is a short walk to Freiburg’s train station. 

We highly recommend exploring Freiburg prior to your departure (why not add-on another night?). No rush – if you want to explore town, then store the luggage at your hotel and pick it up later.

Good to Know

Our 3 day/4 night package includes:

  • 4 nights of accommodation in double room with private bathroom (simple hotels or gasthaus)
  • 4 breakfast 
  • 4 days of  free transportation on local busses and trains
  • luggage transfer between all hotels
  • welcome bag with useful items for your tour (water bottle, etc)
  • Travel to/from the Black Forest (Freiburg)
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Travel insurance. Make sure you have travel insurance covering you against illness, injury, loss or damage to property and cancellations.
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, extra transfers (such as by taxi or when not included in public transport pass).
  • Season. This package  is available from May to October.
  • St Peter’s Way is 3 days/4 nights in length.

 

Please inquire 

The hotels we include in this package are all small family-owned hotel. One night you are staying at a Gasthaus. (only in Freiburg will you be staying in a larger hotel). They are not  fancy hotels, but clean and very friendly. Most often you will meet the owners during your stay. 

  • Double Rooms. If you are booking a double room there is one double bed with 2 individual mattresses (not 2 twin beds). If you require separate beds we recommend booking 2 separate rooms. In rare cases twin beds are available, please inquire.
  • Single Rooms. If you are traveling by yourself we charge a single room supplement. You will either be provided with a single room. Or with a double room for single use – based on availability.
  • Upgrades.  Upgrades are not possible with this package
  • Bathrooms. All rooms have private en-suite bathrooms.
  • Air-Conditioning. Summers can be very warm. Most hotels in Germany do not have air-conditioning. Sometimes hotels can provide a fan for your room. Usually the hotel owners will tell you to sleep with the window open during the night – this is very common in Germany.
  • Elevators. Please note that our hotels most often do not have elevators – you will have to walk a flight of stairs to get to your room. 
  • comfortable walking boots and socks 
  • hiking poles if you prefer the challenging trail on day 2
  • warm and waterproof clothes
  • a day pack is useful
  • rain gear
  • sun glasses, sun hat, sun block

You will receive detailed route notes and maps from us upon check-in at your first hotel. 

Starting 2022 you have a choice between touring with a paper map & route description. Or using our app to navigate during the day (mobile device required, no data plan needed)

 

 

  • Mobile Phone Coverage. Please note that the Black Forest is a mountainous area. Often there is no mobile phone coverage when touring the Black Forest. 
  • Wi-Fi in hotels. All of our hotels have wi-fi but sometimes it can be spotty in your room – depending on the location of your room.
  • If you require constant online access we do NOT recommend touring the Black Forest. Consider staying in a large town like Baden-Baden or Freiburg instead.

Day 1:

 

St Peters Way

Day 2:  

Regular trail:

Longer, more challenging trail:

Day 3:

Where you will be touring

visiting freiburg black forest

See what some of our customers say who have done this tour before:

Black Forest Tours
Average rating:  
 3 reviews
 by Eric

We had a great time walking the St Peter’s Way.
The information you provided by way of maps, booklet and the app were very useful. We used the app throughout and found it very helpful and foolproof especially on the alternative route on day 2.
The walks themselves were picturesque and gave a good impression of the Black Forest and surrounding countryside. We were lucky with the weather in that it wasn’t too hot and we managed to avoid the rain when it came.
The hotels were all of a good standard and we thought the the third was a standout venue. The people at all the hotels were very helpful and accommodating. The food on offer at each of the hotels varied but it was all of a good standard with the breakfast at hotel 1 and hotel 3 being of a high standard. We found each of the villages we stayed in charming in their different ways and had the energy to complete the walking tour of Freiburg using your app.
The baggage transfer went without a hitch.
All the hotels were perfectly situated for the walks. The only problem being that the lift in the hotel in Freiburg was not working but at least our luggage had been taken to our rooms on the second floor.
All in all a very enjoyable trip with great information provided by your company
Thanks Eric

 by Jude

Hi Simone,

​We loved our Black Forest holiday!

​The app was really useful. The printed guide was good for reading up on the hikes before we did them. Also useful for restaurant information etc.

​The luggage transfer went really smoothly. The hotels were great.

​Our favourite hike was the second one - we did the alternative route, which was spectacular.

​I was worried the last day's hike might be a bit dull, but it wasn't at all! The arrival into Freiburg was magnificent! I liked how we were able to get right into the forest on some of the paths.

​Thank you!

 by Becky L

Hello,

My husband and I hiked the St Peter's Way part of the Black Forest, as arranged by Black Forest Tours. What a great way to first encounter the beauty and majesty of this wonderful area! The hotels were at least very nice and some amazing, one with a spa amenity that was very welcome to our tired legs. The folks along the way were friendly and we appreciated the quiet, with only seeing a couple of other hikers on our 3 days.
The suitcase transfer service made it possible to hike with just day packs for our lunches and rain gear. Black Forest Tours made the arrangements and picked the best trails for us to follow, which were easy to find and stay on with their mobil app that does not require cell service, just the standard GPS it seems most phones have these days. They pointed out points of interest, including some we would not have found without their careful guidance.

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