Westweg: stage 11 east (Weißenbachsattel - Schweigmatt)

At Weißenbachsattel, the Westweg passes by the “Tor zum Wehratal” (Gate to Wehra Valley) and then leads down to a high ropes course. From there, it gently ascends through spruce and alder woods and aromatic mountain valleys to Todtmoos-Lehen. Behind St. Antoni, the trail disappears deep into the forest. At times leading north, at times south, the trail circumvents the thickly wooded crests of the ridge line and passes by the Altensteiner Kreuz before resurfacing out of the deep green at the Schwellen bedrock. There is a fantastic view to the south along the forest edge over the bedrock, revealing the Gersbach sun terrace all the way to Switzer-land’s Jura mountain range. In the distance, hikers can already see Hohe Möhr with its characteristic tower structure on the peak. The ascent to the last of the highest Black Forest mountain peaks begins at Sandwürfesattel. Finally, the trail winds its way to altitude taking numerous serpentine curves. A brief detour to a natural fountain promises a nice cool down before reaching the outlook tower at Hohe Möhr (983m), built in 1893 from stone and wood. Thanks to the 25-meter platform, Westweg hikers can again scale up one thousand meters. Finishing the 144 steps is rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view over the southwest apex of the Black Forest. From the tower, follow the familiar red diamonds down through the forest, which the trail won’t leave again until Waldhaus mountain inn. Like an eagle’s nest, Schweigmatt adheres to the steep southwest hillside on Hohe Möhr. With a view onto Dinkelberg, over which the following stages run en route to Basel, hikers slowly leave the Black Forest.