Switch off. Exhale. And really recharge your batteries. Where better than in the middle of nature? Fortunately, there's more than enough of it in the Black Forest! By bike or toboggan, on skis or in a sailboat, in the sun or snow, up the mountain, down into the valley and back again: small and big adventures are just waiting to be discovered. A few hours of time, that's all you need. And if you can, it's best to stay for a whole weekend. Because being outside simply makes you happy. So pack your backpack, put on your hiking boots - and off you go!

Reading sample from the Dumont escapades: 52 small & big escapades in the Black Forest

This article comes from the Book 52 small and big escapades in the Black Forest from DuMont Reiseverlag.

Whether hiking, biking, paddling or simply quietly enjoying nature - 52 irresistible excursions into the countryside await. For a few hours, a day or a weekend; alone, with friends or family - there is quite simply more to experience than the familiar. So get outside! - Get out of the daily grind - fast and uncomplicated - 52 adventure reports and orientation maps, over 200 great photos and all the necessary info in one volume - For every time budget, without financial outlay and with free GPX data. Written by Yvonne Weik.

 

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On a wild and romantic hike around St. Märgen

You can only get here on foot: the Zweribach waterfalls are located in the middle of tomorrow's primeval forest. Those who want to see the enchanting place have an adventurous hike ahead of them - through a wild ban forest and over craggy rocks.

Prelude

In summer, the veil of water glistens, in winter the falls are icy, in autumn fog rises. And so visitors clamber up cautiously. So close that they feel the water dust on their faces! Even in summer, the water of the Zweribach is cool. Here, in the middle of the forest, it falls ten meters over rugged rocks. The way there is more climbing than hiking. But it's worth it: the Zweribach waterfalls are a mysterious place. Many paths lead there. The one from the Hirschen inn in St. Märgen is particularly exciting. From the beautiful village at 900 meters above sea level, the trail leads down through the Bannwald forest. In the large nature reserve, the forest is to be restored to what it once was until the end of the 16th century: primeval forest. Saws and axes are therefore forbidden here. The closer you get to the waterfalls, the greener nature becomes: ferns, water flowers, clovers, moss. A magic forest that fascinates. Especially when the raindrops collect on the plants. It doesn't get more beautiful than this, does it? The signposted circular trail is demanding. After the waterfalls, it leads back to St. Märgen via the Kapfenkapelle chapel, where you should definitely stop at the Krone, the best country women's café with fabulous cakes and tarts. And the noodle soup tastes as good as it used to at grandma's (www.cafe-goldene-krone.de). If you get hungry on the way, you should take a detour (1.5 kilometers) to Plattenhof. There you can get a delicious snack!

What a magical forest: If you hike to the Zweribach Falls, you will discover the wild forest. It is especially magical and green even in the middle of winter. © Yvonne Weik

Let's go!

The next day we continue rested. St. Märgen is not only known for its good air and sunny altitude, but also for the monastery museum. 150 clocks tick there. They show how the Black Forest clock developed into the world-famous cuckoo clock (www.kloster-museum.de). Right next to it is the baroque pilgrimage church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which visitors are welcome to take a look at. Those who also need exercise on the second day can do a sporty round on the Finn track in the forest at the end of the village - this is most fun with Nordic walking sticks, but also works with jogging shoes. Next to it is the mountain bike trail. The 1.6 kilometers are freely accessible to everyone, but not suitable for beginners. An experience for everyone is the wonderful natural outdoor swimming pool. In good weather, there is nothing better than jumping into the water there! And when it snows? Off to the cross-country ski trail!

By train and bus comfortably to St. Märgen: Plan arrival.

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS - BLACK FOREST

Conclusion
Wonderful hike - with mystical waterfalls in the middle of the wild Bannwald. The trail is exciting and St. Märgen is a great starting point with good gastronomy and great recreation factor.
There & away
By train to Hinterzarten, from there by bus to St. Märgen (bus stop Post).
Best time
Goes at any time of the year - but in the rain the hiking tour is a bit slippery.
Duration & Route
About 4 hours and 12 km, 450 meters of altitude.
Equipment
Be sure to wear hiking boots, the path is rocky and very slippery near the waterfalls: not easy to walk ...
When night falls
You can stay overnight in St. Märgen, for example, at the Hirschen Inn (www.derhirschen.de). The traditional Black Forest hotel has been modernly renovated, the rooms are beautifully designed, and the small wellness area is perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking.

DuMont Escapades: Side trips, excursions, mini-vacations

For all those who want to get out of the daily grind quickly without having to travel far! Eskapaden are the new active guides from DuMont: Whether hiking, biking, paddling or simply quietly enjoying nature. The Eskapaden offer 52 small and large excursions and mini-vacations in Germany's most popular regions and cities. Whether for a few hours, a day or a wonderfully long weekend, whether alone, with friends or family - irresistible excursions into the countryside await. So off you go outside!

Further readings from the Dumont publishing program

Cover © Yvonne Weik