Hinterzarten sits 25 kilometres east of Freiburg im Breisgau, reached in thirty minutes aboard the Höllentalbahn train. The village is known for its Olympic ski jumping heritage at the Adler-Skistadion, pristine cross-country ski trails, and direct footpath access to the moorlands of the Hinterzartener Moor. It functions at a quiet, unhurried pace beneath tall spruce trees. Hinterzarten is worth visiting if you want direct access to high Black Forest walking trails without needing a rental car.
Last updated 13 Sept 2026
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Life in Hinterzarten revolves around footpaths and the rhythm of the Höllentalbahn. Mornings begin with hikers adjusting bootlaces outside timber-framed guesthouses on the Freiburger Strasse, while afternoons belong to quiet walks around the Mathisleweiher. The town suits walkers, cross-country skiers, and rail travellers looking for clean mountain air, unpretentious Black Forest hospitality, and thick slices of cherry torte without tourist bus crowds.
Start with a morning loop across the Hinterzartener Moor boardwalks to the secluded Mathisleweiher lake. Lunch on smoked Black Forest trout and Brägele at Gasthaus Imbery. Spend the afternoon at the Hugenhof Ski Museum before catching sunset drinks by the Adler-Skistadion, everything comfortably within a fifteen-minute walk. Select 1 Day above to see it.
A second day opens up the steep Ravennaschlucht. Hike down the rocky gorge path beneath the massive railway viaduct to the historic Hofgut Sternen for venison goulash. Return uphill on foot or via regional bus, then spend a quiet evening sampling regional Kirschwasser at a wood-panelled village Stube. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
With three days, tackle the higher ridge. Take the trail up to the dark waters of the Feldsee, then climb the Feldberg summit for views reaching the Swiss Alps on clear days. Follow it with a slow afternoon exploring the woodcarvers around Breitnau and an unhurried dinner of Maultaschen and local Baden Pinot Noir.
Walk the 10-kilometre loop around the Mathisleweiher lake through quiet pine forest, or join the long-distance Westweg path toward the Feldberg summit.
Sample pan-fried Forelle Müllerin Art, wild boar stew, homemade Spätzle, and Bibiliskäs with crusty farmhouse bread at local Gasthöfe like the Imbery.
Glide along 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski tracks or watch Nordic combined athletes train on the towering dry-slope jumps at Adler-Skistadion.
Visit the 18th-century Hugenhof farmhouse, which houses the Schwarzwälder Skimuseum documenting over a century of Black Forest ski-making and racing.
Order a generous slice of authentic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte layered with tart sour cherries, Kirschwasser, and fresh whipped cream at village bakeries.
Ride the Höllentalbahn across the 58-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct, watching the steep granite walls of the gorge slip by on the line from Freiburg.
Follow the boardwalk trail across the protected Hinterzartener Moor to see rare peat moss, sundew plants, and mountain pine without disturbing the soil.
Taste clear fruit schnapps distilled from local orchard fruit, particularly sour cherry Kirschwasser and sweet Williams Christ pear, poured as digestifs.
Explore carved wooden cuckoo clocks, hand-blown glassware, and traditional Bollenhut headdresses preserved in craft workshops and heritage collections.
Catch the regional train down to the Ravenna Gorge for woodland trails, or continue ten minutes eastward to stroll the shores of Lake Titisee.
Step into the parish church of Maria in der Zarten, with roots back to the 15th century, noted for its carved wooden altars and quiet baroque nave.
Follow shaded forest paths down to the Feldsee, a glacially carved tarn sitting beneath three-hundred-metre cliffs in the shadow of the Feldberg.