Set in the upper Kinzig Valley, Schiltach is reached in about an hour by train from Offenburg. The town is built around a preserved core of sixteenth-century timber-framed houses and centuries of river timber-rafting on the Kinzig. Schiltach is worth visiting if you want steep medieval alleys, working sawmill heritage, and quiet forest footpaths without coach crowds. Look elsewhere if you want late-night bars, broad shopping boulevards, or quick connections between distant cities.
Last updated 15 Sept 2026
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Schiltach sits compressed between steep valley walls at the junction of the Schiltach and Kinzig rivers. The rhythm here is straightforward: morning walks through the timber-framed Marktplatz, unhurried museum stops, and afternoon climbs into the surrounding fir forests. It suits walkers, architectural traditionalists, and travellers who prefer quiet evenings with a draft beer over structured group touring.
Start on the sloped Marktplatz and walk through the historic Gerberviertel to the Schüttesäge sawmill. For lunch, order pan-fried river trout at an old-town inn. Spend the afternoon climbing the trail to Burg Schiltach ruins, finishing with Black Forest ham and a local pilsner before dusk. Select 1 Day above to see it.
A second day lets you follow the Flößerpfad trail down the Kinzig gorge to Wolfach or Schenkenzell. Return for an afternoon exploring the Hansgrohe Aquademie design exhibits, followed by a hearty dinner of Maultaschen and local cider at a riverside Gasthof. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
With three days, take the Kinzigtalbahn rail to Alpirsbach for the Romanesque abbey, or head south toward Haslach. Slower mornings allow quiet sketching among the gable roofs and relaxed conversations over coffee and fresh sourdough at town bakeries.
Stroll the Marktplatz and Schenkenzell Street to see sixteenth-century timber-framed craftsman houses built on steep sandstone footings.
Explore the Schüttesäge Museum to see the operational undershot waterwheel and learn how Kinzig rafters floated massive logs down to the Rhine.
Order pan-fried Kinzig valley trout with brown butter, accompanied by a plate of shaved Black Forest ham and fresh farm rye bread.
Tackle the Flößerpfad path or climb up through dense fir stands toward the ruins of Burg Schiltach for valley overlooks.
Visit Museum am Markt on the sloped central square to see four floors of town life, local crafts, and historical firefighting gear.
Tour the Hansgrohe Aquademie to see bathroom design evolution and historic shower systems rooted in the town's metalworking past.
Sit in a wood-panelled Gasthaus over a draught Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu pilsner, brewed just down the valley with local spring water.
Ride the Kinzigtalbahn regional train along the river gorge between Offenburg and Freudenstadt, using the free KONUS guest transit card.
Watch timber-framing joints in the historic Gerberviertel tanners' quarter, where artisans washed skins along the riverbanks.
Walk up the stone steps behind the Evangelische Stadtkirche to the ruined Schenkenburg castle for quiet vistas of the Kinzig bend.
Stop at local bakeries for traditional Kirschtorte laced with cherry schnapps, crisp butter pretzels, and dense wood-fired sourdough.
Take the train fifteen minutes north to Alpirsbach to tour its eleventh-century Benedictine monastery and historic brewing museum.