Seven lakes in one adventure — Germany’s Baiersbronn lake trail

The Seensteig trail (Lakeside Path) around Baiersbronn combines everything that makes the Black Forest National Park to special: wildly romantic forests, peaks with great views, lakes and moors steeped in legend, and rushing waterfalls. No wonder the German Hiking Association has named this long-distance hiking trail one of the most beautiful in Germany. The 90-kilometre (56 mi) route takes you to seven cirque lakes, which give the trail its name. Pure Black Forest idyll awaits you around the lakes, which you can experience throughout the five stages.

The lakes, created by glaciers, form a dreamlike backdrop in the midst of the typical Black Forest landscape. The dark water reflects the spruce trees and mountains standing on the shore. And of course, you’ll be hiking up some of the peaks. From the Hornisgrinde, the highest mountain in the northern Black Forest, or the Schliffkopf, you have wonderful views of the Rhine valley and as far as France. Along the way, you’ll also find scenic rest areas and rustic huts where you can fortify yourself with a snack. Everything you need for a real hike in the Black Forest.

The starting point for this multi-day adventure is the town of Baiersbronn in the northern Black Forest. The S-Bahn takes you there from Karlsruhe or Freudenstadt. The Seensteig trail is very well signposted, simply follow the curved ‘S’ signs. You’ll hike a lot on natural paths and often feel as though you’re in true wilderness. On the third stage, you can choose whether to swap the popular Westweg path for the Kaisersteigle trail for a few kilometres. We show you both options in this Collection.

The facilities along the Seensteig makes planning easy: at the end of the stages you’ll find overnight accommodation, along the route you can stop off at cosy huts and inns, and if you don't want to walk the entire 90 kilometres (56 mi), you can hop on a bus or train along the way. If you don't want to carry your bags between accommodation, the Baiersbronn Touristik luggage service will take care of it for you. The pure bliss of hiking is in the foreground on the Seensteig, which is why the trail is also well suited for newcomers to long-distance hiking.

Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this national park and discover the magnificent landscape around Baiersbronn. A multi-day hike through the Black Forest is a true balm for the soul.