Bicycle tours the Black Forest

There’s so much more to the beautiful Black Forest than pine trees. With peaceful lakes and meadows, traditional farmhouses and small villages, as well as the freshest air, it’s a terrific place to cycle. The Black Forest Panorama Cycle Trail (Schwarzwald Panorama Radweg) has five stages that take in breath-taking scenery as well as local attractions. From north to south, the paved bike path swoops across the low mountain ranges to Waldshut-Tiengen on the Swiss border, a total of 276 km / 172 miles. From Pforzheim, famous for its jewellery-making tradition, join the Enz Valley Cycle Path on the way to the spa town of Bad Wildbad and then Enzklösterle, known for its blueberries. Each day has highlights – and Höchstberg Mountain is one. At 1,084 m / 3,550 ft high, this is the highest point on the route! The reward for the climb is the glorious vista. Alternatively, from Bad Wildbad, you can climb 300 m / 1,000 ft effortlessly, by taking the Sommerberg funicular railway. Having pedalled past lakes and through villages, the final stretch is downhill to Waldshut-Tiengen. Celebrate with authentic Black Forest Cake (real cherries, thick cream and chocolate) and cheeses, sausages and home-baked breads from local farmers. Start: Pforzheim, 1 hour west of Stuttgart. Finish: Waldshut-Tiengen, 2 hours southwest of Stuttgart www.schwarzwald-panoramaradweg.de

Quiet country lanes; unspoiled natural beauty; medieval towns; gentle terrain. If all that appeals, plan to pedal the Southern Black Forest Cycle Route (Südschwarzwald Radweg). The 4* rating for this circular tour reflects the variety offered by its 270 km / 170 miles. As ever, the bike path is clearly signposted, as it passes through the farms, woodlands and hills of the Southern Black Forest Nature Park, Germany's largest. A bonus is popping in and out of France and Switzerland! Start in Hinterzarten and head for beautiful Titisee Lake and the impressive Wutach Gorge. Stop at farmer’s markets and traditional Black Forest farmhouses to sample seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, loaves of bread from wood-fired ovens, sausages and cheese. Or ride the historic Wutach Valley Railroad, nicknamed the Sauschwänzle Railroad, because it twists and turns like a pig’s tail! As you cycle along the River Rhine, cross over to the Swiss city of Basel. Back in Germany, the route cuts through the Markgräflerland vineyards, dotted with spa resorts, on its way to Freiburg, one of Europe’s greenest and most cycle-friendly cities. In Himmelreich, put your bike on a train and enjoy the scenic run through the wild and romantic Höllental valley (Hell's Valley!), back up to Hinterzarten and the start of the tour. Start & finish: Hinterzarten, 2 hours southwest of Stuttgart www.suedschwarzwald-radweg.de

Die westliche Route Baden-Württemberg der Deutschen Fachwerkstraße erstreckt sich von Eberbach im Neckartal bis nach Sasbachwalden im nördlichen Schwarzwald.

Discover the monastery route by bike. The varied landscape rewards pedaling with exciting views and insights. The route to the four medieval monasteries leads through woods and meadows from Maulbronn Monastery along the Enz and Nagold rivers to Hirsau and Wildberg. Then the route leads higher into the Black Forest: through Freudenstadt to Alpirsbach. The monastery route by bike - an impressive experience.

Virtually gradient-free tour from the source of the Neckar near Villingen-Schwenningen to its confluence with the Rhine near Mannheim.

Ab Rheinfelden geht es auf Schweizer Rheinseite weiter. Zunächst vorbei an der Römerstadt Augusta Raurica und dann durch das Baseler Stadtgebiet. Verschiedene Museen und die historische Altstadt laden zum Verweilen ein. Weiter geht es durch Huningue in  Frankreich zur Dreiländerbrücke, die Radler und Fußgänger nach Weil am Rhein führt. Immer am Rhein entlang geht es bis nach Bad Bellingen, wo die Balinea Thermen zum Erholen einladen.

Die zweite Etappe des Dreilandradwegs führt vom Wiesental ins Rheintal und nach Mulhouse. Unterwegs locken die Städtchen Kandern und Neuenburg und die romntische Kirche Ottmarsheim. Für Abkühlung sorgen die Eiscafés oder ein Bad im Rhein.

From the romantic and ancient university town of Heidelberg via the idyllic Black Forest to beautiful Lake Constance, the Heidelberg-Black Forest-Lake Constance Cycle Route (Heidelberg-Schwarzwald-Bodensee Radweg) is full of fascinating stories. Running virtually north-south, this 300-km / 186-mile route was rated 3* by the German Cyclist’s Association, when it opened in 2018. As well as famous attractions, its six stages offer less well-known spots that reward attention. If you are in Reilingen and St. Leon-Rot in May or June, this is the time to feast on fresh asparagus, straight from the fields. Rich with culture and vineyards, the Kraichgau-Stromberg region is nicknamed the “Land of 1,000 Hills”; so consider renting e-bikes! Next up is Pforzheim, the “City of Gold” with its world-class jewellery museum and long history of jewellery and watch making. Then it is on to the Black Forest‘s unspoiled Nagold Valley and the impressive ruins of Hirsau‘s Benedictine monastery. Stroll round Rottweil, SouthWest Germany’s oldest town, seemingly unchanged in 500 years (and, yes, the town did give its name to the Rottweiler, a butcher’s dog). Visit the mysterious source of the Danube. Climb up to the vast ruins of Hohentwiel Castle, towering high above Singen (TIP: if you can, be there for the summer music festival in July). Then freewheel down to Lake Constance, with its relaxing, balmy climate and finish in Radolfzell, where the old town’s narrow alleyways and large squares host lively weekly and evening markets. Start: Heidelberg, 90 minutes northwest of Stuttgart Finish: Radolfzell, 2 hours south of Stuttgart www.hsb-radweg.de