The hang glider route

The route starts in Bernbach at the Spitzhütte (hut with barbecue area). We pass the hut and follow the path marked with the yellow lozenge until we reach the Tanschachhütte, a wooden pavilion. Here we have the first view of our route over Althof and the landing site of the Althofdrachen (hang gliders). We continue to follow the yellow lozenge, which leads us directly to the crossroads at the Wasenhütte. This place used to serve as a border station between Baden and Württemberg. Today, only a sign and the old Baden-Württemberg border stones remind of that. A little tip, take a closer look at the border stone; on it you will find its age and a numbering as well as the coats of arms of the two states. The engraving at the top of the stone shows the direction in which you will find the next one.  

We keep left and continue following the Middle Fir Forest Path (blue lozenge), which leads us directly to the next hut, the Tannwaldhütte. This is located on the left side of the path and is also called Dowallhütte.  On the right side of the path, directly opposite the hut, we find the Dowall Fountain, which apparently does not even run dry on hot summer days. So a perfect refreshment on hot days before we continue the ascent to Bernstein. 

We continue to follow the path towards Bernstein until shortly after a right turn we see a sign for the Karl-Schwarz Fountain on the right side. The small detour to the fountain rewards you with a nice small resting place at the source of the Michelbach. After a short break, we return to the path and continue straight ahead on the Iltishaldenweg. Already now, we have great views into the Murgtal, but be careful not to miss the ascent to Bernstein on the left side (marked with the blue lozenge). Follow the path uphill and keep to the right first until you reach the next signs of the Black Forest Club. Here you turn left and follow the blue lozenge. Shortly after, you reach the natural monument with a resting hut. Climb the Bernstein Rock with summit cross and enjoy the breathtaking view into the Murgtal, the Vosges, and the Palatinate Forest. 

After enjoying the view, we go straight ahead at the resting hut and follow the path (yellow lozenge) to the next crossroads. At the crossing, we follow the yellow lozenge to the left in direction Mauzenstein. Shortly after, we reach the signpost at Mauzenstein. You will find the stone itself if you follow the path uphill to the right. Back on the path, we follow the path with the yellow lozenge in direction hang glider site. The path leads you to a crossroads where we turn left and shortly afterwards follow the left path uphill ("Heiligenwaldebeneweg"). This beautiful forest path leads us to a kind of turning area where we first turn left and reach the launch site of the hang gliders. If you are lucky, you can watch the hang gliders taking off. You will definitely not be disappointed, as you can definitely enjoy the impressive view. 

Back at the turning area, we follow the yellow lozenge until we reach another crossroads. Here we turn left and continue following the yellow lozenge on the "Holländersteige" path. This path leads us back to our starting point, the Spitzhütte. 

By car:

At the town entrance (roundabout), follow the signs towards Bernbach. In Bernbach, follow the street to the town exit towards Althof and turn left into the residential area just after the town sign. Here follow the right street to the turning area. There is a path on the left that leads us directly to the Spitzhütte with parking lot. 

Take the S1 from Karlsruhe direction to the stop Bad Herrenalb - Kullenmühle. From there, take bus line 113 to Bernbach Rathaus. 

From the town hall, we follow the street towards Althof. At the town exit, first turn left into the residential area and then take the street that goes off to the right. At the turning area, follow the left path, which leads us directly to the Spitzhütte. 

Parking lot at the Spitzhütte

Alternative: Parking lot at Bernbach cemetery

Tourism and City Marketing Bad Herrenalb
Rathausplatz 11
76332 Bad Herrenalb
Tel: 07083/5005 55
E-mail: info@badherrenalb.de
www.badherrenalb.de

The entire route is signposted by the Black Forest Club (lozenge system). 

For culinary refreshment and to-go offers, visit the Bären restaurant and pizzeria.

Detour to the Karl-Schwarz Fountain and the Mauzenstein natural monument! 

Sunset at the hang glider launch site.