Nestled in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest, Bad Wildbad is a hidden gem that offers an idyllic escape into nature. This charming town, famous for its thermal baths, is also home to some of the most breathtaking outdoor experiences in the region: the Sommerbergbahn, the Tree Top Walk, and the Wildline.
I started my journey early from Nürnberg. When travelling using a Deutschland ticket (Germany ticket), You travel to Stuttgart with RE90 and then take an IRE 1 to Pforzheim also known as Gold City for its history in jewellery making. At Pforzheim, I joined my friend who was visiting with his family. We got an S6 that takes us through the black forest to Bad Wildbad.
We can get down at Bad Wildbad Bf or the last stop Bad Wildbad Kurpark. For those looking to grab the funicular train (Sommerbergbahn), the last stop is recommended. Once we are about to reach the station, we see that the railway track passes through the shopping street which reminisces the shopping street in Vietnam.
Once you get down, you get to see a beautiful vibrant town with people enjoying a small breakfast and coffee. There are small vendors selling watches and various pieces of jewellery. The street is filled with vibrant flowers and you see the town’s famous thermal baths on both sides. River Enz flows through the city adding more beauty to the town.
After a sip of coffee, we headed to our first destination- Sommerbergbahn.
Instead of getting separate tickets for Sommerbergbahn and WIldline. You could combine them with a combi-ticket. Also saves some money.
Sommerbergbahn: A Ride to the Top
Sommerbergbahn, one of the oldest funicular railways in Germany. Built in 1908, this iconic railway whisks visitors from the valley floor up to the summit of Sommerberg in just a few minutes. The journey itself is an experience, offering panoramic views of the lush Black Forest as you ascend.
The Sommerbergbahn isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s a nostalgic trip back in time. The funicular cars have been carefully restored to maintain their historical charm while ensuring modern comfort. As you rise 300 meters above sea level, you’ll be greeted with stunning vistas that only get better as you approach the top.
Once at the summit, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a network of hiking trails, offering both easy strolls and challenging treks through the forest. The fresh mountain air and serene environment provide the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration.
Tree Top Walk: A Stroll Above the Forest
Just a short walk from the top station of the Sommerbergbahn is the Tree Top Walk (Baumwipfelpfad), a unique attraction that lets you experience the forest from a bird’s-eye view. This elevated pathway, stretching 1.25 kilometres, meanders through the treetops at heights of up to 20 meters, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. At the entrance is a wooden carving of a squirrel sitting on a large nut.
The Tree Top Walk is designed to be accessible to everyone, including families with strollers and visitors with disabilities. The gentle gradient and sturdy construction make it easy to navigate while still providing an exhilarating experience. Along the way, informative displays offer insights into the local flora and fauna, making it an educational experience as well. Also, seen are some birdhouses crafted like a person sitting on the trees. The craftsmanship is excellent and cannot be missed.
The highlight of the Tree Top Walk is the spiral observation tower, standing 40 metres tall. As you ascend the tower, the view expands, culminating in a 360-degree panorama of the Black Forest that will leave you breathless. On a clear day, you can see for miles, with the dense forest stretching out in every direction.
The tower is mainly made of wood and looks like a large twisted cup due to the arrangement of the twelve double-inclined, layer-glued main supports. The columns are set up at the same distance from each other in a rotationally symmetrical manner and are inclined both outwards and clockwise. They are connected by steel pipes, cross-braced several times and partly protected against the weather by sheet metal cladding. At a height of 25 metres, between the access ramp and a tubular steel column in the middle of the tower, there is a triangular platform, from which a 55 metres long tunnel slide leads to the ground in several turns within the tower.
The Wildline: A Thrilling Suspension Bridge
After getting down the tree-top walk, thrill seekers can walk through the forest to the next destination- The wildline. The wildline is a one-of-a-kind suspension bridge which crosses Bärenklinge, a small side valley from the Sommerberg to the southern end of Bad Wildbad. Spanning over 380 metres and suspended at a height of 60 metres, it offers an adrenaline-pumping experience.
The Wildline is not for the faint of heart, as the bridge sways gently with the wind and movement of those crossing it. However, the thrill is worth it, as the views from the middle of the bridge are spectacular. You’ll feel like you’re floating above the forest, with the treetops far below and the mountains on the horizon.
The design of the Wildline is both minimalist and robust, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. It’s a perfect spot for capturing breathtaking photos or simply soaking in the beauty of the Black Forest from a unique perspective.
For those who want more adrenaline rush, the Adventure Bike Park in Bad Wildbad is the place to be if you’re looking for action and speed. Whether you are a beginner or a professional rider, the bike park offers you 6 trails with different levels of difficulty.
Combining these three attractions makes for a perfect day in Bad Wildbad. Start your day with a ride up the Sommerbergbahn, then take a leisurely stroll along the Tree Top Walk, soaking in the serene atmosphere and learning about the local ecosystem. Finish with a walk across the Wildline, where the thrill of the height and the beauty of the landscape will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend getaway or a traveller exploring the Black Forest, Bad Wildbad offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Useful Links
Bad Wildbad: Sommerberg cable car (bad-wildbad.de)