Discover Lauterbach: Trails, Landscapes and History

Discover Lauterbach through two very different threads: its architectural history and trails that put landscapes, views and knowledge centre stage. Whether you are planning a short loop rated easy or a longer hike, the local trails differ in specific ways in terms of length, elevation gain and theme. Individual historic buildings also tell stories of different eras.

Architectural history with distinct chapters

The Gedächtnishaus was built in its present form in 1923/24 according to plans by Stuttgart architect Professor Bonatz. During the work, the observation tower was raised to 23.8 metres and a hiking hostel was added. These details describe the building’s development at the time and make its history tangible as part of Lauterbach’s local history.

An earlier chapter began with the first mountain chapel: Dr Ludwig Stemmer, a doctor and priest, built it in 1890 on a bare rock high above the Lauterbach Valley. Rough, unhewn tree trunks were used. Another historic date concerns the observation tower on Mooswaldkopf, which opened in 1905. These dates refer to different structures and events in Lauterbach’s history.

Hiking: a short loop or a longer trail?

The route details provide a clear basis for comparing two hikes. The Lauterbacher Hochtalrunde is nine kilometres long, gains 236 metres in elevation and is rated easy. The Lauterbacher Wandersteig covers 35 kilometres and gains just over 1,200 metres. The two routes therefore differ considerably in scale: the Hochtalrunde is much shorter, while the Wandersteig is a longer hike with significantly more elevation gain.

The landscapes along the Wandersteig also shape the experience: the trail passes small streams, wet meadows, biotopes and a raised bog. If these kinds of landscape are what you are looking for, you can consider the route in terms of these specific features. When planning, compare the distance and elevation gain with your plans for the day; the route details alone do not specify a walking time.

Another option is the AugenBlick loop in Lauterbach. It starts at the car park by Lauterbach Cemetery. The trail goes over Winterberg and past Rainlebühl towards Mückenloch, through woods and meadows. At Güntersberg, the AugenBlick Lauterbach viewpoint offers views as far as Hohenzollern Castle. The route and viewpoint provide two specific reference points for planning your outing.

Themed trails and other routes

The Planet Trail is one of the hiking trails in Lauterbach and has a different focus from routes described in terms of landscape or elevation. At each location, information boards explain facts about the respective planets, as well as briefly outlining their histories and the origins of their names. This also makes the trail interesting for visitors who enjoy learning about a particular subject while out and about.

For mountain biking, the 450-kilometre “Bike-Crossing-Schwarzwald” is also mentioned. It runs through the Sulzbachtal and over Fohrenbühl. Check the latest route information before setting off. The Sulzbachtal Landscape Conservation Area lies north of Lauterbach: a protected high valley in the central Black Forest, reaching up to 900 metres. It is a distinct landscape area, not part of the town.

When choosing a holiday apartment for your stay, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your planned days: a shorter hike, a longer trail, a themed route or a mountain bike route.

A cultural attraction in Rottweil

In the wider destination of Rottweil, the Salinenmuseum Unteres Bohrhaus presents salt production in its original buildings, with original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps. The museum also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Saltworks of Wilhelmshall, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise. This cultural attraction is in Rottweil and adds a distinct chapter on industrial history to Lauterbach’s local and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations

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