The rafting trade was an important economic sector in the Black Forest until the mid-19th century. Timber, cuckoo clocks, and other goods were transported via the waterways along the Enz, Nagold, and Würm rivers all the way to the Netherlands. One of the oldest German documents regulating rafting in the northern Black Forest dates from 1342. Due to railway construction and the expansion of the rail network, rafting gradually lost its significance. Today, the rafting monument on the Pforzheim Auer Bridge and this beautiful hiking route recall the glorious era of the rafters.
This circular route is a pleasure for every nature lover!
The arboretum with its numerous deciduous and coniferous trees from all over the world is an impressive tree collection. The Enz meadows invite you to relax and let your thoughts wander, and in the authentic Birkenfeld with its half-timbered houses, you will find the occasional refreshment.
Author’s recommendation
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Birkenfeld/RathausPforzheim Sonnenberg
Gasthof Sonnenberg
Safety information
There are no safety-relevant sections on the path.Tips and suggestions
This path has no own hiking trail sign. Carrying a map is recommended.
Many thanks to the Black Forest Association Pforzheim-Brötzingen and the dedicated trail wardens for this great route suggestion.
Roadbook
Signpost locations:
Sonnenberg 334 m – Tornadostein 335 m – Lower Enz Bridge 286 m – Upper Enz Bridge 308 m – Birkenfeld Marketplace 346 m – Lower Enz Bridge 286 m Tornadostein 335 m – Sonnenberg 334 m
Route description:
From the signboard at the Sonnenberg parking lot, we follow the Westweg – red diamond – to the "Tornadostein". At the signpost we turn right and continue – red diamond to the lower Enz bridge, turn left, go straight ahead – yellow diamond – to the "upper Enz bridge", cross the Enz - follow the yellow diamond -, then immediately right onto the metal bridge to go under the B 294. Go left up to the yellow diamond, go briefly left, shortly afterwards right up the rather steep path, then right to Birkenfeld to Zeppelin Street, which we cross, and walk up the sidewalk to the "Birkenfeld Marketplace". At the marketplace/town hall we turn right – red diamond – through a small park, then left uphill to the main road and immediately right again, down the path to Wildbader Street, cross the street and then the railway line. Immediately after crossing the railway line, we turn right and shortly thereafter left over the "lower Enz bridge". Continue – red diamond – up the Westweg to the "Tornadostein" and then back to the starting point – "Sonnenberg parking lot".
Marking:
red diamond up to the Lower Enz bridge, then yellow diamond to the marketplace in Birkenfeld. From there back to the starting point on the red diamond
Trinkbrunnen und Einstieg zum Wasserleitungsweg
Parkplatz Wasserleitungsweg
Parkplatz am Sonnenberg
Gasthof Sonnenberg
Arboretum
Tornadostein
Unterer Enzsteeg
Patschbachtal
Oberer/Enzsteg
Birkenfeld/Rathaus
Birkenfeld Marktplatz
Birkenfeld
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Bus stops on the route:
- Pforzheim Sonnenberg
- Birkenfeld Marketplace
- Birkenfeld Train Station
Train station near the route:
- Birkenfeld Train Station
Schedule information is available here: http://www.efa-bw.de
Directions
There are several options by car:
One option starts at Sonnenberg. You can reach it via Büchenbronner Street. Coming from Pforzheim, the Wasserleitungsweg hiking parking lot is on the right side.
Another option is to start the route in Birkenfeld. There are numerous parking options, for example at the train station or in the town center.
Parking
On the Pforzheim Sonnenberg there are free hiking parking lots on both sides of Büchenbronner Street near the Wasserleitungsweg. There is the Wasserleitungsweg hiking parking lot as well as a spacious parking lot opposite the Sonnenberg guesthouse.
In Birkenfeld, there are numerous, partly paid parking options in the town center. Parking at Birkenfeld train station is also possible.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
More information on this and other routes is available at the
Pforzheim Tourist Information
Schloßberg 15-17 75175 Pforzheim
Tel: 07231 39-3700; Fax: 07231 39-3707
tourist-info@pforzheim.de, www.stadt-land-enz.de/wandern
Author’s map recommendations
The map for this and many more routes is available at the
Pforzheim Tourist Information
Schloßberg 15-17 75175 Pforzheim
Tel: 07231 39-3700; Fax: 07231 39-3707
tourist-info@pforzheim.de, www.stadt-land-enz.de/wandern
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
Sturdy and well-broken-in footwear is recommended. You should also bring sun and rain protection, as well as something to drink and a small snack.
A small refreshment can be found along the way in the town center of Birkenfeld.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions