Durbacher Panorama

The hiking route begins at the central, large parking lot, the Festplatz, from where we leave heading towards Almstraße/Hatsbach. After a short stretch on Hatsbach Street, passing the “White Cross”, the waypoints “Loop” and “Hatsbach”, the path continues on gravel into the vineyards. After a little over a kilometer, we reach the leisure facility “Vollmersbach” with a pavilion, barbecue area, and small playground.

Now we leave the vineyards behind and follow the path along the small brook “Kahler Bach”, which we cross several times. A wonderfully calm yet interesting section of the route, especially delightful and shady in summer.

Continuing with a gentle ascent, we follow the forest path which transitions between the waypoints Middle Kahler Bach and Vollmersbach Forest into a narrow trail turning left. After the trail, the landscape opens, and at the waypoint “Vollmersbach Forest” we turn right onto a wider path uphill. Step by step, we work our way upward, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Durbach and the Rhine plain. After a sharp right turn at “Fork Bridge”, we again immerse ourselves in the shady and sunlit forests. Here too, it’s always worth making a short stop to enjoy the offered “panoramic views”.

Soon we have reached the highest and most impressive point at “Heidenknie” at just under 480 meters. Here, a generous rest at the shelter is recommended, offering the most beautiful “panorama” of Durbach as well as the ridges along the Black Forest High Road with the Hornisgrinde and its distinctive tower in the background.

Refreshed, we follow the path along the ridge and after about 200 meters turn left onto a forest path. Afterwards, the magnificent panorama of the Durbach vineyards is again before us, which will accompany us with various perspectives and viewpoints throughout the second half of the route.

Continuing downhill through the vineyards, past the farms in the rear Lautenbach valley, to the “Pia Hut”. Shortly before this idyllic rest spot, we turn left from the wide gravel path. The descent to the two wineries “Vollmer” and “Huber”, located next door in the Lautenbach valley, proceeds via small switchbacks. A short stop here to taste a fresh glass of Durbach wine is of course a must!

The little refreshment is well-deserved because on the opposite side of the valley in Lautenbach, we now have to overcome another ascent of about 100 meters in elevation. It is again recommended to pause at the highest point of the climb and enjoy the panorama in front of you.

Now the most strenuous part of the hike is behind us, and we follow the path downhill through the vines and a forest patch into the Sendelbach valley. Before tackling the last small ascent, we pass the well-known and highly regarded vineyard Heinrich Männle, also known as the “Red Wine Männle” beyond Durbach. Of course, here too: hikers are warmly welcome.

In the Sendelbach valley, we are now on the last section of the route, which leads us downstream through the vineyards with Staufenberg Castle always in view, back to the waypoint “Hatsbach”, which we had already passed at the beginning of the hike. Over the “Loop” we return again to the starting point, the Festplatz.