As the days get shorter and cooler and the neighbour starts putting out the pumpkins, I knew it was time to book my ticket back to Phuket. My summer in Germany and the Schwarzwald comes to an end!
As mentioned previously, this summer has been definitely more about cycling and hiking than travelling. But I really enjoyed it. Especially riding my new bicycle.
Remember, my first one got stolen last year in Italy?
While being outdoors I don’t always take a lot of photos, sometimes I just enjoy the surroundings. However, the last hike I did is definitely worth mentioning. The hike to the Altes Schloss Hohenbaden in Baden-Baden was amazing!
I attempted this hike a few months earlier already, but forgot my mosquito repllent. And after an attack of mosquitoes, just as I entered the forest, I turned around and came back later in September. The peak season for mosquitoes was over and I had my repellent. So let’s go!
Hiking the Altes Schloss Hohenbaden
Parking along the Schlossstrasse, just behind the ‘New Schloss’, the 1.7km path to the ‘Altes Schloss’ is quite pleasant and easy. Just follow the signs.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, after all I have seen a few castles recently, however, it was amazing. The ‘Altes Schloss’ ruins had enough detail to imagine life back then. How did they walk all those stairs every day? It was great walking around freely, enjoying the amazing views over the valley.
You can even find one of the oldest wind harps in Europe in the midst of a window. How unique!
I really enjoyed exploring the Altes Schloss ruins. But, I wanted to walk a little bit more so I continued my hike further, following the path to the a rock area called ’Battert’ or ’Felsenplateau’. It was a great round trip back to the castle, walking along amazing rock formations. A little bit like the Fichtelgebirge back in Bavaria.
All in all it was an amazing hike that I can recommend. The ‘Altes Schloss Hohenbaden’ is definitely worth exploring.
Tip: You can also just walk the Battert loop, starting at the Schloss Hohenbaden.
Otherwise…
Besides the Altes Schloss Hohenbaden, throughout my time here, there was the amazing hike to the All Saints Waterfalls near Oppenau, daily morning walks around my place, various forest hikes as well as cycling to Gengenbach. Oh, and I found the local Witch!
Hexen Pfad, Oberkirch 
It is certainly no surprise that the Schwarzwald is a popular holiday destination for outdoor lovers. See my photos below.
However, as much as I enjoyed it, my summer in Germany has come to an end. Autumn has arrived and Winter is not too far away, so it is time for me to head back to Phuket! I guess you will hear from me then xx
PHOTOS
Exploring the Schwarzwald
My morning walks
Hike to the All Saints Waterfalls (Allerheiligen Kloster)
Cycling to Gengenbach (Schloss Ortenberg)
(post 165)
