Black Forest & Alsace Hiking Adventure – 2026

I’m thrilled to announce our next international hiking adventure!
PLEASE NOTE: This region books out very fast - we’ll need to make our reservations early to keep the group together.
This time, we’ll explore two incredible regions - the mysterious Black Forest in Germany and the beautiful wine country of Alsace in France.
We’ll hike through forested valleys, medieval villages, and scenic vineyards, ending each day in comfortable hotels or small guesthouses. Our luggage will be transferred between accommodations during our walks, so we can simply enjoy the trails.
The trip will start in Zurich and end in Colmar, and here’s our intended itinerary:
Day 0 (Sat, 29 Aug) - Arrival in Zurich, meet for an introduction dinner and get to know your fellow hikers.
Day 1 (Sun, 30 Aug) - Transfer to Villingen-Schwenningen, an easy start to our adventure. We’ll meet at Zurich Central Station and travel together to Villingen-Schwenningen, where we’ll stay for a couple of days and take short trips to enjoy the first glimpses of the Black Forest.
Day 2 (Mon, 31 Aug) - Exploring the Black Forest Towns, we visit a few small, charming towns that truly capture the spirit of the region.
Day 3 (Tue, 1 Sep) - Triberg & the Open Air Museum, discover Triberg, home of the famous cuckoo clocks. The 1000 Clocks shop is practically a museum in itself! Later, we’ll visit the fascinating Black Forest Open Air Museum, a preserved village showcasing traditional wooden architecture unique to this region.
Day 4 (Wed, 2 Sep) - Transfer to Blumberg, we’ll pack up and head to Blumberg, a romantic little town perched above the Wutach Gorge. Enjoy a cozy dinner at a rustic inn - perhaps homemade Spätzle and a local beer?
Day 5 (Thu, 3 Sep) - Wutach Gorge Hike, we hike through sparse forests into the dramatic Wutach Gorge. Trails follow the river closely, with occasional steep climbs for stunning views. End the day at Schattenmühle, then take a short transfer to Löffingen or Bonndorf for the night. Distance: 22 km | Ascent: 400 m | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6 (Fri, 4 Sep) - Haslach Gorge & Robber’s Castle, today’s trail brings both challenge and reward with steep ascents and descents through rocky outcrops like the “Räuberschlössle” (Robber’s Castle). We finish in Fischbach/Schluchsee, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 720 m | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7 (Sat, 5 Sep) - To St. Blasien, leaving the gorges behind, we’ll enjoy sweeping views from Bildstein, where the Swiss Alps and Feldberg appear on the horizon. The day ends in St. Blasien, known for its grand cathedral and picture-perfect valleys. Distance: 21 km | Ascent: 400 m | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 8 (Sun, 6 Sep) - Transfer to Ribeauvillé, Alsace (France), after breakfast, we say goodbye to the Black Forest and head across the border to Ribeauvillé, a lively and picturesque Alsatian town filled with half-timbered houses, medieval towers, and cozy wine cellars. Don’t miss a visit to the Cave de Ribeauvillé for a taste of the region’s famous white wines.
Day 9 (Mon, 7 Sep) - Ribeauvillé to Kaysersberg, we walk through rolling vineyards, past charming villages, and into Riquewihr, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Continue along balcony paths to Château de Kaysersberg, descending into the award-winning town of Kaysersberg, voted France’s Favourite Village (2017). Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 300 m | Difficulty: Easy
Day 10 (Tue, 8 Sep) - Kaysersberg to Turckheim, walk through authentic Alsatian villages such as Ammerschwihr, Katzenthal, and Niedermorschwihr, passing vineyards tended by local winemakers. End the day in Turckheim, another historical gem. Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 200 m | Difficulty: Easy
Day 11 (Wed, 9 Sep) - Turckheim to Eguisheim, a short uphill climb leads us into tranquil forest and vineyard paths with views of the Black Forest on one side and castle ruins on the other. Arrive in Eguisheim, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, famous for its circular streets, flower-decked houses, and fountains. Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 200 m | Difficulty: Easy
Day 12 (Thu, 10 Sep) - Departure from Colmar, after breakfast, a short private transfer (10 min) will take us to Colmar train station. Our official tour ends here - but you might want to stay a little longer to explore this fairytale town of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the Gothic Église Saint-Martin.
Price: AU$3,200 per person (double room), AU$3,800 per person (single room)
Included: 11 nights’ accommodation (Day 1–12), All transfers and local transport during the trip, Luggage transfer during walking days (Days 4–8 and 8–12)
Not included: Flights/travel to and from the trip, Lunches and dinners (we’ll eat at local pubs and cafés along the trail)
To RSVP, please email [matthew.vinokur@hotmail.com](mailto:matthew.vinokur@hotmail.com) with your:

• Full name (as per your passport)
• Mobile number

You’ll receive payment details upon confirmation.
Payment terms:

• 20% deposit (non-refundable) to secure your spot
• Balance due 80 days before departure

If you’re unable to attend, you may arrange for a substitute participant.

Join us for an unforgettable walk through forest trails, medieval wine towns, and the quiet beauty of two of Europe’s most scenic regions.

By RSVPing to this event you (and your guests) agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of SOMG which you can view here: https://www.meetup.com/sydney-outdoors-meetup-group/messages/boards/thread/53245383.
Important notes: Please be aware itinerary may change due to many factors, every effort will be made to adhere to original itinerary however circumstances beyond our control may result in a changed itinerary/accommodation. Prices are subject to currency fluctuation until finalized.