When planning a trip to Wutach, it is worth taking a look at the various hiking options: Trails in the Wutach Gorge follow the clear river, passing rock formations and crossing diverse plant and animal habitats. Circular routes, an optional extension and a long-distance hiking trail offer different distances. Trail conditions, the winter closure and seasonal bus timetables are also important when planning your day.
Hikes for different time budgets
A hike starting at SchattenmĂĽhle is listed as 12 kilometres and five hours; the return route passes through the Wutach Gorge. Another loop via the Ewattingen-Sonnenrainweg and the Wutach Gorge is 10 kilometres long, takes about 3.5 hours and heads towards WutachmĂĽhle. This makes it possible to compare two different time requirements for a day of hiking. The route through the Wutach Gorge can be extended with a 1.2-kilometre hike through the Lothenbachklamm.
For those interested in a longer long-distance hiking trail, the 118-kilometre Schluchtensteig is another option: it runs between StĂĽhlingen and Lenzkirch through the Wutach Gorge. Distances, times and route details may change locally. So check the latest trail information before deciding on your route.
River, rocks and special habitats
The hiking trails follow a clear river and pass rock formations. The Wutach Gorge is also a nature reserve, where geological layers dating back several hundred million years can be seen. Around 30 kilometres of hiking trails give an idea of the scale of this landscape.
The habitats include gorge forests and montane beech forests. They provide habitat for rare Bechstein’s bats and barbastelle bats. Endangered plant species, including the rare lady’s slipper orchid, can be found in mountain meadows. This natural area therefore encompasses not only rivers and rocks, but also a range of forest and meadow habitats with distinctive plant and animal life.
Trail conditions and seasonal restrictions
The trails in the Wutach Gorge are narrow and uneven; hiking requires fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights. The gorge is closed to hikers in winter. Check the latest official notices before setting out. Cycling, mountain biking and horse riding are prohibited in the Wutach Gorge. Its trails are unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs.
FlowTrailWutach offers rides on the slopes of the Wutach Gorge, featuring jumps, steep turns and bridge structures. There are also options for beginners. It is scheduled to operate seasonally from April to October and in dry weather.
Plan your travel and accommodation
Hiking buses connect the main access points to the Wutach Gorge; train connections are coordinated with services at Döggingen station. As the hiking buses run on seasonal timetables, check the times before travelling. If you plan to use buses and trains for your hike, check the timetable against your chosen starting point.
This lets you take walking time, travel to and from the trail, and seasonal timetables into account together. Include the demands of the trail and any possible local route changes in your day’s plans as well.
Discover more destinations: Lembach, Dogern, Stühlingen, Herrischried, Dachsberg, Häusern, Hohentengen am Hochrhein, Weilheim.
Return to the main travel overview: Waldshut.
