Germany's Largest Canyon
If you’d like to discover the stunning natural beauty of the Upper Black Forest during your stay at the Saigerhöh, don’t miss a trip to the Wutach and Gauchach Gorges. Both gorges are only about 30 minutes by car from the Saigerhöh and are among the most beautiful hiking areas in the region. Since they are only a few kilometers apart, they can be easily combined, making them ideal for varied day trips.
The Wutach Gorge, also known as Germany’s largest canyon, is one of the Black Forest’s most impressive natural wonders. Steep rock faces, roaring streams, pristine forests, and an extraordinary diversity of species make every hike a special experience. The Wutach Gorge vacation region also delights visitors with its varied landscapes, small Black Forest villages, and numerous well-marked hiking trails.
Just a few kilometers away lies the Gauchach Gorge awaits as another highlight. The short but challenging trail leads right alongside the rushing stream, past impressive rock formations, over narrow paths, and through shady forests. Fascinating views of the wild gorge landscape open up time and again. Those who conquer the climb to the plateau will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.
Thanks to the numerous hiking parking lots around both gorges—for example, in Bachheim, Döggingen, Schattenmühle, or at the Wutachmühle—you can plan your hikes with great flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely loop hike or a longer trek from one gorge to the other, the short distances between the Wutach and Gauchach gorges offer plenty of opportunities to explore the unique landscape along varied trails.
The routes were created using komoot. You'll therefore find helpful links directly to komoot's navigation pages, as well as GPS files provided by komoot for navigating and tracking your route.
The Three Gorges Tour
The Three Gorges Hike is one of the most impressive hikes in the Southern Black Forest Nature Park. On this varied loop hike, you’ll discover three fascinating gorges: the Wutach Gorge, the Gauchach Gorge , and the Engeschlucht. Look forward to narrow nature trails, steep rock faces, bizarre rock formations, rushing streams, and small waterfalls—a true paradise for nature lovers.
The loop tour begins at the Three Gorges Hall in Bachheim, where there is plenty of parking available. From here, follow the well-marked “3-Gorges Trail” and enjoy one of the most varied hikes in the Black Forest over a distance of about 20 kilometers.
The tour in numbers
Our tip: Allow plenty of time for the hike and bring enough drinks and a light snack. Because the trails are unpaved , sturdy shoes, sure footing, and a good level of fitness are absolutely essential. Certain sections of the trail can be wet and slippery, especially in the spring and after rain.
The Rock Gallery
This scenic loop hike connects two of the Black Forest’s most beautiful gorges and covers approximately 23 kilometers an unforgettable experience of nature. With an elevation gain of about 540 meters of elevation gain, the tour is challenging and is intended for experienced hikers who are in good physical condition and sure-footed.
The tour follows mostly unpaved trails. Several steep ascents and descents, as well as narrow sections, make it particularly varied, but require surefootedness and sturdy footwear. After rain, the trails can be slippery and muddy in places.
The tour in numbers
Our tip: Start early in the morning and bring plenty of food and drinks. That way, you can enjoy the unique natural beauty of the Wutach and Gauchach Gorges at your own pace and have plenty of time to stop at the many scenic overlooks and photo spots along the route.