Westweg-Etappe 07: Hausach - Wilhelmshöhe (Schonach)

Hausach marks the halfway point of the Westweg. The Kinzig Valley is the heart of the Middle Black Forest. Incidentally, nearby Gutach is the home of the famous Bollenhut. The stage is long and more strenuous than expected. Farrenkopf, Prechtaler Schanzen, Huberfelsen and Karlstein have to be climbed in some very steep and arduous ascents. From Karlstein onwards, the Westweg remains at altitude and reaches the Wilhelmshöhe in a tranquil up and down.

The first stop at Husen Castle follows shortly after the start in Hausach. From here, there is a beautiful view of the town and the Kinzig valley. The keep and parts of the palace wall of the former Zähringen castle tower strikingly above the town. Built to protect the surrounding silver mines, it was destroyed by Weimar troops during the Thirty Years' War.The hike to the Haseman Hut on the Farrenkopf (789 m) now has more than 500 meters of very steep ascent ahead of it. The Westweg continues to follow the sometimes surprisingly narrow mountain ridge more uphill than downhill to the south. This adds up to over 1,100 meters in altitude over the course of the route. A proud daily achievement!

On the way, entrenchments at Büchereck, Höchst and Hirschlache bear witness to the turbulent times of the War of the Spanish Succession at the beginning of the 18th century. From the ship's bow-like Huberfelsen, overgrown with ash, birch and rowan trees, there is a beautiful view of the Elz valley.

The highlight of this stage is the short rocky climb up the 25-metre-high granite block of Karlstein (964 m), which is secured with handrails. Looking south, the individual farms surrounded by meadows lie like islands in the dark coniferous forest. 10 minutes further on, you can reward your efforts with a hearty snack at the "Schöne Aussicht" inn.

The Westweg now remains at altitude. The destination is near. Past the "Zum Karlstein" restaurant, the stage ends at the Wilhelmshöhe above the traditional winter sports resort of Schonach.