Graf Eberhard Weg

Narrow paths in beautiful natural surroundings with magnificent views await hikers on this historic tour. Count Eberhard's escape route connects the spa in Wildbad with the former fortress in Zavelstein.

The year is 1367 and Count Eberhard II is at the spa when enemy troops advance on Wildbad from two sides. He has no choice but to flee to Zavelstein, 18 km away. An event that suddenly makes the remote Black Forest town famous throughout the entire empire.Follow Count Eberhard on his escape route and immerse yourself in the world of the Middle Ages.

What did the Black Forest look like back then? How did people find their way through the confusing power struggles between counts and monasteries, emperors and popes? How did the people of that era think and feel? And how can it be that an entire village disappears before it ever appears in a document?

Excerpts from the poem by Ludwig Uhland:

- In beautiful summer days, when the breezes blow tepidly, the forests green merrily, the gardens bloom, there rode from Stuttgart's gates a hero of proud type, Count Eberhard the Greiner, the old bearded man.

- With few noblemen he goes forth into the land. He wears neither helmet nor armor, he does not go on a bloody ostrich, he wants to ride to the wild bath, where a hot spring springs, which heals and strengthens the sick, which rejuvenates the old

- They climb through the thicket up the steepest mountain; with his good sword the count often cuts his way. How bitter the fleeing tastes, he has never noticed; he would much rather fight, the bath has strengthened him.

- Downhill and uphill in the hot noon hour! Already the count must lean on the pommel of his sword. The shepherd of the old, high lord takes pity on him; he takes him on his back: I do it with all my heart.

Signposting and trail network of the Black Forest Association.