Seelbach walks

A lovely walk above Seelbach, alternating between woodland and meadows with beautiful scenery and the chance to discover lovely wooden sculptures. Please note that the start of the descent is sometimes quite steep.

An hour from Strasbourg, in the heart of the Black Forest (Germany), discover the ruins of Géroldseck Castle. A route along small country lanes, which can be completed on foot or by bike (between 4 and 5 hours on foot). After an initial uphill section, you’ll discover a superb 360-degree panoramic view of the Black Forest at the top of the ruins.

A visit to my maternal grandparents’ village will take you deep into the Black Forest; as you climb a little higher, you’ll discover the village of Seelbach in the Schutter Valley.

A beautiful hike starting from Haslach that takes you to the Sacred Well and Chapel, the Urenkopf and the Devil's Pulpit rocks. Very pleasant in warm weather as it is mostly shaded but offers some beautiful views.

Who hasn’t seen them – the bright green and yellow cups, plates and egg cups featuring the Black Forest rooster and hen? This charming pair of chickens will also accompany you on the approximately 14-kilometre-long “Rooster and Hen Trail” through the holiday landscape of the Central Black Forest, Gengenbach and Harmersbach Valley.

Hike in the hills above Gengenbach. Car park next to a clinic. The route is accessible to all, with forest paths and small trails. The climb at the start is long but easy, and then you reach some small paths. At the end of the route, there is a magnificent view of the town of Gengenbach.

A circular route with virtually no elevation gain, through the shaded forest on the German side of the Rhine. Part of the route follows a signposted path known as the “Schnakenpfad” (the snail trail), which is approximately 7.5 km long. It is located near Lac de Gravier to the west, between the villages of Ottenheim-Schwanau and Meißenheim. This path is aptly named, as the locals also call it “Schnoogepfad” (the Mosquito Trail), because in summer it is teeming with them. The route alternates between small lakes, streams, charming little wooden bridges, footpaths, tracks of varying widths, tarmac roads and a few pavements at the start and finish in the streets of the village of Ottenheim-Schwanau. The whole route is easily accessible. There are several shelters with tables and benches along the way. Suitable walking shoes are nevertheless recommended. Dogs must be kept on a lead! The area is rich in wildlife and you’ll also come across beautiful wild geese.

A very pretty hike in the Black Forest, 50 km north-east of Freiburg (Freiburg im Breisgau) and 60 km north of Lake Titisee. You can admire the countryside and forest scenery, as well as the town of Hausach with its castle and beautiful traditional houses.

Unusual facilities, beautiful panoramic views and a cuddle hut (Schmusehisli), the snack trail (Vesperweg) – it's quite a programme.

A route through the Taubergiessen National Nature Reserve, in the German part of Rhinau, along the Old Rhine with views of Rhinau Island and a short detour to Europa-Park (Rust). This is a thousand-hectare nature reserve owned by the French commune of Rhinau on German territory (650 ha of forest and 350 ha of meadows or fields). I was lucky enough to spot roe deer, swans and herons.

A beautiful, easy walk in the Grand Ried in Rhinau, between fields and forest near the Rhine, surrounded by springs and streams with exceptionally clear water and blockhouses. Suitable for children.

A long hike with significant elevation gain. Follow the sign featuring a shepherd, then the unmistakable Yellow Diamond. Please note that the signs are sometimes a few dozen metres past the junctions, so keep an eye out!

The Hauenstein rock offers a magnificent view (Schöne Aussicht) of the southern and eastern parts of the Black Forest. This route follows part of the Schwarzwald West Weg and passes through beautiful forests above Niederwasser.

A pleasant route that initially follows the Elz stream past a beautiful waterfall. The route then follows part of the Schonach forest path, then passes through the Blindenhöhe nature reserve and around Blindensee.

A pleasant route leading to the Braunhörnle. This summit offers a panoramic view of the Yach valley. The route also passes through the Rohrhardsberg nature reserve. The landscapes here are varied, alternating between forests, pastures and meadows.

A bucolic walk in the cool shade of the forest, along the water; ideal in hot weather.

An 8 km hike on flat terrain. The route passes through parts of villages (Eschau, Ohnheim, Fegersheim), follows streams through fields, crosses a grove and runs alongside a pond.