Teufelskanzelsteig in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach for adventurers

Magnificent views, impressive rock formations and hidden places of power, a waterfall in unspoilt natural surroundings – there’s plenty to discover on this tour, which is just under 7 kilometres long.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.14 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,263 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,243 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,127 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,936 ft

Description of the walk

The hike starts at the Kreuzkopfschanze in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach.

(S/E) From the Kreuzkopfschanze, we follow the signposts north-east towards the Griesbach Waterfall.

(1) Here, we cross the bridge and climb the moss-covered stone steps on the opposite side, following the waterfall until we reach a wider meadow path. We head left uphill to the forest road, cross it straight ahead and take the small path uphill. After a short while, this crosses a wide gravel path again.

(2) We turn left and follow the signposts to the Sexauer Hütte. We pass the hut on our left and continue uphill to the ‘Teufelskanzel’ viewpoint.

(3) There, we turn right and stay on the path, which leads us via steps directly to the Teufelskanzel (4). We climb this partly via steps and partly along foot-wide paths – sure-footedness and careful walking are essential here! The Teufelskanzel is a large rock formation along the route.

After the Teufelskanzel, the path rejoins a wide gravel track. We turn right and follow this for about 500 metres, then, at the Wildwies site, turn right onto a foot-wide path past the Bärenfelsen to the Marienruhe.

(5) It’s well worth taking a break here to enjoy the wonderful mountain panorama. The view stretches from Bad Griesbach in the valley all the way to the Black Forest National Park. We keep slightly to the left as we head downhill to the next junction, then turn right again. A narrow path zigzags downhill to the Rappenschliff site, via the Silbereckle – an area not far from the Haberer Tower where silver ore was once mined.

(6) The short detour to the Haberer Tower is well worth it. The 16-metre-high tower, built of sandstone, was erected in 1899 in honour of Dr Albert Haberer, a former medical councillor and patron of the Renchtal spas. After enjoying the view from the tower, we walk back along the same path for about 150 metres. At the crossroads, we turn right onto the wide forest track, then turn right again after a short distance. The path ends at the Kreuzkopfschanze, the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,936 ft - Kreuzkopfschanze, Bad Peterstal-Griesbach
  2. 1 : mi 0.74 - alt. 2,339 ft - Griesbach Waterfall
  3. 2 : mi 1.28 - alt. 2,536 ft - Sexauer Hut
  4. 3 : mi 1.56 - alt. 2,697 ft - Location: ‘Teufelskanzel’
  5. 4 : mi 2.08 - alt. 3,038 ft - Teufelskanzel
  6. 5 : mi 2.81 - alt. 2,913 ft - Marienruhe
  7. 6 : mi 3.68 - alt. 2,238 ft - Haberer Tower
  8. S/E : mi 4.14 - alt. 1,936 ft - Kreuzkopfschanze, Bad Peterstal-Griesbach

Notes

Getting there by car
How to reach the hiking car park at the Kreuzkopfschanze:

A5 motorway, Appenweier exit, take the B28 via Oberkirch and Oppenau to Bad Peterstal-Griesbach; at the outskirts of Bad Griesbach, the entrance to the Kreuzkopfschanze is on the right-hand side.

A81 motorway, Horb exit, take the B28 via Freudenstadt to Bad Peterstal-Griesbach; head towards the centre of Bad Peterstal, then enter Bad Griesbach – the entrance to the Kreuzkopfschanze is on the left-hand side.
__
Getting there by public transport__
From Offenburg (ICE and IC stop) or Appenweier, you can reach Bad Peterstal-Griesbach on the Ortenau S-Bahn.

Ortenau S-Bahn (OSB): Bad Griesbach railway station
Südwestbus: Stop by the church

From here, it is about 1 kilometre to the Kreuzkopfschanze.

ℹ️ Contact:
Kur und Tourismus GmbH
Wilhelmstraße 2
77740 Bad Peterstal-Griesbach

A special tip for mushroom enthusiasts
If you look closely, you’ll soon discover that this bizarre natural landscape provides the ideal habitat for all manner of mushrooms. If you’re interested, the information boards along the trail offer some fascinating facts, allowing you to immerse yourself in the fabulous world of mushrooms.

There is a well at the Sexauer Hütte. Here, you can top up your water bottle with fresh spring water before continuing the climb.

Equipment
Sturdy footwear, and walking poles if required

Safety advice
The steps along the path can be slippery when it rains. Sure-footedness is required in some places.

Worth a visit

?️ Places to stop for refreshments:
Häfner’s Flair Hotel Adlerbad
Kniebisstraße 55
77740 Bad Peterstal-Griesbach

Döttelbacher Mühle
Kniebisstr. 8
77740 Bad Peterstal-Griesbach

Hotel Kimmig
Kniebisstraße 57
77740 Bad Peterstal-Griesbach

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 4580850

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A short hike in mid-season. The walk begins amidst autumnal scenery before climbing up to a section that is still snow-covered (except on the paths). You walk along paths and tracks through the heart of the forest. The most challenging sections are two passages equipped with steps and handrails. The forest, streams, views, the scent of mushrooms and so on make for a lovely walk with plenty of opportunities to stop if needed; it’s certainly very pleasant in summer too. All the viewing points are well-equipped, and the last one even sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (for a fee). The route is also clearly signposted.

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