Waldsee and Kybfelsen from Freiburg-im-Breisgau

Wanderparkplatz Lorettoberg car park in Merzhausen, a shaded area set back from the houses.

(S/E) Between the car park and the first house, take the path that leads into the wooded park, cross the stream and walk along the picnic area to Waldhaus Freiburg.

(1) Take the time to walk around and admire the wooden sculptures. At the car park behind the building, turn right onto Breitmattenweg, which crosses the stream and runs alongside it.

(2) After 1 km, you will reach a car park at the side of the road. Opposite, there is a path that crosses the railway line. Cross carefully and follow the path that winds through the fields. Turn right after the tree and walk to the houses. Continue straight ahead on Riedbergstrasse, which takes you past the St. Lioba Convent.

(3) Continue straight ahead to the end of Valentinstrasse.

(4) This quickly turns into a path that enters the forest until you reach two footbridges in succession.

(5) From here, pay close attention to the numerous intersections. A path on the left leads to Kirchlinsgrundweg, which takes you 2 km further to the Sohlacker (or Schlackerhütte) crossroads, an open area with a shelter that is ideal for a break.
(6) Take the Kybfelsensteig path, which will take you to the Kybfelsen viewpoint about 1 km further on. The path winds its way up to the viewpoint, the highest point of this hike at an altitude of 800 m.

(7) Continue along the Kybfelsensteig trail, which branches off to the left away from the summit. Walk 2 km to the Rehagsattel (or Rehaghütte) junction, another suitable spot for a break with a shelter.

(8) This time, take the Kybfelsenweg path that passes to the right of the shelter and follow it for about 600 m until you reach an intersection with the Wiedenbachweg trail.

(9) Follow it to the left and, after passing a few viewpoints, you will arrive at another intersection.

(10) This time, take the route towards Glümerhöhle and Lake Waldsee. Be careful not to take the Canadian Trail, which is reserved for mountain bikes! Follow the wide switchbacks to rejoin the Canadian Trail, which you will cross. Take care.

(11) A little further on, cross it again (be careful), turn right and, paying attention to the crossroads, you will arrive near Waldsee Lake on the edge of the forest, the main point of interest outside the town on this hike.

(12) Take the time to walk around it and continue along the stream on your right until you cross the railway line and enter the town. Cross the road and walk a few dozen metres to the left, then cross the playground and turn left along the shops. Cross the main road carefully to take Heimatstrasse and Lochmattenstrasse, which lead to the Dreisam river.

(13) Walk along the Dreisam river (which should be on your right) until you reach the second bridge (Oberau-brück), which you cross. Continue straight ahead until you reach the footbridge over the canal leading to the foot of the hill.

(14) The path winds its way up to the Schlossbergtum observation tower, offering a magnificent view of the city.

(15) After the tower, take a path on the left that leads towards the city to Kanonenplatz, a large terrace offering another beautiful view of the city.

(16) Go down the steps towards the city, then cross the Schwabentorsteg bridge and go through the medieval Schwabentor gate, a tourist attraction in Freiburg.

(17) From here, you are in the historic old town (Altstadt). Head towards the impressive Freiburg Cathedral and walk around Münsterplatz, taking a look at the Fishbrunnen and Georgbrunnen fountains, then take Münsterstrasse between the two fountains.

(18) Cross Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse with caution and walk behind St. Martin's Church, which will take you to Rathausplatz.

(19) Go around the church and return to Kaiser-Joseh-Strasse, turning right. Walk straight down Kaiser Joseph-strasse, cross the Kaiserbrücke bridge, pass the Johanneskirche church, and continue in the same direction until you reach the edge of the city. You will come to an intersection where there is a painted horse sculpture on your right.

(20) 20 metres further on, after passing under the railway line, a dirt track leads diagonally to the right, passing between country houses.

(21) At the end of this short path, turn right onto Wonnhaldestrasse, cross the small bridge and continue along this road between the houses until you reach the entrance to the wooded area you crossed at the start.
Go around the small pond and continue straight ahead, then turn right 300 m further on to return to the Waldberg car park (Waldstrasse) (S/E).

As this is a semi-urban hike, please take care when crossing the numerous roads and use pedestrian crossings whenever possible. You are in a fairly large town with heavy traffic.