Nature Reserve Guide
Würm-Heckengäu is a nature reserve situated in the regions of Obere Gäue and Schwarzwald-Randplatten, near Calw, Althengstett, and Gechingen in the northern Black Forest. This area is characterized by a small-scale, structured landscape formed on Muschelkalk geology, featuring distinctive juniper heaths, semi-dry grasslands, calcareous grasslands, and forests. Comprising 18 distinct, island-like nature conservation areas interconnected by three landscape protection areas, the Würm-Heckengäu offers diverse terrain suitable for several sports like road cycling, hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, and more.
168
Routes
4.5
(1457)
Average rating
8700
People visited

5.0
(1)
2
hikers
16.4km
04:38
350m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(36)
125
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.5
(39)
140
hikers
10.0km
02:44
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(19)
77
hikers
4.55km
01:17
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(204)
959
riders
55.6km
03:29
530m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(66)
370
riders
38.6km
02:30
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(22)
187
riders
26.2km
01:39
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(15)
142
riders
31.4km
01:57
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(17)
324
riders
58.5km
02:36
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.6
(35)
239
riders
32.0km
01:21
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(23)
159
riders
33.1km
01:27
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(17)
137
riders
45.0km
01:57
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.6
(43)
104
riders
26.2km
02:17
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.7
(29)
178
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.9
(15)
114
riders
39.8km
03:53
1,030m
1,030m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.5
(4)
57
riders
47.4km
04:31
1,110m
1,120m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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97
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
33
runners
10.1km
01:09
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
30
runners
16.3km
01:47
220m
220m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
19
runners
15.7km
01:44
220m
220m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(40)
216
riders
57.8km
03:16
610m
610m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(10)
27
riders
41.0km
02:23
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(15)
83
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
12
riders
30.1km
01:44
230m
230m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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5.0
(1)
4
hikers
9.83km
02:52
260m
260m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

1
hikers
17.2km
04:36
200m
200m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
1
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Würm-Heckengäu nature reserve is located in the regions of Obere Gäue and Schwarzwald-Randplatten, near Calw, Althengstett, and Gechingen. It is characterized by a small-scale, structured landscape formed on Muschelkalk geology. The reserve encompasses 885 hectares, including 18 distinct nature conservation areas and three landscape protection areas.
Würm-Heckengäu offers opportunities for various outdoor activities, including road cycling, hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. The region features more than 100 routes, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 visitors on komoot.
Yes, Würm-Heckengäu provides easy hiking trails suitable for beginners. An example is the "Tälesbach Stream – Tälesbach loop from Calw," which is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) long. More options can be found in the Easy hikes in Würm-Heckengäu guide.
Popular road cycling routes include the "Calw Old Town – Nagold Valley Cycle Path loop from Calw-Heumaden," a moderate route of 36.4 miles (58.5 km). Another option is the "Dachtel Evangelical Church loop from Gechingen," an easy route covering 19.9 miles (32.0 km). Additional routes are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Würm-Heckengäu guide.
Mountain biking is possible on designated wide paths within Würm-Heckengäu. Regulations in Baden-Württemberg generally restrict cycling to paths wider than 6.5 feet (2 meters) to protect sensitive ecosystems. Trails like the "Preaching Place – Merklinger Trail loop from Althengstett" offer moderate mountain biking experiences.
The Würm-Heckengäu is known for its unique Muschelkalk geology, which supports diverse habitats. Key natural features include juniper heaths, semi-dry grasslands, and calcareous grasslands. The landscape also features forests and offers scenic views across its varied terrain.
Würm-Heckengäu is a popular destination on komoot, with over 5,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The region's 116 routes collectively hold an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users exploring the area.
Within the Würm-Heckengäu nature reserve, cycling is generally restricted to designated roads and paths. In Baden-Württemberg, a "two-meter rule" applies, meaning cycling is typically only permitted on paths wider than 6.5 feet (2 meters). Adherence to these regulations is essential for nature protection.
Komoot offers several guides for Würm-Heckengäu, covering various activities. Available guides include Road Cycling Routes in Würm-Heckengäu, Hiking in Würm-Heckengäu, and MTB Trails in Würm-Heckengäu. There are also guides for easy hikes, running trails, and gravel biking.
Yes, Würm-Heckengäu offers longer touring cycling routes. An example is the "Würmtal Cycle Path – The worm loop from Althengstett," a moderate route spanning 28.1 miles (45.2 km). Another option is the "View of Calw – Zavelstein Town Hall Fountain loop from Althengstett," a difficult route of 23.7 miles (38.1 km).
The varied terrain of Würm-Heckengäu, particularly its forests and open grasslands, offers several scenic viewpoints. Specific locations are often integrated into hiking and cycling routes, providing panoramic views of the Muschelkalk landscape. Users can explore routes like the "View of Calw – Zavelstein Town Hall Fountain loop from Althengstett" for elevated perspectives.
The Würm-Heckengäu nature reserve is managed by the Regierungspräsidium Karlsruhe, Abteilung 5 (Environment), Referat 56 (Nature Conservation and Landscape Management). For specific inquiries regarding the reserve's regulations or activities, contacting the nature conservation department directly is advisable. The general phone number for Regierungspräsidium Karlsruhe is +49 (0) 721 926-0.

