4.5
(3118)
15,424
hikers
46
hikes
Hiking around Kandel, a prominent mountain in Germany's Black Forest, offers diverse landscapes and panoramic views. Kandel stands at 1,241 meters, making it the highest peak in the central Black Forest. The region is characterized by dramatic geological formations, with deep radial valleys cutting into rounded and rocky mountain ridges, alongside dense forests. From the summit, views extend over the Black Forest, the Rhine Plain, and the Vosges Mountains.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.7
(44)
158
hikers
10.5km
02:40
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(14)
76
hikers
7.25km
01:50
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.9
(12)
37
hikers
15.4km
03:54
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(11)
47
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(9)
34
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This is the obelisk near Büchelberg (close to Gutenbrunnen). Please DO NOT confuse it with the Ludwigstein (Ludwig Monument) from 1872 near Neulauterburg!
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The Obelisk of Büchelberg "recalls a time when this landscape, now quiet, was the scene of major European conflicts for centuries. The monument was erected in 1793 by the Austrian Field Marshal Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser during the War of the First Coalition, after his troops had pushed back the French Revolutionary Army in the Bienwald, thus preventing the relief of Mainz. The obelisk, which rests on a later added rubble stone base with the year 1940, marks a place where history condenses in several epochs: after the French Revolution, Napoleon also passed through this region, in 1870 the first battle of the Franco-Prussian War took place here, as Prussian and allied troops marched through the Bienwald on their way to Paris, and during the Second World War, the Westwall ran in the immediate vicinity, whose bunker remnants and trenches are still visible today. In March 1945, American and French units broke through the German positions in the forest after heavy fighting. [...]"
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The inscription on the CANDIDUS memorial contains a spelling mistake: "Candidus" (correct) instead of "Canditus" (wrong)! Supplement to the other comments: More than 7 years after the murder of Ludwig Christian Candidus, his companion, Franz Ludwig BRAUN (= prosecution witness in court), was also murdered by poachers! Source: https://www.kuladig.de/Objektansicht/KLD-305444
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The natural monument "Oskar-Böhm-Eiche" is unfortunately missing its nameplate (currently). It used to read: "Oskar Böhm (*6.1.1916 +27.6.2001), Mayor of Kandel from 1955 to 1989"
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The entire environment is a nature reserve. Dogs should be kept on a leash. Deviating from the path should be avoided. Leave no trash behind and take nothing from nature. Simply enjoy with (almost) all senses and let nature work its magic.... Take in beautiful impressions....🫶🌸🍀 The oak is estimated to be around 300 years old and still has about 50 years left (barring any events).
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Cultural monument in Büchelberg, in the forest northwest of the village, west of Gutenbrunnen: Monument; obelisk erected by General Wurmser during the Revolutionary War of 1793. The rubble stone base is probably of a more recent date, inscribed, among other things, 1940.
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small station with old signal technology super
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Soon the beautiful semaphore signals at Kandel station will be gone.
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There are over 45 hiking trails around Kandel, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 850 times.
Kandel offers diverse landscapes, from dense forests and idyllic stream valleys to dramatic geological formations with deep radial valleys and rocky mountain ridges. The region is known for its prominent peak, which provides extensive panoramic views over the Black Forest, the Rhine Plain, and even the Vosges Mountains on clear days.
Yes, Kandel has many easy trails. For instance, the Schwanenweiher Kandel – Naturfreundehaus Kandel loop from Kandel is an easy 4.5-mile (7.2 km) path that provides accessible exploration of local forests and natural features. Another easy option is the Naturfreundehaus Kandel – Retirees' Bench — Lichen-Searcher Corner loop from Naturfreundehaus, which is just under 4 miles (6.4 km).
Yes, Kandel features numerous circular hiking routes. A popular moderate option is the Naturfreundehaus Kandel – Schwanenweiher Kandel loop from Kandel, which is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) long. Many routes around the summit and areas like the Naturfreundehaus Bienwald are designed as loops, offering varied terrain and scenic views.
From the Kandel summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views extending across the Black Forest, the Rhine Plain, and the Vosges Mountains. The Kandelfelsen, an imposing rock formation on the western slope, offers impressive views of the Rhine valley. Towards the southeast, you can find the Zweribach waterfalls, adding another natural highlight to the area.
Yes, along many routes, you can find traditional huts and refuges that offer places to rest and enjoy regional dishes. Examples include the Gustav-Beck hut, Gaisfelsen hut, and Gummen hut. The Naturfreundehaus Kandel is also a well-known spot for hikers.
Kandel is a great destination for hiking throughout much of the year. The diverse topography and extensive trail network make it enjoyable in spring, summer, and autumn. During winter, Kandel also offers facilities for winter sports, but hikers should be prepared for snow and colder conditions.
Yes, the Kandelhöhenweg is a prominent long-distance trail that covers over 110 kilometers (68 miles) and more than 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) in altitude across five stages. This well-signposted trail showcases the Black Forest heights.
The routes in Kandel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 180 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, panoramic views, and the well-maintained trail network that caters to various ability levels.
While Kandel is known for its mountain views and forests, the region also features stream valleys and the Zweribach waterfalls. For larger water bodies, you might explore nearby areas like the Altrhein Leopoldshafen or Knielinger Lake, though these are further afield from the immediate Kandel mountain.
Kandel is located approximately 25 km northeast of Freiburg. While specific public transport routes to trailheads can vary, the region is generally accessible. It's advisable to check local bus schedules from nearby towns like Waldkirch or Glottertal, which often connect to the Kandel area, especially during peak hiking seasons.
Yes, there are parking areas available, particularly near popular starting points like the Kandel parking area. These facilities make it convenient for hikers to access the trails, including the super easy path leading directly to the summit.


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