Griesbacher Steige & Matthias Erzberger Memorial
Griesbacher Steige & Matthias Erzberger Memorial
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Road cycling
4.9
(82)
The Griesbacher Steige & Matthias Erzberger Memorial is a significant mountain pass and historical site nestled in the heart of the Black Forest, Germany, near the charming town of Bad Griesbach. This winding section of Federal Highway 28 (Bundesstraße 28) descends dramatically from the Kniebis mountain pass and Alexanderschanze towards the picturesque Renchtal valley, offering both scenic beauty and a poignant connection to German history. It's a place where natural landscapes meet a powerful historical narrative.
Visitors are particularly drawn to the unique combination of stunning Black Forest vistas and the profound historical resonance of the Matthias Erzberger Memorial. The descent along the Griesbacher Steige, with its distinctive hairpin bends, is a highlight for many, especially cyclists who enjoy the exhilarating ride down. Beyond the thrill of the road, the memorial itself provides a powerful moment of reflection on a pivotal period in Germany's past.
Before embarking on your visit, it's helpful to know that the B28 can be a busy route, especially during peak seasons, with considerable motorized traffic. While the ascent can be challenging for cyclists due to the traffic, the downhill sections are often described as enjoyable, allowing for a good pace through the serpentines. Planning your visit during off-peak hours might offer a more serene experience, particularly for those exploring the Griesbacher Steige trails on foot or by bike.
The Griesbacher Steige and Matthias Erzberger Memorial are accessible throughout the year, though the experience varies with the seasons. Spring and autumn offer vibrant foliage and pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, while summer can bring more traffic. Many choose to explore the area by cycling the winding roads or by taking a leisurely drive to appreciate the viewpoints. The memorial is a key landmark for those interested in German history and the Black Forest region.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and history, a visit to the Matthias Erzberger Memorial is a must. The memorial stone, located on Kniebisstraße, marks the site of the assassination and serves as a powerful reminder of the political struggles of the Weimar Republic. Nearby, the Alexanderschanze offers additional scenic spots and well-developed roads for further exploration.
Many visitors share that the attractive landscape, combined with the historical significance, makes for a memorable outing. Cyclists often highlight the fun of rolling down the serpentines, keeping pace with traffic, while others appreciate the quiet contemplation offered by the Matthias Erzberger Memorial. The contrast between the natural beauty and the somber history creates a truly unique atmosphere.
Whether you're interested in the Griesbacher Steige cycling routes, exploring the surrounding trails, or delving into the historical context of the Matthias Erzberger Memorial, komoot offers a variety of routes to help you plan your adventure. From challenging ascents with significant elevation profiles to more leisurely scenic drives, there are options for hikers, cyclists, and history enthusiasts alike to discover this fascinating corner of the Black Forest.
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
April 7, 2020
Road cycling
June 20, 2022
Road cycling
November 20, 2020
Road cycling

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Griesbacher Steige & Matthias Erzberger Memorial

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1,360m
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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4.7
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Details
Informations
Distance 6.02 km
Downhill 440 m
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Thursday 11 June
14°C
8°C
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The Matthias Erzberger Memorial is situated directly on the Kniebisstraße, which is part of the B28 federal highway, at the Griesbacher Steige. Specifically, an updated information and memorial plaque was installed in 2021 at the sharp hairpin bend on the Steige. It's easily accessible by car or bicycle along the B28.
While the intro mentions the B28 can be busy, specific parking areas are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, given its location on a federal highway and as a historical site, visitors typically find roadside parking spots or small pull-offs near the memorial. It's advisable to look for designated parking bays or areas where vehicles can safely stop, especially around the hairpin bend where the memorial plaque is located.
The provided information does not detail specific public transport routes directly to the Griesbacher Steige or the memorial. As it's located on a federal highway (B28) in a more rural part of the Black Forest, public transport might be limited. Visitors often rely on personal vehicles or cycling to reach this location. You might consider checking local bus schedules from nearby towns like Bad Griesbach or Bad Peterstal-Griesbach for connections, though direct stops at the memorial are unlikely.
While the Griesbacher Steige itself is a mountain pass primarily known for its road and historical significance, the surrounding Black Forest region offers numerous hiking opportunities. The provided information suggests exploring 'surrounding trails.' For easy or family-friendly options, it's best to look for marked hiking paths that branch off from the B28 or start in nearby villages, as the immediate vicinity of the pass might be more challenging due to traffic.
The information does not explicitly state rules regarding dogs. Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in the Black Forest, but it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially near roads, in nature reserves, or where wildlife is present. When visiting the memorial itself, ensure your dog is well-behaved and does not disturb other visitors. Always carry bags to clean up after your pet.
The Griesbacher Steige is described as a 'winding section' that 'descends dramatically' from the Kniebis mountain pass towards the Renchtal valley. For cyclists, this means a significant elevation change. While specific gradient percentages aren't provided, the 'challenging ascents with significant elevation profiles' mentioned in the intro indicate a demanding climb if going uphill. The descent, however, is often highlighted as enjoyable, allowing cyclists to 'roll down the serpentines at the same speed as the motorized vehicles.'
The immediate vicinity of the Griesbacher Steige and the memorial, being on a mountain pass, does not typically feature direct amenities like cafes or pubs. However, the area is close to towns such as Bad Griesbach and Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, which offer various dining and accommodation options. Visitors usually plan to stop in these nearby communities for refreshments or overnight stays.
The Griesbacher Steige is primarily a mountain pass and historical site, offering scenic views and a challenging road for cyclists. In contrast, trails like the Wiesensteig, Teufelskanzelsteig, and Himmelssteig are typically designated premium hiking trails known for their varied landscapes, viewpoints, and often more extensive loop routes. While the Steige offers access to the broader Black Forest, these other trails provide a more focused and curated hiking experience with specific themes and attractions.
While the area is 'accessible throughout the year,' winter conditions can significantly impact the experience. The B28 is an important federal highway, so it is generally cleared of snow. However, ice and snow can make hiking and especially cycling challenging and potentially hazardous. The 'winding road' and 'sharp hairpin bend' would require extreme caution. For winter visits, it's crucial to check current weather and road conditions before heading out, and be prepared for cold temperatures and slippery surfaces.
The Griesbacher Steige is known for its 'scenic views of the Black Forest landscape' as it descends towards the Renchtal valley. While the memorial offers a poignant historical focus, the winding road itself provides numerous opportunities for panoramic vistas. The intro also mentions that the nearby Alexanderschanze offers 'additional scenic spots,' suggesting that the higher elevations and turns along the B28 provide excellent vantage points to appreciate the dramatic Black Forest scenery.
No specific permits are generally required for hiking or cycling on public trails and roads in the Black Forest, including the Griesbacher Steige area. Access to the B28 federal highway and the memorial is open to the public. However, if you plan to venture into specific nature reserves or private lands, it's always wise to check for any local regulations or restrictions.