Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts at Hinterzarten station, on the Höllental line from Freiburg, where there is a free car park. It goes down the Löffeltal beside the railway and the Rotbach, past two old water-driven sawmills, to Hofgut Sternen, the coaching inn where Goethe stayed in 1779. From there it passes under the 37 m arches of the Ravenna viaduct and climbs the gorge on steps and footbridges, past the Ravenna falls and the Großjockenmühle, a mill of 1883 fed through its roof. At the top it turns back along lanes and paths above the valley to Hinterzarten.
It is 7.2 km with 175 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy, but the gorge path is narrow, with steep, wet steps and bridges that are only lightly fenced.
The gorge is free, but the municipality closes it in winter because of ice and anyone going in does so at their own risk. It has also been shut for a week or two after Easter in recent years for work on the rock.
During the Christmas market under the viaduct, in 2026 from 26 November to 20 December, Thursday to Sunday, entry to the gorge needs a ticket bought in advance. Nearly half the walk is on lanes and village streets.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Down the Löffeltal past old sawmills to Hofgut Sternen, where Goethe stayed in 1779 and Marie Antoinette is said to have stopped in 1770
- The 37 m railway viaduct of the Höllentalbahn spans the mouth of the gorge
- Up the gorge on steps and footbridges past the Ravenna falls and the Großjockenmühle mill
- The gorge path is closed in winter, and during the Christmas market under the viaduct it needs a ticket
Getting there
Start: Hinterzarten station · Free parking. 47.90587, 8.10654
By train: Hinterzarten station is 0.1 km from the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Hinterzarten: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
