Kirchzarten offers several different ways to explore the town: a Celtic oppidum to the east, the history of the Talvogtei and the development of St. Gallus into a parish church provide historical points of interest; the Giersberg adds views and trails. When planning, it helps to distinguish between local history, an easy circular hike and a considerably longer mountain-bike tour. This lets you decide whether history, views or physical activity should be the focus of your stay.
Celtic traces and Kirchzarten’s history
A Celtic oppidum stood east of Kirchzarten, within the boundaries of Burg, on a terrace between the Rotbach and Wagensteigbach streams. Parts of its fortifications are still visible, while others have been confirmed by archaeological evidence. The Talvogtei was originally a medieval moated castle. St. Gallus became the parish church for the entire Zarten Basin as the valley’s center shifted to this church town. Kirchzarten therefore brings together different historical themes: Celtic fortifications, a medieval moated castle and the development of a religious center for the Zarten Basin.
Circular hike or mountain-bike tour?
The easy circular hike “To the Giersberg Chapel” starts at the Tourist Information office in the pedestrian zone. It is 5.14 kilometers long, with 103 meters of ascent and 102 meters of descent. The MTB tour “Kirchzarten – In the Footsteps of the Black Forest Ultra-Bike” is a different proposition: it is 34.1 kilometers long and has 1,050 meters of elevation gain. The distance and ascent make clear the difference between the short circular hike and the considerably longer mountain-bike tour. Use these details to choose the type and extent of activity you want from your tour. Route details may be revised; check them before setting out.
Views and tours on the Giersberg
From the Giersberg, you can look out over Kirchzarten and the Dreisamtal, as far as Freiburg and the Vosges. There is a forest playground for children on the Giersberg. The views and playground appeal to different interests, so you do not need to plan both as the same activity. For more hiking ideas, the Dreisamtal hiking booklet presents 30 top tours; it is available free of charge from the Tourist Information office in Kirchzarten. This lets you add a selection of other tours to the individual circular hike rather than limiting your plans to one route.
Getting here and practical information
The Dreisamtal can be reached by Deutsche Bahn via Kirchzarten station. Since timetables can change, check connections for your travel date. In Kirchzarten, next to the Dreisamtal cycle path and very close to the outdoor swimming pool, there is a bike service station with supplies for minor bicycle repairs. If you are planning to cycle, check the latest access details before your trip.
More things to do in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald destination
The wider Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald destination also offers its own ideas for planning. Many towns in the district are reachable by train; with the free KONUS guest card, local trains and buses throughout the Black Forest can be used free of charge. In Titisee, the Badeparadies Schwarzwald has summer temperatures all year round, 365 days a year; it features real palm trees and turquoise-blue water. The Galaxy water-slide universe offers more than 25 attractions and water fun for all ages. In Feldberg, Fundorena includes a trampoline park on three levels. The Fundorena X Mind Arena has six stations, and Fundorena also has its own snack bar, Chicco’s Lounge. These regional attractions offer a different focus from Kirchzarten’s local history and tours on the Giersberg.
Discover more destinations: Heitersheim, Auggen, March, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Merzhausen, Sankt Peter Im Schwarzwald, Buggingen, Breisach Am Rhein.
Return to the main travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.
