Löffingen’s historic town centre forms an irregular oval. Its only main axis follows a former long-distance trade route, which widens in the centre into a market square with the town hall in the middle. Three gates remain; they were closed until the 19th century. This distinctive layout offers a good introduction to Löffingen’s history.
Old Town Centre, Churches and Stories
The churches also offer different ways to explore the town’s history. The present-day Witterschnee pilgrimage church was built in the Neo-Romanesque style from 1894 to 1897. In St. Michael’s town church, the design for the high altar was created by Mathias Faller, a Rococo sculptor from St. Märgen; the side altars and their figures are also works by Faller. Those interested in church art can discover two different architectural and artistic influences in Löffingen.
The Witterschneekreuz is associated with a pilgrimage tradition. According to legend, a man heard a bell from Löffingen there. Passing woodcutters took him into town, after which he kept his vow. Over the years, more and more pilgrims came there.
A tour of the town’s local history museum reveals numerous small treasures, each with a little story behind it. For those who would rather spend time outdoors, the medicinal herb trail features the “Herb Garden of the Bible” with medicinal plants. It is located behind the playground in the direction of the festival hall. This gives visitors a choice of historical themes as well as a short visit surrounded by greenery.
The Wutach Gorge and Hiking Options
The Wutach Gorge is considered a unique nature reserve and a strictly protected wild river valley. It cannot be crossed by vehicle; the route must be completed on foot. A hiking bus service starts at Löffingen railway station and goes to Göschweiler and the Schattenmühle. From there, it provides access to a hike of around 9.5 kilometres through the gorge to Bachheim. If you plan to use this service, check the timetable for your travel date in advance.
For a shorter activity with a clearly defined route, the easy Löffingen town rally covers 3.5 kilometres and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The digital town rally is designed for families with children aged six and over, and starts at the town library at Rathausplatz 14. The two activities have different focuses: one has a set route length and duration, while the other specifies its target group and starting point.
There are several options in winter, too: the Löffingen cross-country ski trail is 20 kilometres long in total and includes 5- and 10-kilometre sections for less experienced skiers. In the district of Dittishausen, a ski lift—the only one in the town’s districts—offers skiing for children, beginners and adults. The trail and the lift are separate options; which one suits your stay depends on whether you plan to go cross-country skiing or downhill skiing.
Dittishausen and Practical Information
Dittishausen also offers its own starting points for an excursion: local hiking trails provide open views of the Feldberg and the Alps. The lovingly renovated Weiler Chapel is one of the oldest buildings in the district and invites visitors to linger. The historic pumping station on the Gauchach is another place to visit. These destinations are in the district of Dittishausen and complement the attractions in the main town without being the same places.
For information about places to visit, as well as hiking and cycling tours, the Löffingen information point offers brochures and flyers. It also has a digital terminal with an app. For specific questions about hiking tours, winter sports or family holidays, direct assistance is available by video call. When looking for a hotel in Löffingen, you could first consider which of these different interests you want to shape your stay: town history, a hike through the Wutach Gorge or a winter activity.
Discover more destinations: Lenzkirch, Kirchzarten, Schallstadt, Munzingen, Wittnau, Vogtsburg Im Kaiserstuhl, Heuweiler, Ballrechten-Dottingen.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.
