Sölden lies between the Schönberg-Hohfirst area and the Black Forest, directly on the L 122 between Schönberg and Schauinsland. The local hiking trails are integrated into the Black Forest Association’s trail network; the area is also connected to public transport. The landscape, hiking, history and journey there offer different perspectives on the town.
Hiking: Local Trails and the Bettlerpfad
The historic Bettlerpfad is another hiking route with a clearly described course: it runs from Merzhausen, near Freiburg, through the Hexental valley and the Norsinger Grund to Badenweiler in the Markgräflerland. The route is about 27 kilometres long and can be divided into five stages. One of them, from Wittnau to Bollschweil, is about 4 kilometres long and has little elevation gain. This distinguishes the approximate total length of the route from the shorter, specifically described stage; the 4 kilometres refer only to the Wittnau–Bollschweil section. Trail conditions may vary.
The Hexental valley, through which the Bettlerpfad runs, is a foothill zone of the High Black Forest. Its diverse animal and plant life is protected by nature conservation laws. For nature lovers, the Hexental is defined by its diverse animal and plant life, which is protected by nature conservation laws.
Monastery History and Cluny Connection
The Benedictine nuns’ priory in Sölden was subordinate to Cluny from 1115 to 1570. In 2003, Sölden joined the Fédération des Sites Clunisiens. The two dates mark distinct historical periods: the priory’s earlier subordination and the later joining of a cultural network. Sölden is also connected with the Cluniac sites of the Black Forest. For visitors who want to consider cultural history alongside hiking trails when choosing a destination, this is a distinctive local highlight.
Weekly Market and Local Offerings
A weekly market has been held at Lindenplatz in Sölden since July 2012. A mobile sales vehicle from Stiegeler Butchers offers meat and sausage specialities there on Thursdays. Check the current market day and which vendors are taking part before visiting. For shopping, there is a full-range EDEKA supermarket; Beckesepp Café offers open views of nature. Check opening hours and the latest information in advance.
Local direct sales in Sölden include meat and sausage products from Landmetzgerei Gerteiser, schnapps and fruit spreads from Thomas Uhl, and potatoes, apples, apple juice and eggs from Ludwig Vetter. These product groups give an idea of the variety on offer. Ask locally about the current selection if you are interested.
Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald: The Wider Region
Many towns in the wider Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald destination can be reached by train. The free KONUS guest card can be used for free travel on local trains and buses throughout the Black Forest. Sölden itself is connected to public transport; check current regional information when planning your journey.
The wider Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald destination also includes places with a different character. At Badeparadies Schwarzwald in Titisee, it is summer all year round, with temperatures that feel like summer on all 365 days of the year; there are 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 spread across three levels. Its X Mind Arena has six stations; Fundorena also has its own Chicco’s Lounge snack bar.
Discover more destinations: Müllheim, Glottertal, Ebringen, Merzhausen, Gottenheim, Münstertal/Schwarzwald, Oberrimsingen, Eichstetten Am Kaiserstuhl.
Back to the main travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.
