Bad Peterstal-Griesbach combines a two-wheel museum with two very different hiking experiences: the challenging Himmelssteig and the Pirschpfad in the district of Bad Griesbach. The local selection thus ranges from historic vehicle culture to trails with nature stations. When planning your stay, it is worth deciding first whether you want to focus on the museum or a hike. For the Himmelssteig, consider the distance, elevation gain and difficulty; on the Pirschpfad, the starting point and stations are useful landmarks.
Two-wheel history spanning several decades
The Black Forest Moped and Scooter Museum displays around 90 exhibits across 230 m². The vehicles on display are from the brands Victoria, Kreidler, Bauer, Miele, Rex, Hercules, Zündapp, NSU, Vespa, Simson and DKW. The collection spans post-war auxiliary engines and fast mopeds from the 1950s, as well as Mokicks and fast light motorcycles from the 1960s and 1970s; exhibits from the 1980s are also included. This makes it possible to trace the history of two-wheelers across several decades, rather than focusing on a single brand or era. The chronological sequence of vehicle categories provides a framework for the collection, while its many brands offer a second perspective based on manufacturers.
Himmelssteig: challenging circular hike
The Himmelssteig is a difficult circular hike covering 10.8 km, with 414 m of ascent and 414 m of descent. The route starts at the outdoor swimming pool in Bad Peterstal and climbs from there to the Himmelsbar. To assess the hike, consider not only the distance but also the elevation gain and stated difficulty. Along the trail are a 22.5-meter-long white fir bench, designed refreshment stations and several Himmelsbänke (sky benches) where you can take a break. The Himmelssteig offers a place to rest at the Holchen waterfall; after that, a steep section climbs up to the Himmelsfelsen.
Nature stations along the Pirschpfad
The Pirschpfad has a different focus. It starts and ends at the Weiherplatz hiking car park in the district of Bad Griesbach, so the same car park serves as both the starting and finishing point. Information stations provide details about local flora and fauna. There is also an animal long-jump station and a forest xylophone, two specific features to experience along the trail. The trails differ in their thematic focus: the Pirschpfad foregrounds nature knowledge and its stations, while the Himmelssteig is marked by its stated distance and elevation gain. Check local trail notices and the current availability of the stations before your visit.
The Ortenaukreis as a regional setting
The wider travel destination of Ortenaukreis offers a broader regional perspective. Ortenaukreis lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest; its 23 nature reserves cover around 3,110 hectares in total and stretch from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. Other regional attractions include Europa-Park in Rust and Rulantica, with indoor and outdoor water attractions as well as the Hyggedal relaxation and sauna area. In Gengenbach, the night watchman’s tour includes 12 stops and the traditional night watchman’s song. Public tours are free and do not require registration; check the current dates before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bad Griesbach, Oppenau, MĂĽhlenbach, Seebach, Hohberg, Ohlsbach, Gengenbach, Steinach.
Back to the wider travel overview: Ortenaukreis.
