Hofstetten lies in the Central Black Forest at an altitude of 250 to 726 metres. The town’s profile includes a mild, fog-free climate and oxygen-rich forest air. Local highlights include the 12.76-kilometre Paradiessteig, the Hansjakob Chapel, E-bike hire at the town hall and a seasonal outdoor pool. The link between hiking and local history is particularly clear: the chapel is a marked waypoint on the circular trail. This lets you plan your stay around a hike with a cultural and historical destination, or complement your hiking plans with other attractions in town.

Following Hansjakob’s Footsteps in Hofstetten

Hofstetten calls itself the “Hansjakob village” and connects its identity with the name “Paradies” (“Paradise”), which Heinrich Hansjakob gave the town. The Hansjakob Chapel brings this history to life in the form of a building. It was designed by Max Meckel, the archiepiscopal building director in Freiburg. Construction began in May 1901 and was completed at the end of 1902. Sandstone from nearby Heidburg was used for the building. The stained-glass windows were created by Professor Fritz Geiges, a glass artist from Freiburg.

Heinrich Hansjakob’s tomb chapel is a hiking destination in the Kinzig Valley; Hansjakob enthusiasts visit it every year. The Brand is also one of the places associated with Hansjakob: it was one of his favourite spots. From there, the view stretches across the Hofstetten Valley towards Haslach. The Hansjakob theme brings together two distinct connections: the tomb chapel as a building and the Brand as a scenic spot overlooking the valley.

Paradiessteig: A Circular Trail with Named Destinations

The Hofstetten Paradiessteig is a 12.76-kilometre circular trail. It starts and ends at Henry-Heller-Platz, next to the town hall. The route passes the Hansjakob Chapel and then climbs uphill to the Kapf resting place, which offers a view. The chapel is therefore a marked waypoint on the circular hike, and the climb that follows leads to another named destination. Check the route details locally before setting off.

E-bikes and the Outdoor Pool

The town hall rents E-bikes to holidaymakers and residents. City and trekking bikes are available. If you’d like to include a rental in your travel plans, confirm availability before you arrive.

The heated Hofstetten outdoor pool is located between the edge of the forest and Waldsee. The children’s area has a paddling pool, a climbing tower and water features. As a seasonal facility, the pool is not part of a year-round programme; check whether it is open before visiting.

The Wider Region

For a broader perspective: the Ortenau district lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares. They stretch from the Rhine Plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. These figures put the region into a broader context.

Discover more destinations: Willstätt, Lahr/Schwarzwald, Lauf, Nordrach, Seebach, Hornberg, Ortenberg, Steinach

For the regional travel overview: Ortenau district.