Nordrach combines an extensive network of trails with a wide variety of things to discover: the Nordrach Valley has more than 300 kilometres of marked hiking trails, and the Fruit Distillers’ Trail is also a marked hiking route. Other highlights include an herb garden, the historic Backofenschmiede (bakery forge) and the Sand Spring in Bärhag.
Hiking on the Trail Network and Circular Routes
The wooded mountain slopes of the Nordrach Valley are very well served by trails. In addition, seven designated Nordic walking circuits lead to the village’s finest viewpoints. The two options have different focuses: the extensive hiking trail network offers a wide choice of marked trails, while the Nordic walking circuits provide clearly defined routes with viewpoints as destinations. When planning your trip, it helps to decide first whether you would prefer individual circuits with viewpoints or to explore a broader network of trails.
The wooded Mühlstein is at an elevation of 550 metres and offers hiking trails as well as the old St. Wendelinus Chapel. This brings landscape, trails and a historic building together in one named location—a different focus from a circuit whose destination is a viewpoint.
Natural Phenomena and Landscape
At the Sand Spring in Bärhag, the focus is on a natural phenomenon: water rises in a circular spring pool, carries sand with it and forms small sand fountains. Unlike trails and viewpoints, where moving through the landscape takes centre stage, the spring draws attention to a single process. This means that Nordrach offers both longer routes and a distinctive natural attraction.
Fruit Distilling and Regional Specialties
The Fruit Distillers’ Trail is 20 kilometres long in total and runs through the Black Forest landscape of the Nordrach Valley. It passes distillery farms that still hold a distilling licence; information boards explain fruit distilling and the fruits used for it. The trail therefore has two sides: it leads through the landscape and provides insight into distilling. For travellers interested in regional production, this themed trail is a specific alternative to a tour focused exclusively on the landscape.
Choco L in Nordrach offers praline tastings. If you would like to include a tasting in your plans, check in advance when it takes place.
Local History and Herb Garden
The historic Backofenschmiede is located at Talstraße 9 in Nordrach. It originated as a small mill building erected in 1891; in 1924, an extension transformed it into a large forge. This progression—from the small mill building to the later large forge—gives local history a tangible focus.
The medicinal herb garden, opened in 2009, invites visitors to explore a variety of herbs and features a seating and relaxation area as well as a barefoot path.
The Ortenau District as a Regional Setting
The Ortenau District 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.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Kappel-Grafenhausen, Lauf, Hausach, Gutach, Neuried, Seebach, Appenweier, Sasbachwalden
Back to the regional travel overview: Ortenau District.
