Black Forest North Perimeter Way

The Black Forest North Perimeter Way (Schwarzwald-North Perimeter Way) is a 55-kilometre-long hiking trail in three stages running from Mühlacker to Karlsruhe-Durlach in Germany.

History
The northernmost east-west route of the Black Forest Club was opened in 1980. In May 2006 it was re-opened with a different route and waymarks along its entire length. Hitherto it had followed the access paths of the Westweg via the Schwanner Warte.

Short description
From its start point at Mühlacker the route runs via Öschelbronn and Eutingen an der Enz to the northern edge of the borough of Pforzheim. Passing the Wallberg it leads through very varied, open countryside to Ellmendingen, Dietenhausen and Langensteinbach. Via Thomashof and Turmberg the end point of Karlsruhe-Durlach is reached.

Overview

 * Distance: 21 km

Route description
Initially the der North Perimeter Way follows the Gäurand Way via the ruins of Löffelstelz to the south and the Eppingen Lines Way to Öschelbronn. After the Waldschanz with its replica of a chartaque it crosses the A 8 motorway. The way descends into the Enz valley to Eutingen and up the opposite side again to the Wartberg. After running along a ridgeway with extensive views it reaches the town of Pforzheim.

Overview

 * Distance: 19.5 km

Route description
From Pforzheim the route runs over the Wilferdingen Heights and passes below the Wallberg. The way next crosses open country through the vineyards of Dietlingen heading for Ellmendingen. At the Dietenhäuser Mühle (mill) it crosses the Pfinz valley. Leading through scattered orchards and woods the path reaches Langensteinbach.

Overview

 * Distance: 14.3 km

Route description
One kilometre southwest of the town hall, on the edge of the town, is the Chapel of St. Barbara and Langensteinbach Castle. From Langensteinbach Town Hall the route runs in the direction of the A 8 motorway, which it passes under at Karlsbad. Passing Stupferich it continues via the Thomashof and Rittnerthof to the hill of Turmberg. From there the destination of Karlsruhe-Durlach is already visible and is reached after a steep descent. The waymarking ends in Durlach at the terminus of the tramway line.

Literature
Martin Kuhnle: Black Forest Mitte/Nord. Bergverlag Rother, Munich, 2013, ISBN 978-3-7633-4420-8, pp. 46–59.