Kniebis in Winter: Cross-Country Skiing, Trails and the Black Forest

Winter experiences between cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails

The almost 100 km of groomed cross-country ski trails define winter sports in Kniebis. Cross-country skiing offers a different way of moving through the snow-covered landscape than skiing downhill on a slope: the focus is on the trails themselves and on travelling steadily through the winter landscape. Two signposted snowshoe routes complement this offering. When snowshoeing, the focus is on making your way through the snow.

Trails with different levels of difficulty

The Kniebis Heritage Trail begins at the Schwarzwaldhochstraße Visitor Centre in Kniebis. Five signposted Nordic walking routes also start opposite the visitor centre, behind the small car park in Kniebis. Signposted mountain biking routes likewise begin at the small car park opposite the visitor centre. Several trail options are therefore concentrated in the area around the visitor centre.

The Kniebis Monastery Trail follows narrow, steep, partly damp and consistently uneven paths through primeval, wild nature. On the Monastery Trail, narrow, steep, partly damp and uneven sections influence the choice of footwear and pace. The character of the trail is defined by the combination of slopes, moisture and uneven ground.

Another signposted hike leads through the Forbach Valley downhill from Kniebis to Freudenstadt and follows the water all the way. This route includes beautiful spots by the water, including Laugbrunnen Pond. Anyone planning the hike through the Forbach Valley can take Laugbrunnen Pond into account as a specific place for a break. The route along the water and the spots along the Forbach Valley give this hike its own character.

Black Forest High Road and viewpoints

Kniebis is located directly on the Black Forest High Road and about 6 kilometres from Black Forest National Park. The Ellbachseeblick viewing platform offers views down to Lake Ellbach, to Mitteltal and as far as the Hornisgrinde, the highest mountain in the northern Black Forest.

The Schwarzwaldhochstraße Visitor Centre in Kniebis is located directly on the B 28 between Freudenstadt and Strasbourg, at the highest point. It is therefore situated at a clear reference point between the high road and the two cities.

Monastery ruins and herb garden

The Kniebis monastery ruins preserve the remains of a former monastery church. A herb garden containing the common herbs of the 9th century was created next to the ruins. The Kniebis Heritage and History Association offers guided tours of the monastery and herb garden. Those interested in culture can explore the monastery ruins, herb garden and guided tours offered by the Heritage and History Association in Kniebis. The tours therefore cover both areas of the site.

An additional option away from the winter trails

The Kniebis forest swimming pool offers swimming lanes and a paddling pool, as well as facilities for volleyball and table tennis. Its amenities therefore range from water areas to activities for ball and racket sports.

Other places in the region include Seewald, Glatten, Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach, Freudenstadt, Baiersbronn, Loßburg, Erzgrube and Dornstetten.

For the overarching travel overview: Freudenstadt District.