Hornisgrinde, Summit in Northern Black Forest, Germany.
Hornisgrinde is the highest peak in the northern Black Forest, rising to 1,164 meters above sea level. The mountain features several observation towers, including a 23-meter structure built in 1910, and is crossed by a network of hiking trails.
A sandstone slab called Dreifürstenstein has marked the boundary meeting point of Baden, Württemberg, and the Diocese of Strasbourg since 1722. During World War II, German military forces used the summit for air defense operations, leaving behind remnants of those installations.
The summit draws hikers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy the open moorland and far-reaching views across the Black Forest landscape. The towers on the peak serve as gathering points where visitors pause to take in the surroundings.
Visitors can use various hiking trails, with the most popular route from Ruhestein being roughly 11 kilometers long and involving considerable elevation changes. It is wise to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the summit can be quite windy.
The summit is composed of sandstone and surrounded by open moorland with characteristic boggy soil that stands out sharply from the forested slopes below. These moorlands developed through natural processes and create a rare habitat at this elevation that many hikers overlook while focusing on the views.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
