Treetop walk ()
The Baumwipfelpfade (treetop paths) in Bad Wildbad offers a unique outdoor adventure that is accessible to the whole family. Open year round, this is a great opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air with the added bonus of a clear path that is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. After entering, you will walk along a smooth, elevated, wooden platform that gradually brings you up higher into the forest. There are balance activities and learning stations along the 3/4 mile walk to the main attraction, the observation tower. There are also markers that indicate the elevation and signs identifying tree species along the way. You choose your walking speed and what activities you would like to participate in and which ones you would like to skip.
After a fun walk along the elevated platform, you will gradually reach the observation tower. The tower, which appears to be a wooden tornado supported by steel, stands over 130 ft and provides stunning views of the Black Forest from the top. You may even catch a peek of the Stuttgart TV tower or the Swiss Alps.
After taking in the gorgeous scenery, it is time to make your way down the tower. Don’t worry though, the fun has not ended. On the way down you can decide to walk or take the slide that twists down the middle of the tower. The slide is an additional cost of 2 Euros and you must be 6 years or older to ride. However, based on the screams it seemed to be well worth the extra cost.
There is an exit at the bottom of the tower that will lead you to restrooms, a gift shop, a small food kiosk and the entrance to Sommerberg Adventure Forest. The Adventure Forest is a lovely outdoor playground for children with climbing towers, swings, big bouncy jump pillows and much more. However, this is an additional cost. So be aware as your kids will beg you to go here after the walk.
Once you are done, there is a nice walk along the forest floor that will return you to the entrance.
Getting There:
This treetop walk is located in Bad Wildbad in the Northern Black Forest region. It is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Stuttgart, 2.5 hours from Wiesbaden and just under the 2.5 hours mark from Kaiserslautern. There is a paid parking lot at the base of the entrance path. However, this fills up quickly particularly during the summer months. The other option is parking down in the town and taking the funicular train up to the entrance. Their website has excellent information on all transportation and driving options.
Other activities nearby:
The Black Forest offers other fun activities in the area. The Wildline Suspension bridge is very close to the entrance of the Treetop walk and you can see this pedestrian bridge from the top of the observation tower. Mountain biking is also popular in this area and you will walk by the downhill mountain bike course as you return to the entrance. In the winter, this transforms to a ski slope. There are also many thermal baths in the region. No matter your interest, you will be sure to have a good time in the Bad Wildbad area. Happy travels!
