To reach the starting point of our tour, we drive from Alpirsbach towards Schiltach and turn left after the tunnel towards Schramberg. Once in Schramberg, we turn right after the bft petrol station and park our car after about a 15-minute drive directly on the Schiltach river near the Cafebar Majolika.

Once our backpacks are packed and our shoes are laced up, we follow the Schiltach River upstream and cross it after passing through an underpass. Behind St. Mary's Church, somewhat hidden, we find a staircase with a signpost to Hohenschramberg . This path, which leads us through a nature reserve, quickly gains altitude, and soon the first view of Schramberg opens up through the dense trees. We follow the signs towards Hohenschramberg until we reach a viewing bungalow after about 20 minutes. After a short break, the path leads us moderately steeply past enormous sandstone cliffs until we arrive at Hohenschramberg Castle directly below the Burgstüble restaurant (serving traditional Swabian cuisine; the sausage salad is especially recommended).

Passing the remarkably well-preserved bastion, we are rewarded with a magnificent view over the entire city. After enjoying the vista, the path continues opposite the Burgstüble, which, incidentally, is the only place to stop for refreshments along our hike, towards the Felsenmeer surrounded by conifers and a vibrant array of flora meadow path , which after a while transforms into a hiking trail . We thus reach the Felsenmeer, and it becomes clear why it truly deserves its name. Steeper descents are made easier by man-made steps.

We continue along the path towards Lauterbach Waterfalls , which we reach after another 15 minutes.

Crossing a bridge, we reach the connecting road leading towards Lauterbach. We cross this road and follow an ascending forest path for about 200 meters until we take a detour on the right to one of the most beautiful spots in the Black Forest. A tranquil oasis unlike any other. Situated directly beside a stream and covered in thick moss, this peaceful haven invites us to relax, and we understand why a holiday in the Black Forest so often becomes an unforgettable experience.

Directly opposite, on the other side of the forest road , a narrow footpath (be careful, it's easy to miss) leads us towards Töswald. After about 10 minutes, the path, now overgrown with dense grass, forks. We keep to the right, maintaining our elevation, until the forest thins out and we have a fantastic view of the Hohenschramberg ruins behind us on our left.

A short time later, the overgrown path transforms into a well-maintained forest road. Continuing to follow the signs towards Falkenstein Castle ruins castle ruins for the first time, not far away, with the Falkenstein family flag flying. A path, descending steeply in places, leads us to an idyllic wooden bridge, and in another 10 minutes we reach the very well-maintained Falkenstein Castle ruins, dating back to the 11th century.

Various information panels inform visitors about the castle's history. A furnished castle room (which can be illuminated at night) offers a glimpse into castle life. Narrow passages within the ruins lead to a viewing platform offering a different perspective of Schramberg. The view also extends to the adjacent climbing crags.

• Can you find the stone with the motto of our hike? (Hint: It's best seen from the viewing platform)

Returning to the bridge and continuing downhill, the path leads us through a sawmill directly along the Schiltach river to the Church of the Holy Spirit, built in 1914. After strolling through Schramberg's lively pedestrian zone, we continue following the Schiltach and arrive back at the starting point of our hike after approximately 3 hours.