Our tour starts at the Kniebis/Alexanderschanze car park, directly at the abandoned “Alexanderschanze” hotel.

We follow the signs towards Hildahütte. A short, stony path leads us directly into the deep forests of the Black Forest. We soon leave the path and follow a forest path, which after about 15 minutes leads us to another hiking parking lot.

An overview map informs us about the possible destinations in the immediate area. We follow the signs towards Hildahütte and Teufelskanzel, which will be our two destinations. The wide forest path leads us through an area marked by the storm Lothar in 1999, in which nature has been successfully trying to regenerate itself for many years. The still young trees and the wild berry bushes give the fresh Black Forest air a very special fruity note in hot temperatures.

can venture Renchtal through the dense forests for the first time The forest soon opens up and we have a wonderful view over the entire Renchtal all the way to the Rhine plain. We follow the well-developed forest path for another 30 minutes until we reach the grass corner, where we can watch the paragliders take off when the weather is good. The view now extends to the Kinzigtal and the Brandenkopf , one of the highest peaks in the surrounding area (recognizable by the wind turbines and the radio mast on the summit).

After a short rest, we follow the rest of the path.

After another 25 minutes the path forks. A signpost shows us the way to the Hildahütte. We turn left and after about 200m keep right (follow the red diamond!). The further path takes us directly to the picturesque refuge. A seating area and a fireplace are ideal for resting.

Anyone whose fitness, time and desire for hiking is not satisfied here should not miss the rest of the Westweg. An almost alpine narrow path, which requires a minimum of sure-footedness, leads from the Hildahütte through a densely overgrown forest. The path, which is partly rocky, partly sandy and only slightly ascending, takes us wildly romantic and adventurous to a large fork in the road. It is not uncommon to meet long-distance hikers on the paths described who have set out on the Westweg from Pforzheim to Basel fully loaded. They are usually very happy about a short conversation and are happy to talk about their experiences so far.

At the fork in the road we follow the signs towards “Teufelskanzel”. We keep right and follow the path until we reach the lightning hut after about 10 minutes. A very well-maintained and well-preserved refuge, as there are so many on the Westweg.

If you want to marvel at the “floating rocks” of the Devil's Pulpit, follow the path for another 5 minutes. An adventurous path over rocks and steps, as well as a wooden staircase, leads us directly below the floating rocks of the Devil's Pulpit. Below the wooden stairs there is a small grassy area where we have a great view of the entire, mystical rock formation.

From there we start our way back. Danger! : The path to the Devil's Pulpit is not recommended when it is wet. Steep slopes and slippery rocks require 100% sure-footedness.

The way back to the starting point takes us again via the Blitzhütte to the Hildahütte and from there to the Kniebis/Alexanderschanze car park.