IVf.9     Section Alexanderschanze - Badener Höhe 34,5 km

Alexanderschanze

Zollstockhütte                              5,5 km

Schwabenrankhütte                       2,5 km

NP-Zentrum Ruhestein                   7,0 km

Mummelsee                                   8,0 km

Sand                                           9,0 km

Badener Höhe                              2,5 km

The weather had changed overnight. It had rained. In the morning it was cool and not as sticky. I had to wear my jacket. All day long there was hardly any sunshine. Instead the sky was covered by rather dark clouds. And all day I was to hear the noisy motor cycles. Soon I arrived at the closed guest house Alexanderschanze. Next to it there was a large but empty parking lot. It seems like it is used mostly during winter times. Now the trail was wet. Further on the trail became partly very poor and washed out. I had to carefully watch my steps.

Finally I arrived at Germany's latest National Park Schwarzwald (Black Forest). A simple wooden sign was the only indication. Next to it were some maps on bill boards. None of the maps showed the national park which seemed to be rather odd. Later at the Nature Friends hostel I learned that this should change soon. The park had worked out a trail concept. Now it has to be implemented. At Ruhestein the trail passes directly by ski jumps. Not far away a national park center is to be built. In an old building a small exhibition has been set up. Under construction is the new rather futuristic looking building. It is supposed to look like blow downs. Only difference is that trees are round and these buildings are square. Quite a few people were here. From now on I encountered many hiker and biker. Soon I arrived at Mummelsee. It must have been a nice place in the past. Now it is a totally overrun touristy place with plenty of motor cycles and people.

Soon I continued towards Sand. But before that I walked up to mountain Hornisgrinde with nice views. In Sand finally the trail leaves the road. I had planned to spent the night at the near by Nature Friend hostel Badener Höhe. I was the only guest for the night. One day later it was to be completely booked again. Tomorrow the National park had planned a meeting including the environmental minister. The Nature Friends are very actively involved in implementing the national park. I had dinner together with the hosts.

Closed guesthouse Alexanderschanze

Wet E1 north of Alexanderschanze

Start of National Park Black Forest

Hut Darmstätter Hütte on E1

Far too many people at Mummelsee

Bismarck tower on Mountain Hornisgrinde

<< Haseneckle <<      >> Dobel >>