The Black Forest: Where Families Learn Through Fun and Nature / Blog

She calls it the ‘magic forest’ — and honestly, same...

If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway that combines nature, adventure, and a bit of fairy-tale magic, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in Germany should be at the top of your list. Living not far from the Black Forest is a true gift, and we try to visit it as often as we can. There’s always something new to discover among its winding trails, towering trees, and hidden waterfalls. Each visit feels like stepping into a little world of magic ...

Wildcat Forest Trail in Bad Herrenalb (Wildkatzen-Walderlebnis)

What you discover

Educational stations about wildcats and forest ecology
Small adventure elements (balancing stations, wooden bridges, sensory points)
Playful information for kids + a “wildcat diploma” at the end 😊
Beautiful forest scenery, small brooks and natural paths

About European Wildcats – Also Called "Felis Silvestris Silvestris"

Adult wildcats have dense fur, which is somewhat longer-haired compared to domestic cats, with a grayish-yellow ground colour, blurred tiger markings and a white throat patch. This usually makes them look bigger and stouter, although wildcats and domestic cats hardly differ in body size. The drawing is still much more contrasting in young wildcats, so that these are often confused with wild domestic cats.

From the forehead up to six dark stripes extend between the ears to the nape of the neck. A dark stripe behind the shoulders expands into a spinal stripe running up to the base of the tail in wildcats, while it extends over the entire tail in wild domestic cats. The bushy tail of adult wildcats is bushy with two to three black, transverse rings and rounded at the black tip.

Other characteristics of the wildcat include a pink nose and strong white whiskers.

Practical infos

Difficulty level: moderate

It’s great for: adults, families with kids (4+), nature lovers, anyone wanting an easy–medium forest hike.

🚗 Getting there by car

From Karlsruhe, drive toward the Black Forest (direction Ettlingen → Bad Herrenalb).

Follow signs for “Oberes Gaistal / Skiheim Talwiese.”

Park at the Talwiese / Skiheim parking area – this is right at the trail entrance.

Driving time from Karlsruhe: 35–40 minutes.

🚆 Getting there by tram / public transport

S1 tram from Karlsruhe Hbf (main station) to Bad Herrenalb Bahnhof
– direct line, takes about 40 minutes

From Bad Herrenalb station, take Bus 116 to Talwiese
– The bus stop is directly at the start of the Wildcat Trail.

Total journey from Karlsruhe by tram + bus: about 50 minutes.

Interesting facts

In 2018, the German Wildlife Foundation (Deutsche Wildtierstiftung) elected the European wildcat to the "Animal of the Year". The need for protection of the species should be brought into the focus of the public. After wildcats had almost completely disappeared from the forests. Since then, several thousand wildcats live in Germany again today – especially in the low mountain regions such as the Palatinate Forest. Nevertheless, the nocturnal solitary animals are still considered "endangered" (Red List Germany).

The Black Forest: Where Families Learn Through Fun and Nature