The Black Forest’s highest point at 1,493 m, the Feldberg towers over Baden-Württemberg outside the Alps. Its access road, the B317, makes for a climb that’s both approachable and emblematic of the region, winding between fir forests and high-altitude pastures.
A steady gradient rather than a brutal one
From Titisee-Neustadt, the road climbs 10.8 km for around 586 m of elevation gain, averaging a moderate 5.4% with a few stretches near 8%. Another, longer option starts from Todtnau to the south for a noticeably tougher profile.
A ski area in winter, a nature reserve in summer
The Feldberg hosts Germany’s largest ski area outside the Alpine massif, with around 30 km of runs centred on the neighbouring Seebuck peak. Most of the mountain forms Baden-Württemberg’s oldest and largest nature reserve, with subalpine flora unusual at this latitude.
When to ride it
May to October: the road, which carries a fair amount of tourist and car traffic in summer, can stay snow- or ice-covered outside that window.
Good to know
Titisee-Neustadt, a well-equipped lakeside resort town, offers a wide choice of accommodation before tackling the climb, with easy access to other rides across the Black Forest massif.
