Hike Long Distance Hiking Trail Seensteig - Day 1

Beautiful Views on Seensteig Trail

Seensteig is one of the most beautiful highlights for hikers, with several kilometres of varied hiking trails leading you through the region in several days. This first stage goes from Baiersbronn via Sankenbach and Ellbachsee lake all the way into Mitteltal valley. Find your way following the trail's symbol made up of a sun and the Seensteig logo.

Along Sankenbach River

At the beginning of your tour, follow Sankenbach river upstream, walking towards the lake of the same name. After following a wide graveled walkway, cross the river to walk on a more narrow hiking path, which leads you to the lake. From there, go left and halfway around the lake, until you reach the official resting area on the other bank of the lake, where you can take a little break.

Panoramic View of Ellbachsee Lake

This is where the steep ascent of Karwand starts. Walk past Sankenbach waterfall, and get to the waterfall hut. You can make a small detour to the town of Kniebis to grab something to eat. Follow Kniebis Heimatpfad trail for a little, on which you enjoy a great view of Ellbachsee lake. Follow another path down to the lake.

Into Mitteltal Valley

Once you've made it to the lake, return to the official Seensteig, and walk into Ellbachtal valley, waking towards Mitteltal. You can also follow 'Abenteuerpfad' path here, which meets the other trail at Ellbachtanne, from where you walk to Wiesenhütte and on to Ellbachhütte, a mountain hut where you can take another break. Cross Ellbach river now and follow it to the town of Mitteltal. If you want to end your hike with this stage, there is a bus stop in Mitteltal to take you back to Baiersbronn.

The huts Kniebishütte and Ellbachhütte are good options to get food. The latter also offers a barbecue area.

Sankenbach waterfalls are a natural highlight of the tour, as is Ellbach lakeview. The game enclosure Sankenbach is also worth a visit.