The Treetop Walk on the Sommerberg above Bad Wildbad is a raised timber path that climbs gently through the crowns of spruce, fir and beech, ending at a lookout tower with views across the forested hills of the northern Black Forest. It is designed with accessibility in mind: the walkway and tower have no steps, the maximum gradient is around six percent, and level rest areas are built in along the way, so wheelchair users, pushchairs and older walkers can enjoy it as easily as keen hikers. Interpretation boards explain the forest ecology, and there is a slide as an optional way down from the tower. The attraction is on the Sommerberg, reached from the town centre by the Sommerbergbahn, billed as the highest funicular in Baden-Württemberg, which makes the journey part of the experience. An adventure forest of about eight thousand square metres, with climbing and play areas, sits next to the tower.
Bad Wildbad is a small spa town in the Enz valley, about 25 kilometres south of Pforzheim, and the treetop walk is its most popular visitor attraction. Planning is simple. Buy a ticket in advance on the attraction's own site if you can, since the operator publishes monthly opening hours and notes that the last entry is one hour before closing. Hours change through the year, and the walk may close in rain, snow, strong wind or other bad weather, so check the day before you travel.
Getting there can be part of the fun. Take the regional S6 train to Bad Wildbad and ride the Sommerbergbahn funicular up the mountain, then walk a short distance to the entrance. Drivers can use the paid Sommerberg car park, which has 168 spaces and lies about five to ten minutes on foot from the entrance, with a few accessible spaces closer by.
Motorhomes are not allowed on the Sommerberg, and coaches use the town's garage in Bad Wildbad, so check the operator's visitor information if you are travelling in a group. Dogs are not allowed on the walk, with exceptions for assistance dogs.
On the walk itself, take your time. The gentle slope means you can stop at the information boards and enjoy the changing views through the branches. At the top, the tower offers a wide outlook over the Enz valley and the wooded ridges, and in clear weather the light through the trees is beautiful.
The slide from the tower is a hit with children and some adults, but it has separate hours and may be closed in wet or cold conditions. The adventure forest next door is good for families who want to burn off energy after a quiet walk.
Food is available at the Sommerberg, and the town has cafes and spa facilities, including historic baths. Many visitors combine the treetop walk with a visit to Baden-Baden or the Mummelsee, which are within reach by car, and the day suits families, older travellers and anyone who wants a gentle forest experience without hard hiking. Allow two to three hours for the walk and tower, or half a day with the adventure forest and lunch.
What to expect
The experience
A gently sloping timber walkway through the forest canopy to a lookout tower, reached by funicular or car, with an optional slide and an adventure forest.
Best time
Clear days for the views; weekday mornings for smaller crowds; autumn for colour in the canopy.
How long
About two to three hours, or half a day with the adventure forest and a meal.
Tips
Check the monthly hours, remember that last entry is one hour before closing and that bad weather can close the walk. Dogs are not allowed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A gentle, accessible forest experience for mixed-ability groups.
- Families
- Step-free for pushchairs, with a slide and an adventure forest for older children.
- Couples
- A quiet canopy walk with views from the tower, then dinner in Bad Wildbad or Baden-Baden.
- Pair with
- Baden-Baden and the Mummelsee, both within reach by car.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, or half a day with the adventure forest.
Good questions
Is the Treetop Walk wheelchair accessible?+
Yes. The walkway and lookout tower have no steps, and the maximum gradient is around six percent, with level rest areas. Disabled-pass holders can get a discounted ticket, and an accompanying person is admitted free with ID.
How do I get up the Sommerberg?+
Ride the S6 regional train to Bad Wildbad and take the Sommerbergbahn funicular, or drive to the paid Sommerberg car park, which is about five to ten minutes on foot from the entrance.
Are dogs allowed?+
No, dogs are not allowed on the walk, apart from assistance dogs and companion dogs for people with disabilities.
What happens in bad weather?+
The walk and the slide may close in rain, snow, high humidity or strong wind. Check the operator's hours and notices before you travel.
Where is the walk?+
On the Sommerberg above Bad Wildbad in the northern Black Forest, about 25 kilometres south of Pforzheim.
