Directly above the Mummelsee rises the Hornisgrinde, at roughly 1,164 m the highest summit in the northern Black Forest. Unlike the pointed peaks of the Alps it is a broad, almost flat plateau — a “Grinde”, the local word for a bald, heath-covered summit — where cold, wet weather has built up a raised bog of sphagnum moss, cotton grass and dwarf mountain pine.
For much of the 20th century the summit was military ground, closed to the public; today a boardwalk loops across the moor, the old towers serve as lookouts, and on a clear day the view reaches over the Rhine plain to Strasbourg and the ridges of the Vosges.
Top things to do at Hornisgrinde
Cross the high moor on the boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk leads across the summit bog, keeping walkers off the fragile moss. Information boards explain how a bog forms at this altitude and why it matters for the water that feeds the valleys below.
Climb up from the Mummelsee
A steep, well-marked footpath climbs from behind the lakeside hotel to the plateau in roughly 30 minutes. Make a loop by returning along the summit and down the paved access road, or combine it with the Westweg long-distance trail, which crosses the summit.
Look out from the towers
The plateau is dotted with towers from different eras, including the stone Bismarck tower and a former signal tower with a viewing platform. Conditions permitting, you can pick out Strasbourg Cathedral on the far side of the Rhine.
How to get to Hornisgrinde
- On foot from the Mummelsee: roughly 1 km and 150 m of ascent, about 30 minutes on the direct path. This is the way almost everyone goes.
- From the car park: start at the Mummelsee visitor car park on the B500; there is no public parking on the summit itself.
- On a tour: the lake is a stop on the Strasbourg day trips — ask your driver for extra time if you want to climb.
Insider tips
- The summit is often in cloud and much windier than the lake. Check the weather and bring a windproof jacket.
- Stay on the boardwalk: the bog is a protected habitat and far wetter than it looks.
- In winter the plateau can be snowbound and disorienting in fog — only go up with proper footwear and good visibility.
Best tours & tickets for Hornisgrinde
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Hornisgrinde and the rest of the Black Forest:
Small-group day trip from US$245 From Strasbourg: Black Forest and Baden-Baden Day Trip
The best-reviewed way to reach the Mummelsee without a car. An English-speaking guide takes a small group across the Rhine to Baden-Baden, then climbs the Schwarzwaldhochstraße with photo stops before a proper break at the lake for lunch, cake and a walk along the shore.
- Guided stroll through Baden-Baden and the Lichtentaler Allee
- Viewpoints over the Rhine valley on the Black Forest High Road
- Free time and lunch at the Mummelsee
Private day trip from US$512 per group From Strasbourg: Black Forest Day Trip with Lake Mummelsee
Your own vehicle for up to four people and a relaxed pace: Baden-Baden in the morning, the Black Forest High Road at midday, lunch and Black Forest cake at the Mummelsee, then down the Baden wine route to the flower-hung village of Sasbachwalden. An audio guide in English, French or Spanish fills in the stories.
- Private car or van with pickup in Strasbourg
- Baden-Baden, the High Road and a long stop at the Mummelsee
- Wine-village finale in half-timbered Sasbachwalden
Winter hike from US$216 From Heidelberg or Baden-Baden: Snowshoe Hike in the Black Forest
In a good winter the ridge along the High Road lies under deep snow, and snowshoes are the best way into it. This guided small-group day takes care of the route and the logistics; you bring warm layers. Availability depends on the snow, so check dates early.
- Snowshoe hiking in the high Black Forest
- Pickup available from Heidelberg or Baden-Baden
- Small group, winter season only
