The Westweg. Kat Morgenstern

       umbrella

       torch

       compass (optional)

      It may seem ridiculous to pack a warm hat, scarf and gloves in summer, but the weather can change unexpectedly and you’ll be glad to have them when you need them, which could be at any time.

Maps, navigation and GPS

      Maps

      The most useful map for the Westweg is the Leporello map, at a scale of 1:50.000. Leporello maps are a bit odd in that they tack each bit of the way below the previous section, showing just a little bit of what lies east or west of the route, and the whole thing unfolding like an accordion. The scale is a bit small, but it still shows a surprising amount of detail as well as providing additional information, such as a brief route description (in German), hotels en route, places to eat, local tourist offices, museums and bus stops. The map is laminated, which makes it waterproof and tear resistant. It is available from the Black Forest Tourist Board (see Appendix C for contact details).

      Kompass also publishes a map specifically for the Westweg. Like the Leporello map it uses a scale of 1:50.000, is laminated and provides some helpful additional information.

      A bit more expensive is the Schwarzwaldverein map set for the Black Forest, consisting of five maps (Freizeitkarte 501, 502, 503, 506, 508) and a planning brochure that gives some additional information about the route and accommodation options. The Schwarzwaldverein maps are not laminated and are thus more vulnerable to wear and tear. The scale is also 1:50.000.

      The Schwarzwaldverein also publishes maps at a scale of 1:35.000, but given the mostly excellent waymarking all along the route, such detailed maps are not really needed.

      The Kompass and Leporello maps are available on Amazon, and walking maps are also available at bookshops, tourist offices and often newsagents in the region. The Schwarzwaldverein Westweg map set is available from their online shop: www.swvstore.de

      In order to comply with the criteria stipulated to certify as a ‘quality hiking trail’, Westweg was rerouted in 2012. Maps printed prior to 2012 – and even some that were printed in 2013 – do not reflect these changes (which are mostly minor but could lead to confusion).

      Navigation and signage

      About a decade ago the Black Forest trail system underwent an extensive reform. Previously, markers of every shape, size and colour proliferated on every other tree. The trail system has since been condensed and simplified. Now there are basically three distinct types of markers, almost all of which take the form of a diamond. (But just to confuse matters, some local areas have hung onto their old signs and routes, which may not coincide with the new system.)

      The Westweg marker is a solid red diamond on a white background, which is also the logo of the Schwarzwaldverein. (Note that the Mittelweg trail symbol is a red diamond with a white line through its centre.) Despite the fact that Westweg is extremely well marked and generally quite easy to follow, there are still a few spots where the marking is ambiguous, missing or counterintuitive. The trail may amble along on a broad forestry track, when suddenly a half-hidden marker may point to a tiny little trail that heads off through the bushes. Or, there are spots where the route splits into a couple of variants, offering walkers a choice. The present book describes all the official variants that were marked at the time of writing, but these things can change – another reason why it is important to carry a current map.

      A typical hiking signpost on Westweg