On the Feldberg Gnome Trail, families can look forward to a varied discovery tour through the woods of the Feldberg Nature Reserve. The circular trail, which is around 1.8 kilometres long, combines nature experiences, exciting stories and interesting facts about the now rare capercaillie.
Ferdinand the Gnome Postman is looking for Anton Auerhahn
At the heart of the trail is the story of Ferdinand the elf, who, as a postman, is tasked with delivering an important letter to Anton the capercaillie. But Anton has gone missing. Together with Velt, the Feldberg elf, visitors of all ages set off on a search, following numerous lovingly designed stops along the way.
Learn more about the life of the capercaillie
Along the way, children learn about the capercaillie’s way of life in a playful way and discover why it is important to respect nature and follow the rules of conduct in the nature reserve.
Start: Near the Feldberg car park
The circular walk begins near Café Waldvogel, opposite the Feldberg car park at the roundabout. From there, the route leads through the forest, past various interactive stations, to the ‘Schlummerfichte’ and other locations featured in the story. Thanks to the clear signage throughout, it’s easy to find your way, and the trail is well suited to families with younger children. However, please note that the path is not suitable for pushchairs. A baby carrier for younger children can be hired from the Haus der Natur.
Forest playground at the end of the Wichtelpfad
A particular highlight is the large forest playground at the end of the trail. Here, children can play, let off steam and wind down after the walk. The Haus der Natur and other leisure activities on the Feldberg are also located nearby, and can be easily combined with a visit to the Wichtelpfad.
Autorentipp
Mami-Checker Daniela U. and her family walked the Wichtelpfad trail and have shared their experiences online. Click here for the Mami-Check: Wichtelpfad Feldberg.
Be sure to visit the Haus der Natur too: a virtual hot-air balloon ride and a visit to the “Talking Ranger” are a must at the Haus der Natur!
Wegbeschreibung
The Gnome Trail begins near Café Waldvogels, opposite the multi-storey car park by the roundabout. From here, you follow the short loop into the woods, walking clockwise. First, you’ll pass the playgrounds at Feldberger Hof and The Fundorena Indoor Fun Park. With short elf-like strides, you’ll now approach Velt’s house, the first stop. The path then leads deeper into the woods to the ‘Schlummerfichte’ (Sleeping Spruce), Anton Auerhahn’s actual sleeping spot. From here on, you can’t go wrong. Carry on following the signposts, which will take you past Violetta the Forest Fairy and eventually, via the Felsendobel and other stops, to the forest playground. From here, you’ll head back out of the forest along a wider path to the starting point.
Ausrüstung
The path is not suitable for pushchairs. Back carriers can be hired from the Haus der Natur.
Weitere Informationen
This trail is part of the Forest Fox "Wälderfuchs" collection pass. At one of the information boards along the trail, you’ll find a QR code marking it as a ‘photo stop’. Further information is available under ‘Children’s Trails in the Black Forest Highlands ’ or at any of our tourist information centres.
Further information:www.wichtelpfad.info
