Stöckerwald forest trail in the Bernau Highlands
The Bernau im Schwarzwald community has constructed a forest trail west from the Oberlehen district in Stöckerwald Waldgewann, with the aim to bring visitors closer to several interesting things in connection to forest, nature and countryside.
The “Hans-Thoma-Waldanlage” (Hans Thoma forest complex), which was created five decades ago also lies in the same area, with many benches and pretty walking routes, which commemorates the great son of the Bernau community, painter Hans Thoma and also his friends and scholars.
Starting point for the forest trail is a small car park west of Oberlehen, where an information sign with survey map has been attached to a gnarled tree truck. Close-by to the small car park is a water pool which offers walkers cooling water after returning from their walk.
On a narrow track we walk towards the close-by forest. Directly after the car park we see the first small information board: “Bergahorn”. Here the explanations begin about the various tree types, which can be found in the nearby forest area. Reference to the flora, such as the blueberry, cranberry and bog bilberry shrubs as well as the general importance of the forest (at the large information board “Es geht nicht ohne Wald” – “it doesn’t work without the forest”) and the forest as a water tank continue along the gently climbing walking path. In this area there are many benches, which commemorate family members and friends of the great painter Hans Thoma, with their carved name shields. Hans Thoma was born in Oberlehen in 1839. A notice on the birth house and a memorial stone commemorate the son of the Bernau valley.
Numerous discreet information boards along the course of the forest trail give walkers interesting facts about the forest, countryside and geology of the Bernau Highlands.
A short way along the “Stöckerwaldweg“ and after a viewing point turning right again through romantic forestry with more information boards we eventually reach the furthest point of the forest trail, by the small fairytale “Stöckerwaldhütte” (Stöckerwald cabin) where you can enjoy a quick rest, before walking back via the “Stöckerwaldweg” to the above-mentioned viewpoint (Emil-Weiß-Eck).
At this viewpoint there is the chance for another rest, where the magnificent views are highly recommended. From here there is a view of part of the Taubenmoos nature reserve in the valley floor and in good weather, especially in Autumn, we can view some of the Central Swiss Alps around Urirotstock and Titlis (3220m). The forest trail leads us back to the “Geologie des Bernauer Tales” station (Bernau valley geology station) along a narrow, romantic footpath (the descent from the road is marked with a green arrow), along the edge of the forest with impressive tree formations. From here we take the same path as on the outward journey back to the starting point by the small car park near Oberlehen.
