Westweg stage 1 — Golden Gate to Dobel
The first Westweg stage from Pforzheim to Dobel: start at the Golden Gate, via Hoheneck and Dillweißenstein into the Enz valley — a classic long-distance trail in the Northern Black Forest.
The Black Forest Club's Westweg is one of Germany's best-known long-distance trails — about 285 kilometres in 13 stages from Pforzheim to Basel. Stage 1 is a demanding day hike of roughly 25 kilometres with around 450 metres of ascent, mostly uphill towards Dobel. Short on time? Hike the first section to Dillweißenstein or Neuenbürg as a partial stage.
The symbolic start is the Golden Gate at Kupferhammer in Pforzheim, where the Enz, Nagold and Würm meet. Here the Westweg, Middle Way and East Way begin together; red diamonds mark the route. Many walk from the main station through the gold city and town garden along the Nagold to the gate — well signposted and worth it.
The route passes Hoheneck ruin and descends to Dillweißenstein, then continues via Birkenfeld towards Neuenbürg. At Unterer Enzsteg the trail splits: the standard ridge variant via Birkenfeld and Wilhelmshöhe, or the Enz valley variant along the river past Neuenbürg Castle — both rejoin higher up. The highlight is Schwanner Warte with its lookout tower and views towards the Rhine valley; via Dreimarkstein the stage ends in Dobel at the Sonnentor by the spa house.
From Das Bollenhut Haus in Schellbronn the Golden Gate is about 20 minutes by car. Landmarks along the way include Liebeneck castle ruins in the Würm valley. For the full stage bring sturdy footwear, food and a full day of daylight; return from Dobel by bus or as a two-day trip with an overnight stay.
Route descriptions, GPX and updates are available from the Black Forest Club and Schwarzwald Tourismus. Park at Kupferhammer; check weather and tower opening times at Schwanner Warte before you set off.