The Schauinsland, the high point overlooking Freiburg im Breisgau in the Black Forest, owes its sporting reputation to a century-old car hillclimb race that uses part of the same route cyclists climb today.
A steady climb from Freiburg
From Horben, a small village at the foot of the massif, the road climbs 12 km for 850 m of elevation gain, averaging a relatively steady 7% through the fir forests typical of the Black Forest. The summit, at 1,284 m, offers open views over the Rhine plain and, on a clear day, the Vosges across the French border.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset is still useful for holding a steady pace on this climb with barely a flat section. Freiburg’s proximity, a lively university city, makes it easy to combine this ride with public transport access from the city centre.
When to go
April to October, as the road stays rideable for much of the year but can be snow-covered in winter at this altitude. The Schauinslandrennen is usually held in summer, which can occasionally restrict access to the road on race days.
Good to know
Freiburg im Breisgau, a university city known for its quality of life, offers a wide choice of accommodation, with convenient access to the rest of the Black Forest for extending the stay beyond this climb.
