The best traffic-free bike rides around Witznau-Stausee

There are 9 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Witznau-Stausee featured in this guide. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful cycling experience away from vehicular traffic, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenic Black Forest landscape.

All the no traffic road cycling routes in this guide are rated as moderate. They offer a good balance of distance and elevation, suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness. You can expect varied terrain with uphill and downhill sections characteristic of the Black Forest Highlands.

Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Schlüchttal Gorge Road – Bannwald Leinegg loop from Ühlingen-Birkendorf offers a scenic circular ride through the valley.

The routes wind through the picturesque Schwarza Valley, offering stunning views of the Witznau Reservoir itself, which is beautifully embedded within steeply rising cliff walls. You'll also experience the diverse natural sights of the Black Forest, including forested mountain ranges and idyllic landscapes.

Along your rides, you can discover several interesting sights. The Witznau Reservoir on the Schwarza is a central feature. You might also pass by the impressive Retschengraben Bridge and Witznau Power Station, or even parts of the Schwarzatalstraße, which is a car-free road along the Schwarza river.

While all routes are rated moderate, the Small wooden bridge over the Mühlkanal loop from Lauchringen West is a shorter option at approximately 14 km with less elevation gain, making it a good choice for those looking for a less strenuous ride while still enjoying car-free paths.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.53 stars from 171 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural setting, the varied terrain that keeps rides engaging, and the opportunity to explore the beautiful Black Forest panoramas on quiet, paved roads.

While the guide focuses on the routes themselves, the Black Forest region generally has public transport options. It's advisable to check local bus and train schedules for connections to towns like Waldshut or Ühlingen-Birkendorf, which are starting points for routes such as the Drinking Water Fountain – View of the Rhine at Waldshut loop from Waldshut.

Many of the routes start from towns or villages like Waldshut or Ühlingen-Birkendorf. These locations typically offer public parking facilities. We recommend checking local parking availability in your chosen starting town before your ride.

The Black Forest region is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as the mountainous terrain can experience varied weather.

The routes often pass through or near charming Black Forest villages. While specific cafes are not listed for every route, you'll find traditional restaurants in the wider Black Forest area that offer tasty local dishes, perfect for relaxing and refueling after your ride.