From Todtnau (2,100 ft / 640 m) to the summit of the Feldberg (4,898 ft / 1,493 m) it’s 9.8 miles (15.8 km) at an average of 5.4%: 2,808 ft (856 m) of climbing. The Feldberg is the highest mountain in the Black Forest and in all of Germany’s low mountain ranges. The climb has two very different parts: the B317 highway up to the Feldberg pass (4,039 ft / 1,231 m) and a narrow, very quiet road to the summit.
The climb, section by section
- Miles 0 to 3.4 (km 0-5.5), 1-6%. A gentle start from Todtnau, heading up the valley through Brandenberg.
- Miles 3.4 to 6.2 (km 5.5-10), 7.5-9.5%. From Fahl the road steepens and doesn’t let up until the pass. This is the section that decides your time.
- Miles 6.2 to 7.1 (km 10-11.5), 0-3%. Flat through the Feldberg pass area, with hotels, parking lots and the cable car station.
- The last 2.7 miles (4.3 km), 6% average. Next to the Haus der Natur you turn onto the Franz-Klarmeyer-Weg, narrow and nicely paved. It climbs over the Seebuck, with its lookout tower and Bismarck monument, and finishes with a last ramp that hits 16-17%.
CyclingCols and Climbfinder agree: 9.8 miles (15.8 km) and 2,802-2,808 ft (854-856 m) of climbing. Quäldich gives 2.7 miles (4.3 km) at 6% for the final section from the pass, with a ramp of up to 17%; CyclingCols lists 16.2%.
History and setting
In winter, the Feldberg is the largest ski area in the Black Forest. In summer, the summit has a 360-degree view: on a clear day with a south wind you can see the Swiss Alps, from the Säntis to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
When to go, water and traffic
Most riders climb it from May to October. The problem is the B317 up to the pass: it’s a major north-south route, three lanes in places, with heavy traffic and trucks. Go early or on a weekday. The final section has almost no cars, but on sunny weekends it’s full of hikers: ride slowly and call out when you pass. There are cafés and shops in Todtnau and at the Feldberg pass.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 works well. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll be riding about 6.2 mph (10 km/h) on 9%: with a 34x28 that’s about 66 rpm. On the final 16% ramp you’ll drop to around 3.7 mph (6 km/h), so a 34x30 or 34x32 isn’t overkill. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Save something for the end: after the flat at the pass, it’s hard to find your rhythm again.
- Descend the summit road very carefully because of the people on foot.
- There’s another, gentler side from Titisee and Bärental, to the east.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Feldberg from Todtnau?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 03 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 14 min at 2.5 W/kg and 50 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Can you ride a bike to the summit of the Feldberg?
Yes: from the Feldberg pass, the Franz-Klarmeyer-Weg, a narrow, well-paved road, reaches the summit in 2.7 miles (4.3 km) at 6%, with a final ramp of up to 16-17%. On weekends it's busy with hikers.
What is the hardest part of the climb?
The roughly 2.5-mile (4 km) section between Fahl and the Feldberg pass, at 7.5-9.5%, and the final ramp to the summit, the only part steeper than 15%.