Schliffkopf

The Schliffkopf is a mountain in the Northern Black Forest, standing between Baiersbronn, Ottenhöfen and Oppenau. It lies on the Black Forest High Road within the National Park and is home to a four-star wellness hotel. Long-distance paths such as the West Way cross its summit. The mountain also marks the source of two rivers, the Acher and the Murg. Its slopes include raised bogs and moorland pools like the Buhlbachsee. The mountain is recognised for its nature reserves, including a 520.1-hectare area protected since 1938. Another 876.2 hectares gained reserve status in 1986, safeguarding the Black Forest’s grinden landscape. Parts of the forest are managed as Schonwald to preserve natural growth. The Schliffkopf also belongs to the Wilder See-Hornisgrinde Special Area of Conservation. It is included in the Nordschwarzwald bird reserve, which covers 36,045 hectares. Visitors find marked trails such as the Lothar Path, an 800-metre educational route opened in 2003. This path shows how a storm-damaged area recovered after Hurricane Lothar in 1999. Walkways, ladders and steps guide visitors through the recovering landscape. The summit offers views across the surrounding forests and moorland. The hotel provides a base for exploring the mountain and its protected surroundings.