Belchen

The Belchen stands at 1,414 metres, the fourth-highest peak in the Black Forest, and is renowned for having one of the most remarkable panoramic views of any mid-range German mountain. Unlike the heavily forested Feldberg, the Belchen's open summit is crowned with broad alpine meadows that — on clear days — reveal an unbroken sweep of the Swiss Alps from the Säntis to Mont Blanc. The Belchenbahn cable car, running since 1964, connects the valley to the summit plateau and makes the peak accessible beyond experienced hikers. In summer the mountain draws paragliders launching from the open ridge and walkers on the southern Black Forest trail network; in winter the north-facing slopes offer skiing terrain. The summit marks the meeting point of three municipal boundaries.