The observation tower is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.
The structure was completed and opened to the public in September 2014.
The walkway is part of a larger network of canopy paths managed by the EAK (Erlebnis Akademie AG) group.
The tower's central column features a massive steel support structure hidden within the timber frame.
The gradient of the path is specifically calibrated to meet German DIN standards for accessibility.
The Treetop Walk Black Forest (Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald) is a 1,250-meter-long wooden walkway reaching heights of up to 20 meters above the forest floor. Its primary feature is a 40-meter-high spiral observation tower that provides 360-degree views across the Black Forest canopy. The structure is built from glue-laminated timber, primarily using Douglas fir and larch woods. It includes a 55-meter-long tunnel slide located inside the central tower structure. The path is fully barrier-free, with a maximum gradient of six percent to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. The walkway is located near the Sommerberg peak in Bad Wildbad.
The top observation deck of the spiral tower looking back toward the winding ramp below.
Bring a windbreaker, as the observation tower is significantly windier than the surrounding forest floor.
If you intend to use the slide, check the current weather policy, as it closes during precipitation.
Wear closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes to navigate the wooden ramp structure safely.
Do not attempt to descend the tower via the slide if you have neck or back sensitivity; avoid visiting during active thunderstorms, as the tower is evacuated for safety.
Open daily year-round, though the slide may close during heavy rain or snow; check for potential early closures during extreme weather conditions.
Maintain a steady walking pace on the ramp; do not linger in narrow passages to avoid blocking wheelchair access.
