2 Day Solo Backpacking in the Black Forest | Winter Hiking on the Westweg

[@nickwinter991]

Another lovely video, thank you Elli! You really should get sponsorship from the local tourist department, your videos are so interesting, with great photography, and surely make anyone watching want to go there as well. Actually, when I saw the map of the Westweg that you showed near the start, I realised I have (almost) been there! The year I left school, two friends and I cycled down through eastern France to Switzerland, then north from Basel through Pforzheim and then followed the Rhine past Koln and through Holland, then home. The Westweg looks much nicer than the road route we took, but then they probably don't allow bikes on the trail. Or maybe they did in 1975...? Maybe I'll go on the train next time😉

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for the kind words and continued support!! That means so much. I'm very sorry for replying late! That's so funny that you were in the area so many years ago - it's a stunning part of Germany :) They probably allowed bikes back then, but quite a few areas are very narrow/steep paths which would be impossible to cyclists. Some parts would definitely be possible but in recent years, there are more and more trails/paths where bikes aren't permitted due to the increased number of cyclists and problems with erosion... thank you for following along, that really means a lot :)

[@alangauld6079]

Great to see you and Otto out and about. The huts there look fabulous. I'm currently re-reading Patrick Leigh-Fermor's book, "A Time of Gifts", about hiking from London to Istanbul in 1934 and he passed along the northern edge of the Black Forest. So the timing is perfect to see what he was describing!

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for following along :) I've never heard of that book but it sounds like a great read for my next hike! I love travel books and will definitely check it out!!

[@MariaWinter-c7l]

Otto appears to be the most polite friend I've ever witnessed! Does not snatch his food, moan, grumble or whine. He is a great walking companion! A lovely walk. Always informative videos. Take care. M.

[@ellihikes]

Aww, thank you so much :) He really is a great companion. He has his "issues" like every dog/every rescue (anxiety when he hears shooting noises for example), but yes, when it comes to food, adapting to new situation, everyday life situations like train or bus rides, being friendly to everyone etc. he is very very good :)

[@RenateSchneider-d8w]

Hi Elli, ein schöner Kurztrip im Schwarzwald auf dem Westweg. Hat mir gut gefallen. Weiter so, liebe Grüße

[@celesterakhale7496]

I love Otto.He is a very fit boy...and very sweet and well behaved!

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much, he's really the best companion :)

[@user-man-now80]

Hi Elli. Of the view, you said 'just mountains and forest', but you failed to mention the beautiful sky, which is nearly a half of tbe view. For some reason most people exclude the sky, and very often it is the most impressive feature, and constantly changing. I'm being pedantic ! It's great to see you and Otto again on another adventure. It does look rather chilly. Keep warm. Sheffield South Yorkshire. PS You're so lucky to have that beautiful site on your doorstep.

[@herbevans2727]

I've been enjoying your walks with Otto from a hot and steamy Australian summer....the snow and mountains look so refreshing!

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for following along :) I'm glad that you've enjoyed the video!!

[@herbevans2727]

👍

[@RobertScholz-zp6er]

Beautiful country, thank you!

[@stephenvicary9243]

Excellent video Elli. Thank you. A great introduction to the Westweg section of the very famous ‘dark’ Black Forest, pine needles and all. I’ve stayed in what we call Camping Pods years ago (becoming very popular here in the UK, especially in rubbish weather) I recommend them. Here they are insulated with sheep’s wool and get very, very warm! Mind you, there where two of us and a Dalmatian 😅 Looking forward to the next Elli & Otto hike 👍🏻

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much, Stephen :) Really appreciate you following along! I was really surprised to find the camping pod at the last hut/shelter. I only know them from my hikes in the UK, never seen them a lot in Germany so far - but they are so cozy :)

[@stephenvicary9243]

If you get a chance try one of the pods out yourself. They’re very cosy 😴 🛌

[@carmenhernandez6102]

I love my Kakwa!!

[@ellihikes]

So far, I'm very happy with it and can't wait to really put it to the test in 2 weeks :)

[@cheekuenbird38]

So ....beautiful , Otto such a darling ❤ you are such a good mummy. Lucky boy . Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for following along - that means so much and I really appreciate it!

[@mikePNW]

Another wonderful video in such a beautiful place. You and Otto are so enjoyable to watch. Keep it up!

[@ellihikes]

Aww, that's very kind :) Thank you so much for following along, that really means a lot :)

[@mariatassoni3781]

Another wonderful video! Thank you, Elli and Otto! I would love to see you both thru hike this trail some spring or fall! I was wondering how many grams you carried for this trip? I’m looking at the Durston pack for myself. Like you and many others, it has been difficult to find a pack that fits a 5’4” female well. As you use it more, I would welcome more comments on the pack. Thank you! I’m looking forward to your Scotland adventure!

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much, that means a lot :) I didn't weigh my pack this time but took most my regular stuff (my base weight with dog food and electronics is 8.7kg) to get used to the weight. So I would say around 10kg incl. water and it was very comfortable :) Yes, I'll definitely do a follow-up review after I've used it for a couple of weeks! Thank you so much for following along :)

[@chrishiking8818]

Wow what a place Elli and Otto, remember the black forest well staying in the open huts in the winter with a tarp block the open areas . Great video both the backpack looks good and high up . Hope the new gear works well too . Lovely seeing your excitement in your face but the smiles of a true hiker living life to the full and happy. Great seeing Otto too having fun and leading the way . Take care both 🌷

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much Chris 😊😊 the Black Forest really has a very special vibe to it, doesn't it?!.... Dark and mysterious, sometimes like a fairy-tale, sometimes bright and green! It's a stunning area :) As always thank you so much for the kind words and for following along :)

[@chrishiking8818]

​@@ellihikesnow that's so true such a beautiful area and very magical

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely gorgeous work my friend, relaxing and so atmospheric! Love this hike!

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much :)

[@RobbC.]

Hey Elli, thanks for sharing this adventure, it looked absolutely beautiful. Note to self: Visit Germany more often :)

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind words! Honestly, yes - there's a lot to see and so many different long-distance trails. I feel like we tend to not appreciate the beauty that's around us because we're so used to it and don't really consider it special - but the winter and my hikes here really made me appreciate my area a lot more :)

[@nasos_zovoilis]

Watching your adventures on the trails brings back memories of my recent hiking trip. It's wonderful to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts through your content.Liked and subscribed!

[@ellihikes]

That's very kind - thank you so much for the lovely words and encouragement! Really glad that you found your way to the channel :)

[@joegarry8983]

I really enjoy watching your videos Elli, you and Otto take us to such stunningly beautiful magical locations and I even manage to get to know from you the English meaning of some Germanic words, for instance to day I learned that Weg means trail, hope you will translate some more common terms for us in future videos. You are blessed there are such marvellous, magical locations not so far from where you live, some regions of Germany are exceedingly beautiful and got to tell you that smile of yours would illuminate the entire Black Forest on the darkest day, best wishes to Otto and yourself from Ireland.

[@ellihikes]

Aww, that's very kind! Thank you so much for the feedback and your support :) Your comment made my day and I'm very glad that you're enjoying the videos! The Black Forest is definitely a very stunning area and worth a visit :)

[@z0uLess]

awesome! that morning fog in the dark forest was really "trollsk" as we say in norwegian.

[@ellihikes]

It was indeed, even a little bit "mystisk" 😊

[@Prince_Buster]

What a truly wonderful video. Thank you

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it :)

[@traceydimperioTnT]

That was Beautiful!! Nice hike for this time of year a bit cold but no bugs or ppl. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels back to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Trail on!🥾🐕

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for the kind words :) Yes, hiking in winter definitely has its pro's :) Really glad that the ticks were not out yet, they're a big issue in the south of Germany. Thank you so much for following along :)

[@traceydimperioTnT]

@@ellihikes ❤️

[@Crazy-s8s]

Truly did enjoy yours and Otto’s newest hike Ms Elli😃 So many beautiful views along those sections 😍 The rounded top hut looked so cool, that would make an awesome cabin somewhere too👍🏻 So glad your new gears working out so far for you too👍🏻 Thank you so much for always giving the info on the where’s, what’s and why’s of your journeys, always fascinating to me❤️ Till next time, take care, keep safe, give Otto a scratch for me and see ya then 👍🏻🙏🏻😃☺️ PS: Were those actually 3 giant wooden chairs and if so, do you know the story if any behind their being there😳🤔

[@ellihikes]

I'm very sorry for replying late! But as always I really appreciate your kind words, encouragement and interest in our adventures :) That means so much, thank you! I'm very happy that you've enjoyed the video and that I got to show an area close to where I live. The Black Forest is a really beautiful landscape :) As for the chairs: Yes, they were 3 giant chairs. I tried to climb up, but I couldn't as they were so big that I couldnt reach the top 😂 There probably is a story behind them as the area is very well developed for tourism with a lot of interesting trails, view points etc. but I couldn't find any info on these specific. Or I missed it, but didn't see it at least.... Thank you for following along :)

[@Crazy-s8s]

There’s never any need for apologies Ms Elli😃 You and Otto have a busy life and I understand that👍🏻 It mighta been good you weren’t able to climb up there, Otto wouldn’t be able to rescue from that height😳😂😂 Always love your videos and your genuine way of being yourself. Thank you again for your time😃 Till next time, give Otto a scratch, keep safe and see ya then👍🏻🙏🏻😃☺️

[@alienzombie1819]

what a beautiful video. 😊

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for your continued support! That's incredible and I really appreciate you following along! Glad you've liked the video :)

[@hope2someday691]

Nice seeing the two of you out on trail again. It sure looked like Otto was aware he was heading out on adventure. I expect that Otto was aware of the mice in your shelter. Hopefully he didn’t keep you awake. Does the Black Forest have bear, wolves or boars?

[@ellihikes]

😅 I think he always knows as soon as I'm getting out my backpack :) He probably was aware of them but they seemed to run around in the attic above our heads, so he was ok and slept without any issue.... When it comes to wildlife: There are a lot of boars everyhwere in the forests in Germany. They are a real issue because their population constantly grows, they are very common. Wolves not so much, I think there are only about 2-3 in the Black Forest at the moment. But their numbers are also increasing, but more so in the north and northeast of Germany. So far, no bears in Germany. There has been one in Bavaria a few years ago, but it was shot. But maybe just a matter of time because there are bears in the Alps which is not that far away....

[@mrjiggs3761]

Very near to my mates house! lovely stuff Ellie x

[@ellihikes]

What? No way?! Small world 😅 Thank you so much :)

[@nigem6611]

I was a little late discovering your channel but once I found it I was hooked. As I was watching you and Otto trekking your way down through the length of Britain it enabled me to relive some of my own memories when I did same national trails as you. I found it very interesting listening to you expressing your thoughts and feelings whilst on your adventure as I had experienced some of the same feelings and emotions myself. Thanks for sharing your adventure, loved it! Just one question I'd like to ask you :- Why do you ware trainers for walking as opposed to say Gortex lined walking boots "Fabric" as I can't imagine you waring leather boots due to your vegan lifestyle.

[@ellihikes]

Oh, that's so cool! Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I really appreciate your feedback and I'm glad that you're enjoying the videos and that they bring back some memories of your own hikes :) As for my hiking shoes: I know, some people might have a different opinion, but I'm not using waterproof/gortex shoes because the water is going to get in eventually (especially in lower shoes) and waterproof shoes just take a lot longer to dry out because of the membrane. With mesh trailrunners I get wet feet more often and probably faster, BUT the mesh dries out in 1-2 hours if I'm wearing them, so I never have wet feet for too long. And if it's really wet, I also carry waterproof socks to prevent cold feet. It works for me.... 😊

[@Daytona2]

The top bunk in the hut looked dangerous! 😱😂 Do the huts have carbon monoxide & fire alarms ? Interesting to see the mythical Black Forest, thanks, Elli, it's good that there are views and not just walking through forest. I wonder how many trees are native pine rather than imported species for the timber industry.

[@ellihikes]

Hahaha, yes - was really happy that I was alone in the hut and able to take the buttom bunk :) Yes, I saw a carbon monoxide detector, not sure about a fire alarm, but probably too.. Thank you so much for following along :) Hard to say about the trees, but from what I read: Apparently quite a good amount of the Black Forest was harvested/gone by the 19th century and then grown back. There are very rarely imported species but they mainly replanted spruce which is/was the most common tree species in the Black Forest. The timber is obviously harvested too, but most of the Black Forest is protected, so you rarely see just whole areas harvested like you would in some part of Scotland for example.... It seems well balanced and there is a good variety of native trees, it feels like they did a good job reforesting the area 200 years ago....

[@omiddellcash522]

i wish i was there

[@karstenmeyer149]

Sehr schönes Video Bist du vom Olympus 5 auf den Lone Peak gewechselt ?

[@ellihikes]

Vielen lieben Dank :) Ich hab verschiedene (ältere) Trailrunners, die ich immer etwas durchwechsle, bzw. ich ich noch nutzen will, bevor ich mir neue Olympus 5 kaufe. Das hier waren die TopoAthletic Terraventure MT-4, die ich vor den Olympus genutzt hatte und immer noch für kürzere Touren nehme. Haben etwas weniger Dämpfung als die Olympus 5....

[@karstenmeyer149]

@@ellihikes ah okay, dachte erst an den Lone Peak. Bin selber Olympusträger und hätte sonst gefragt, wie fest der neue Lone Peak ist.

[@raydoyle427]

Hi Elli In theUk trees that shed there leaves in winter are called deciduous trees. Best wishes to you and Otto”

[@ellihikes]

thank you so much :)