Germany: New Treetop Trail Opens in the Black Forest

On September 19, 2014, a 1,250 meter long and 20 meter high treetop trail was opened by Erlebnis AKADAEMIE AG at Sommerberg in Bad Wildbad in the northern Black Forest. The new attraction takes visitors along a barrier-free nature trail past several interactive experience stations to convey knowledge about the local nature and wildlife. One particular highlight can be found in the last section of the trail, a 40 meter high, funnel-shaped tower. At the top of the observation deck of the tower, guests can enjoy a 360-degree view of the mountain peaks of the Black Forest. Around 200,000 visitors are expected annually on the treetop trail, which complements the outdoor activity offer of the region and required an investment of 4.3 million Euros.

The treetop trail in the Black Forest is already the third German treetop path that has been built by Experience AKADEMIE AG since its debut with the opening of the first one in Bad Kötzing in 2001. The first treetop path of the provider celebrated its fifth anniversary this month: the treetop trail Neuschönau in the Bavarian Forest, which will have seen a total of 1.75 million visitors by the end of this year since its opening. In 2013, the company opened up a Heritage Centre incl. treetop trail and experience exhibition on the German island of Rügen. In the coming years, more projects of this kind are planned by the company, including a facility in the Czech Giant Mountains, which is scheduled for a 2015 opening. (eap)