WasserWeltenSteig 5. Etappe: Achdorf - Siblinger Randenhaus

The stage via Buchberg and Randen offers fascinating panoramic views. Railway enthusiasts can look forward to the sections along the "Sauschwänzlebahn" railway. From Achdorf, the route climbs purposefully up the Buchberg via Blumberg, initially through meadows, then through dense forest and finally in serpentines to the 876 metre high southern cornerstone of the Blumberger Pforte. With the last few steps, the Buchberghütte offers a wide view across the Wutach Valley to the southern Black Forest and, on clear days, to the Swiss Alps and the Jura.

The rest of the route is more relaxing than the previous ascent. The south-east ridge of the Buchberg slopes gently down to the saddle of the Ottilienhöhe. Only a cross remains as a reminder of the former monastery. The WasserWeltenSteig trail leads along the edge of the forest to the "ham station" at the Buchberg tunnel with information about Black Forest ham and the Sauschwänzlebahn railway - which is crossed several times along the way. Steam and diesel locomotives cover the 25 kilometres and 231 metres in altitude between Blumberg-Zollhaus and Weizen by means of four bridges, six tunnels and several hairpin bends. Hiking past Epfenhofen railway station, you head towards the Randen. Once at the top, it becomes more comfortable, as the rest of the route over the plateau-like Jura tableland ridge has hardly any differences in altitude. From the 40 metre high steel lattice tower on the Hagen (914 m), you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Black Forest, Lake Constance and the Alps.

The trail continues along a section of the Natura Trail Schaffhausen, which was opened in 2016, to the Heidenbaum crossroads. The various species of wild orchids, such as the knabenkaut, are particularly impressive along the way. The next destination is the wide clearing of the Zelgli meadow on the Schlossranden, whose main summit (896 metres, also with a viewing tower) is a little off the trail - just under 2 km there and back. Continue across flower-filled meadows and pleasantly shady high forest to the Siblinger Randenhaus.