Kandel (from Waldkirch)

The Kandel (1,241m) is the Black Forest's most underappreciated climb and, for many local riders, the finest sustained ascent in the central region. The approach from Waldkirch in the Rhine plain covers 16km at 5.4% average — a long, rhythmic climb through quintessential Black Forest landscape: the Elz valley narrowing steadily as altitude increases, beech forest giving way to dark spruce, roadside shrines and farm buildings decreasing until the final open switchbacks above the treeline. The upper section steepens to 13% on the direct approach to the summit plateau where the Kandel telecommunications tower marks the highest point. The descent toward St. Peter and St. Märgen on the eastern side drops through a landscape of Black Forest farmhouses, cherry orchards, and the open meadows of the inner-Black Forest highland — entirely different in character to the dense western forest approach. The contrast between the two sides makes Kandel a more satisfying crossing than a simple out-and-back.