Our hike begins at the bus stop near the Rewe supermarket in Furtwangen. From there, we make our way to the Stöcklewald Tower, a 25-meter-high observation tower built in 1894. A total of 127 steps lead to the viewing platform at the top, offering wide-ranging views over the forested landscape of the Central Black Forest. On clear days, the view even stretches as far as the Alps. The tower can be climbed for a small fee during the opening hours of the nearby snack hut (Vesperstube). Next to the tower, there is also a rest house and hiking lodge operated by the Black Forest Association.
In the immediate vicinity of the tower lies a rare testimony to medieval justice: the Triberg Gallows. This historic execution site is located on an elevated area known as the “High Court” – a name that already hints at its former purpose.
The origins of the gallows date back to the 14th century. As early as the 16th century, it was depicted on a map created by the Benedictine monastery of St. Georgen, showing two people hanging from it. The gallows consist of two massive sandstone pillars, reinforced with iron bands. Originally, these were connected by a wooden beam from which sentences were carried out.
Such execution sites were typically located in prominent, elevated spots to serve as a deterrent. The Triberg Gallows stand as a stark symbol of historical penal practices, where death sentences were carried out in public. The location also served as a court site, where legal proceedings were held.
Today, the Triberg Gallows remain a relic of the past and a fascinating testament to medieval justice in the region. Those who visit are offered a vivid glimpse into the legal history of the Middle Ages. Its close connection to the nearby hiking trail makes this historic spot a particularly worthwhile detour for culturally and historically interested hikers.
