Belchen summit (1,414 m) is the fourth highest peak in the Black Forest after Feldberg (1,493 m), Seebuck (1,449 m), and the slightly higher Herzogenhorn (1,416 m).
The peaks of the Black Forest are treeless because they are above the tree line. At this altitude, trees are exposed to harsh climatic conditions and cannot grow. These include strong winds and low temperatures during the growing season. Thin soil and rocky subsoil also make forest growth impossible.
Belchen summit has been car-free since 2001. However, it can be easily reached by the Belchen Cableway.