How to Explore the Black Forest Schwarzwald Germany, everything you need to know!

Welcome to the Black Forest in south-west Germany, or Schwarzwald auf Deutche! This mystical region of Germany is like something straight out of a fairytale and is a popular travel destination, but why? What’s there to do there?

You’ll find the answers to those questions in this article, along with all of the information you’ll need to plan an enchanting trip to the Black Forest!

Why is the Black Forest so popular? People flock to this area of Germany for the dense woodlands, rolling hills, sparkling lakes, lush trails, (it’s a nature lover’s dream!) culinary delights, the idyllic and charming villages, cuckoo clocks, and mesmerizing landscapes. It really is German culture at its finest!

If all of that gets you a little excited, then this is the destination for you!

I moved to Germany as a child and although I’m not currently living there, the country has a grip on my heart. The Black Forest Schwarzwald region is one of my favorite parts of Germany and I am delighted to introduce you to it!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

What is the black forest in Germany famous for?

You may be wondering what this region, located in the Baden-Württemberg state of Germany, is famous for, and why should you visit? The area is often associated with the Brothers Grimm of fairy tale fame. Can you image Hansel and Gretel or maybe Little Red riding hood making their way through these deliciously dark forests?

Looking for Germany’s best fairytale destinations? You’ll find them here!

Here are a few defining characters that make this area of Germany unique.

The lush woodlands of the Black Forest

The Black Forest got its name from all of the towering trees and evergreen forests that grow so densely here that they block out the light on the forest floor. This cozy situation is for me the #1 thing that draws me here.

If I could, I’d find myself “lost” in the forest every day! Lush green ferns grow wild here, and large moss-covered boulders line mysterious paths. For me it’s like stepping into a storybook straight out of my own personal dreams!

Hand-crafted Cuckoo Clocks

If you love cuckoo clocks, then you’ve come to the right place! Black Forest cuckoo clocks are renowned worldwide for their craftsmanship, and you’ll find quality handmade clocks in this region.

(Cuckoo Clocks make great German souvenirs and Gifts! Check out my guide for what else to buy in Germany!)

Black Forest Cake

If you’ve never had Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), the signature dessert of the region, you’re in for a treat. It’s made of delicious spongy chocolate cake with decadent layers of tart cherries, cherry (kirsch) liquor, and whipped cream, my own personal favorite!

You’ll have no difficulty finding this popular cake in this region, in fact, it’s popular in most places across Germany.

Black Forest Ham

Black Forest ham is another delicious product to come out of this area. This salted and cured ham is flavored with garlic, coriander, pepper, juniper berries and other spices, giving it a distinct flavor. In Germany if it’s labeled as Black Forest ham it must come from this region!

You may be interested in: Must-try German foods

Places to visit in the Black Forest

Now that you have your heart set on visiting this magical region of Germany, you’re probably wondering where the best destinations are in the Black Forest.

Here are the top destinations in the Black Forest Region:

Triberg

The small town of Triberg is located in the heart of the Black Forest and is known for its cascading waterfalls, some of Germany’s highest, the world’s largest cuckoo clock AND the world’s smallest cuckoo clock. The compact town center is where you’ll find the Triberg Waterfalls, cafes selling Black Forest cake, and shops selling hand-crafted cuckoo clocks.

Get my full Triberg Germany Travel Guide

Where to stay in Triberg:

• Hotel Restaurant Ketterer am Kurgarten
• Hotel Pfaff
• Best Western Plus Schwarzwald Residenz
• Gasthaus Staude (countryside escape!)

Titisee Lake

This sparkling glacial lake with crystal clear waters is ideal for boating, swimming, or relaxing by the shore. Summer activities include swimming, paddle boating, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and strolling the lake promenade.

The town of Titisee-Neustadt offers a variety of cafés and shops. In winter visitors flock to the Saig-Titisee toboggan or the Hochfirstschanze, the longest natural ski jump in Germany. Experience year-round health and wellness at one of the many spas located here.

Where to stay in Titisee-Neustadt:

• Maritim Titisee Hotel (sprawling lakeside hotel)
• Treschers Schwarzwald Hotel (luxury lakeside option at an affordable price)

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is perhaps the most well-known town located in the Black Forest. This historic spa town offers luxurious thermal baths and impressive architecture.

where to stay in Baden-Baden:

• Atlantic Parkhotel (cozy elegance)
• Hotel Laterne (beyond adorable with a Swiss Chalet feel)
• Landhotel Traube (cottage vibes!)
• Hotel Belle Epoque (luxury estate?)

Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg im Breisgau is often referred to as The Gateway to the Black Forest. This vibrant university town comes complete with cobbled streets and is an excellent base for exploring the Black Forest. Due to its larger size (population 244,000) you’ll find plenty of accommodation options in Freiburg. Perhaps you’d like to book something near the medieval old town.

where to stay in Freiburg im Breisgau:

• Hotel & Restaurant Sichelschmiede (whimsical cottage)

Gengenbach

This picture-perfect village has a magical, fairytale-like ambiance. The postcard-perfect town is known for its half-timbered houses.

Staufen im Breisgau

Charming Staufen is famous for its picturesque streets, half-timbered houses, and historical sites like the ruins of Staufen Castle.

where to stay in Staufen:

• Hotel der Löwen in Staufen (cozy!)

Calw

This picturesque town brimming with charm and history and offers visitors a chance to explore its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.

where to stay in Calw:

• Hotel Kronelamm im Schwarzwald (2.7 miles from town)

Kinzig Valley

Follow along the Kinzig River for picturesque scenery and charming villages. You can escape from the crowds and immerse yourself in the German countryside and village life.

Feldberg Mountain

The highest peak in the Black Forest, perfect for both hiking and skiing.

The Top Things to Do in the Black Forest Germany, Schwarzwald what to do

What are the top things to do in the Black Forest area? Wondering what to do in Schwarzwald?

hiking

The Black Forest is crisscrossed with scenic hiking trails so it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the top activities. Popular trails include the Westweg, which stretches over 285 kilometers and Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest, is a paradise for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The best place to search out area hiking trails in Germany is on the Komoot website. Here’s a link to the best hikes in the Black Forest.

Dining Experiences

You’ll be delighted by the wonderful comfort food and drink this region has to offer. I’d seek out a cozy gasthaus restaurant bathed in rich wood floors, walls, and furnishings. Then I’d order myself a golden crispy Schnitzel, and you might enjoy the addition of a locally brewed beer! Don’t forget to save room for a luscious slice of Black Forest cake! THIS is what Germany is all about!

Visiting Villages

Wander through the region’s storybook villages like Sasbachwalden or Schiltach to experience their authentic Schwarzwald charm.

Experience sublime Rest and Relaxation

Slow down and schedule some time in your itinerary for rejuvenation at one of the spa towns in the Black Forest. Soak in thermal baths in towns like:

• Baden-Baden: Located in the northern region of the Black Forest and known as the “queen of spa towns,” Baden-Baden boasts luxurious thermal baths like the historic Friedrichsbad and the modern Caracalla Therme. It’s a perfect blend of elegance and wellness.
• Bad Wildbad: Famous for its Palais Thermal and Vital Therme, this town offers a serene spa experience surrounded by lush forests and scenic trails.
• Bad Herrenalb: Nestled in a picturesque valley, this town is known for its thermal waters and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for unwinding.
• Bad Dürrheim: Home to saltwater spas and wellness centers, Bad Dürrheim is a haven for those seeking therapeutic treatments.
• Baiersbronn: While primarily known for its culinary excellence, Baiersbronn also offers spa facilities that complement its natural charm.

Adventure Sports

Skiing, paragliding, and mountain biking are all popular in the region.

Explore the area Castles

When you think about the Black Forest, castles generally aren’t in the forefront of your mind. However, you’ll be delighted to know that there are plenty of castles in this area of Germany! Fill your travel itinerary with stops at luxurious palaces, well-preserved traditional castles, castle ruins, and even a few Black Forest castle hotels!

Go Waterfall Hunting

As you might expect, this area is flush with waterfalls!

• Triberg waterfall, this multi-tiered waterfall is touted as one of the highest in Germany
• Sankenbach Waterfalls (Sankenbachwasserfälle) your reward for completing the 9.17 km loop are raised wooden walkways and a lovely waterfall
• Allerheiligen-Wasserfälle (also known as the Grindenbach)
• Gertelbach-Wasserfälle Abstieg: this one can be reached via an 8.86 km circular trail. While the falls may not be as commanding as some of the others, the lush trail is worth adding to your itinerary.
• Geroldsauer Wasserfall: there are 10 trails that will take you to this fall, the shortest one being 3 km.
• Burgbach Wasserfall: It’s one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Germany!

The German Cuckoo Clock Route

The German Clock Route (Deutsche Uhrenstrasse) is a 320-kilometer cuckoo clock themed loop drive.

Of interest along the route:

• Museum of Clockmaking (Villingen-Schwenningen) history of the cuckoo clock!
• Black Forest Railway, a technically unusual mountain railway with 40 tunnels (Hornberg)
• Triberg Waterfalls
• Largest cuckoo clock in the world in (Schonach im Schwarzwald)
• The German Clock Museum (Furtwangen im Schwarzwald) with the largest collection of clocks in Germany
• St Peter and St. Märgen, baroque churches and abbeys
• Titisee Lake, is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest

This video of The German Clock Route (Deutsche Uhrenstrasse) is in German but you get an idea of the beautiful scenery and the great stops along the way!

Experience an open-air museum (Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof)

Black Forest Open Air Museum: Dive into the region’s history by exploring preserved farmhouses and traditional crafts.

Visit Europa-Park

Europa-Park theme park covers a total area of 95 hectares and has twenty themed areas with rides, including around 14 roller coasters!

Have some Splashing Good Fun

Badeparadies Schwarzwald is a Tropical indoor/outdoor swimming complex. Experience palm trees, the sauna with wellness facilities, plus a water park.

Wildline Suspension Bridge (WildLine Hängebrücke)

This unique pedestrian suspension bridge rises in the middle. From the bridge you’ll experience outstanding and expansive views of lush meadows and emerald green fir trees. The experience isn’t for everyone. The 380 meter long bridge is suspended 60 meters above the ground. That’s probably a no for me, I’ll be waiting for you when you return!

The Black Forest Treetop Walk (Baumwipfelpfad)

This 40-meter-high observation tower and treetop walk spirals you up into the beautiful treetops of the Black Forest, for a whole new perspective! The views from the top are spectacular! The little ones in your travel party will delight in the on-site playground and Sommerberg Adventure Forest with its giant trampoline, cable car, and climbing castle.

Experience the Lakes of the Black Forest

In addition to Titisee Lake, which we discussed earlier, there are many other lakes to explore in this area. Here are some of the popular choices:

• Schluchsee Lake: A serene lake surrounded by hiking and cycling trails, it’s a quieter spot for swimming, kayaking, or a serene lakeside walk.
• Mummelsee: This secluded lake is very popular with tourists travelling along the Black Forest High Road.
• more! Komoot has a list of 9 lakes in the Black Forest
  

Explore the Black Forest’s Parks

• The Southern Black Forest Nature Park (Naturpark Südschwarzwald) is Germany’s largest nature park (as of 2020).
• The Central/North Black Forest Nature Park (Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord) is Germany’s second largest nature park.
• The Black Forest National Park is the first national park in Baden-Württemberg

More things to do in the Black Forest!

I’ve only scratched the surface of all of the things to do in the Schwarzwald in this article, you can find an impressive list of things to see and do in the Black Forest on the Schwarzwald Tourism Website where they also have a list of their bonus partners.

The Best Time to Visit the Black Forest

The Black Forest offers year-round beauty. Spring and summer are perfect for hiking and outdoor activities amid vibrant greenery, while autumn enchants with golden foliage and crisp weather.

Winter in Germany transforms the region into a snowy winter wonderland, ideal for skiing and Christmas markets. If you happen to be in this area during the Christmas Market season you won’t want to miss the most magical market of them all, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas market!

You can get all of the details in my Ravenna Gorge Market article. On a recent Christmas Market trip, the only deep snow we saw in two weeks was in the mountains of the Black Forest!

Fasnacht, or Carnival, which marks the beginning of Lent, is a festive time in this area.

Save money in the Black Forest

There are 3 travel passes that may save you money. The the Schwarzwald Pass saves money on attractions and is valid for 3 days, The Schwarzwald 365 Pass that’s good for a full year, and the Schwarzwald Black Forest KONUS Card saves on transportation costs. The first two listed here offer free admission to more than 200 attractions and various other area discounts.

The Schwarzwald Pass

Prices: Black Forest Card (Valid for 3 days)

• Up to 3 years free
• Children (4 – 11 years) 35.00 €
• Adults (12 years and older) 51.00 €
• Families * 149.00 € (2 adults and 3 children up to 17 years)

Prices with 1 day at Europa-Park included:

• Up to 3 years for free
• Children (4 – 11 years) 89.00 €
• Adults (12 years and older)105.00 €
• Families *355.00 € (2 adults and 3 children up to 17 years)

Schwarzwald 365 Pass

They also offer a one-year pass. Check the official website for more details!

Schwarzwald KONUS Karte

Overnight guests in the Black Forest are eligible for a free “Konus Card,” which provides free access to public transport within the region. You can get further information about the KONUS card on the Schwarzwald Tourism Website

Packing for the Black Forest

I don’t get too concerned about packing and packing lists but there are a few things I would make sure to have for this particular trip.

• Comfortable shoes are a must because you’ll obviously be doing a lot of walking. Bring hiking shoes if you plan to do much hiking.
• On that subject, if you plan to do any hiking, I’d bring your hiking poles. They make poles that fold up small enough to fit in your luggage.
• Don’t forget to bring your rain gear! If you’re prepared, there’s no reason why a little rain has to ruin your day!
• Are you planning to buy a cuckoo clock? Shopkeepers will mail one home for you, but if you buy a small one it may fit in your luggage. I travel with a packable duffel bag. When it’s time to fly home I pack my souvenirs in my hard sided luggage and dirty clothes go in the duffel, which I then use as a carry-on.

Getting To the Black Forest

Nearest Airports

Stuttgart International Airport is a good choice for those flying into the Black Forest. Another option is to fly into Basel Switzerland. I like to fly into Frankfurt International Airport and drive my way across Germany. It’s a 2.5-hour drive (or train ride) between Frankfurt and Freiburg im Breisgau, but only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Baden-Baden.

public Transportation

You’ll find train stations, or at the very least a stop, in almost all towns in Germany. FlixBus is another option for getting to and getting around the Black Forest. To plan your train and bus travel in Germany navigate to the Deutsche Bahn (DB) website, or Rome2Rio.

by car

If traveling by car, consider taking the scenic “Schwarzwaldhochstraße” (Black Forest High Road) to enjoy breathtaking views. I’m headed there this fall so I hope to have lots of photos and interesting stories very soon!

Do I need a rental car?
Not necessarily. It is possible to get to most places in the Black Forest without a car. I like the freedom having a car provides.

Good places to pick up a rental car include Freiburg, Stuttgart, and Baden-Baden, or do like me and pick up a car in Frankfurt and road trip your way across Germany! If you decide to rent a car, check your options on Expedia and then book with the rental car company directly.

Book a tour of the Black Forest

Some prefer to let a professional guide show them around. You can find tours of the Black Forest on Get Your Guide. Why I like to book tours and activities on Get Your Guide: Book Now Pay Later, and free Cancellation! You can’t beat it.

Examples of Black Forest Tours include: (you’ll find more on Get Your Guide!)

• Frankfurt to Black Forest, Baden-Baden, Freiburg and by Car
• The Best in Baden-Baden and Black Forest

Maps of the Black Forest Schwarzwald Germany

Here’s a map that shows the general area of the Black Forest, to the left is the French border, and to the south the Swiss border.

Map of the black Forest

If you click on the link to this map you’ll be taken to an interactive map of the best towns and attractions in the Black Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink the water?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Germany. If you opt for bottled water be aware that most of it is to some degree carbonated so ask for help reading the labels.

Do I need to speak the language?

No, it’s easy to get by in Germany with English. However, I always recommend learning a few niceties, please, thank you etc. Get info on learning a language for travel here.

Where can I book accommodation?

You’ll find all the best options on Booking.com. It’s where I book my stays.

How much time does the Black Forest require?

You can see a good bit of the Black Forest in just 3 days. However, if you’re just passing through and only have one day, I’d stop in Triberg for a good dose of the best of the Black Forest! Looking to slow it down? Spend a full week!

How large is the Black Forest in Germany?

The Black Forest has an area of about 6,009 km2 (2,320 sq mi).(Wikipedia)

Where is the Black Forest in Germany?

Germany’s largest forested region is located in the Southwest corner of the country.

Should I buy travel insurance?

It’s always a good idea. I shop for travel insurance at Travel Insurance.com.