The Black Forest in Germany is a place of wonder: tucked away in the mountainous southwest, this region of dense forests, fairytale villages, misty peaks, lakes, and thermal spas is not to be missed.
Take a guided tour, ride a train, hike nature trails, drive scenic roads through woodland hills, or marvel at the region’s famous cuckoo clocks, which were invented in these forest towns. As soon as you set foot in the region, Germany’s Black Forest is bound to enchant you.
Why Visit Germany’s Black Forest
Lake Titisee
The southwestern edge of the state of Baden-Württemberg is home to swathes of dark evergreen forests and half-timbered villages, which have inspired different folk legends over the centuries.
The Brothers Grimm were captivated by its mist-shrouded ambiance; old monasteries, timber trade routes, and glassmakers have helped shape its cultural and economic identity over time.
Today, you can still sense its ancient pulse as you walk beneath the treetops or through a village shop, with forest-themed cuckoo clocks keeping the time.
The Romans, garrisoned near the outskirts of these woodlands, called it Silva Nigra, or “Black Forest,” and the name stuck, becoming Schwarzwald in German.
Schwarzwald National Park
You’ll want to visit the Schwarzwald National Park and its surrounding biosphere reserves because they are protected habitats, with hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained hiking trails and plenty of wild nature to experience.
Depending on when you arrive, you can enjoy gushing waterfalls, long bike rides, charming towns, lush forests, and lakeside swims, or during the colder months, snow-globe scenes complete with German Christmas markets and spiced glühwein.
Wildlife & Nature
Southern Black Forest Nature Park
The Black Forest—densely packed with beech, fir, oak, spruce, pine, and other tree species—was once home to wolves and lynx, and while both species disappeared from the area in the 19th century, rewilding programs are gradually bringing them back.
The Southern Black Forest Nature Park, part of which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is one of Germany’s largest protected areas. It’s home to red and roe deer, wild boar, pine martens, and many other furry critters.
Black woodpecker
If you’re a birdwatcher, you will delight in spotting black woodpeckers, golden eagles, owls, and the very shy hazel grouse, just to name a few feathery creatures.
Altitude and microclimates make the forest a biodiversity hotspot. Hike through dense spruce forests that give way to sunny, grassy pastures dotted with gentian and bellflowers.
Anemones
In spring and early summer, look out for carpets of wildflowers: anemones, orchids, and buttercups speckle the floor beneath the evergreens.
Come autumn, mushrooms sprout after the rains, and locals forage for seasonal delicacies like chanterelles, which you’ll find on restaurant menus alongside wild boar and venison.
In the Black Forest National Park, you can take guided nature walks with forest rangers. Also, make sure you check out one of the park’s visitor centers to learn more about the local ecology and the park’s offerings.
Things to Do & Attractions in the Black Forest
Visit Triberg Waterfalls
Triberg Waterfalls
One of the region’s most famous landmarks is Triberg Waterfalls, close to the town of Triberg. The falls, one of the tallest in Germany, are easily accessible on foot.
The falls drop 163 meters—or 535 feet—in seven steps. Come spring, when the snowmelt is high and the Gutach River is at its most potent, these waterfalls are particularly imposing.
You’ll find numerous hiking trails in the area, each of them clearly signposted. Wooden bridges and walkways lead you through the misty environs as you circle the waterfalls at different levels, taking in the surrounding moss, greenery, and cascades.
Thermal Baths in Baden-Baden
Friedrichsbad
One of the best places to visit in Germany is Baden-Baden, a spa town in the Black Forest that has been popular with European aristocrats and writers since the 18th century. Dostoevsky, Brahms, and Queen Victoria all came here for a soak.
The Friedrichsbad bathhouse in Baden-Baden has hosted a Roman-Irish bathing ritual for more than 140 years. You can make your way through 17 stations, including warm pools, steam rooms, and marble halls, to fully enjoy the spa experience.
Be warned, though: Friedrichsbad is a nude-only facility most days, which can surprise some visitors, yet it‘s part of the cultural etiquette.
Caracalla Spa Photo by Gerd Eichmann on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
For something a little more modern—with swimwear—head to the Caracalla Spa. The glass dome lets in natural light over a series of pools surrounded by trees and outdoor bathing areas. Both thermal baths use water from mineral springs that bubble up at 68°C, or about 154°F.
Walk Above the Treetops
Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald
For an elevated perspective, take to the treetops at Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald in Bad Wildbad. This treetop walkway gradually rises to a 40-meter—or about 131-foot—spiral tower high above the canopy.
From the top, you can see the Enz Valley, with the deep green forest spread out before you. There are interactive learning stations along the walkway where you can learn about the region’s ecosystem and wildlife in German and English.
Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald
If you’re adventurous, for a small fee, you can also take the long slide at the end of your walk and spiral down back to the ground, which is a heck of a lot of fun.
Afterward, consider exploring Bad Wildbad’s Palais Thermal spa complex to soak in even more hot water, or ride the Sommerbergbahn, one of the steepest funicular railways in Germany, for amazing views of the town and woodland below.
Hike Through Ravenna Gorge
Ravenna Gorge
For a hike that combines history, engineering, and raw natural beauty, head for the Black Forest’s Ravenna Gorge, or Ravennaschlucht, near the town of Hinterzarten.
Here, you’ll find a short trail that meanders through a deep, narrow valley where waterfalls tumble over moss-covered boulders. Towering above it all is Ravennabrücke, a 190-foot-high stone viaduct first built in 1885 and expanded in the 1920s, with trains still thundering overhead.
In December, the area becomes one of Germany’s most atmospheric Christmas markets: the Ravennaschlucht Christmas Market. Stalls set up along the gorge sell local crafts, roasted nuts, and mulled wine, with the cliffs and bridge lit in golden light.
Explore Black Forest Lakes: Titisee & Schluchsee
Lake Titisee
Few spots in the Black Forest capture its peaceful spirit as well as its lakes. Lake Titisee, formed by a glacier thousands of years ago, is surrounded by a bustling promenade, where you’ll find plenty of cafés and shops.
In summer, rent paddleboats, swim, or take a short lake cruise with commentary on the origins of the lake. Also, make sure you try a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, or Black Forest cherry cake, at Café Becker, which might just be the best in the region.
Lake Schluchsee, resting at a higher elevation, offers clearer water—great for bathing—and fewer crowds. It’s an incredible place to go kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, or hiking along the scenic path that circles the lake.
Picturesque Towns
Gengenbach
The heart of the Black Forest in Germany, apart from the trees, of course, is its villages. Gengenbach, a small town with half-timbered houses and flower-draped balconies, is often cited as one of Germany’s most beautiful villages, making it perfect for a delightful afternoon stroll.
Schiltach is another pretty, idyllic town, built along the banks of the Kinzig River, surrounded by steep wooded hills. Visit the Apothecary Museum here or stop by a riverside café for some coffee or German beer.
Schwarzwaldhochstraße
Time allowing, you can drive along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, one of Germany’s most spectacular roads. Several lookout points and walking trails dot the route.
And, should you feel peckish, you can find dishes such as Maultaschen ravioli or venison stew at cozy mountain inns and restaurants with views over the valleys, peaks, and towns along the way.
Discover the Castles of the Black Forest
Hohenzollern Castle
Many of the German castles scattered across the Black Forest look like they popped out of a storybook. One of the most famous is Hohenzollern Castle, near Hechingen.
This hilltop castle, the seat of the Prussian royal family, is worth a visit for its grand halls, the royal art collection, and its panoramic terraces.
Altensteig Castle
Altensteig Castle, situated closer to the center of the Black Forest, looks out over the small town of red-roofed houses below. Its museum, open on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, will teach you more about the area’s guilds, medieval trade, and forest life.
If you’re in need of even more of a castle fix, ask around when you arrive or do a bit of research beforehand, as the region is full of castles; some well-maintained, others in ruins.
Hop Aboard the Black Forest Railway
Black Forest Railway
Take a ride on the Black Forest Railway, or Schwarzwaldbahn, which is one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe.
Running between Offenburg and Konstanz, the roughly 93-mile route passes through 39 tunnels and numerous viaducts as it chugs and climbs toward the deep forest valleys.
The ride features dramatic switchbacks, pine forests, and views that suddenly open out onto green meadows. Built in 1873, the route is a masterwork of 19th-century engineering and a great way to take in large sections of the forest in a relatively short amount of time.
Experience Local Food & Culture
Black Forest ham
Hearty food is a big part of Black Forest life. When you visit, make sure you come with a healthy appetite.
Black Forest ham, cured and smoked over fir and spruce wood for weeks, is a must-try. Many of the Kirschwasser cherry brandy distilleries have roots going back generations, so you may want to add some brandy to the menu as well.
Plenty of farms double as guesthouses and sell homemade jams, cheeses, and schnapps. You can also book regional dining experiences in places like Baiersbronn, home to several upscale restaurants, including Restaurant Bareiss and Schwarzwaldstube.
Spaetzle
Smaller venues and guesthouses often serve local German dishes like venison goulash, spaetzle egg pasta, and apple fritters. During the peak summer tourist season, try to book your big meals in advance, as spots tend to fill up.
You can also visit local markets such as the Münstermarkt Cathedral Market in Freiburg, and buy handmade crafts and honey from forest hives. As with the rest of rural Germany, don’t forget to say a friendly Guten Tag to vendors when you enter their shops.
Tips for Visiting the Black Forest
Black Forest
Timing and organization are key. Car hire gives you real flexibility; traveling between smaller villages down serpentine country roads is often necessary to reach more far-flung trails and lakes. The region, however, is well connected by public transportation.
If you’re short on time, you’ll find plenty of operators offering guided excursions and day trips to various locales in the Black Forest, including cuckoo clock villages like Triberg, lakes, and forest hiking trails, helping you get the most out of your time.
Dress in layers because the weather can suddenly change from warm sunshine in the valleys to cool mist on the mountain paths. Also, try to carry some cash, as some smaller guesthouses, bakeries, and local cafés often don’t accept cards.
Best Time to Visit the Black Forest
Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald
Every season brings something different to the Black Forest in Germany. Visit in the spring for cool but comfortable hiking weather and meadows filled with flowers.
Drop by in the summer for swimming in the lakes and mountain biking. Autumn finds the hillsides covered in gold and red, and the vineyards and harvest festivals at their peak.
Winter is filled with snow-covered chalets and regional Christmas markets. Overall, May and September are usually the best months to visit for decent weather and avoiding larger crowds.
FAQs
Why visit the Black Forest?
Lake Schluchsee
It’s one of the most magical travel destinations in Europe, combining dense forests, delightful villages, scenic lakes, and time-honored Germanic folk traditions, such as cuckoo clock-making and glassblowing.
What are the most beautiful regions in the Black Forest?
Triberg Waterfalls
Be sure to check out Triberg, Baden-Baden, Feldberg, and Lake Titisee, each with its own natural splendor and Black Forest allure.
Which German cities and rivers are closest to the Black Forest?
Freiburg
The closest German towns to the Black Forest are Freiburg and Baden-Baden. Two of the most well-known rivers, the Danube and Neckar, originate in this famous forest region as well.
Breisach
Explore the Black Forest on a river cruise to Breisach with Celebrity. Browse itineraries and book your next getaway.
