Tanama Tales

California Travel and Lifestyle Blog

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Los Angeles
    • San Diego
    • Orange County
    • Santa Barbara
    • Ventura
    • San Luis Obispo
    • Santa Cruz
    • San Francisco
    • Monterey
    • Big Sur
    • Eastern Sierra
    • Yosemite
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Germany / Things To Do In The Black Forest Region

Germany Travel

Things To Do In The Black Forest Region

If you’ve booked a trip to the Black Forest, remember it’s not all long walks and beer. Make sure you schedule time for some unforgettable experiences. I am providing plenty of ideas on things to do in the Black Forest Region!

Located in the southwest of Germany, the Black Forest region is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. The Romans coined the term ‘Black Forest’ because the area is predominantly dense and dark, intimidating.

The Black Forest may be the setting where Hansel and Gretel almost met their fate, but that hasn’t put off the swarms of tourists who visit it each year. And for good reason, too.

The Black Forest region is made up of not just “forest” but towns and cities as well, so for the eager explorer, it offers a superb mix of hiking and trail options as well as delicious restaurants and towns to enjoy in between hikes.

Table of Contents

  • How to Reach the Black Forest?
  • Cities and Towns in the Black Forest
    • Baden Baden
    • Gengenbach
    • Freiburg
    • Breisach
    • Triberg
  • Things to Do in the Black Forest
    • Geroldsau Waterfall
    • Mehliskopf
    • Schwarzenbach-Talsperre
    • Wildgehege Breotenbrunnen
    • Mummelsee
    • Ottenhofen
    • Allerheiligen Waterfall
    • Lotharpfad
    • Buhlbachsee
    • Giant Cuckoo Clocks
    • Café Schafer
    • Triberg Waterfall
    • Open Air Museum
    • Titisee
    • Schluchsee
  • Black Forest Hikes
  • Itinerary Ideas
  • More of the Area
    • Related posts:

How to Reach the Black Forest?

Stuttgart is the closest major city to the area.  It is located about 110 km from the cities in the northern part of the region and 200 km from the cities in the southern part of the region.

Frankfurt is located 200 to 300 km from the main towns in the area.  The area can also be accessed from Munich.  The Black Forest main cities are located 300 to 400 km from the Bavarian capital.

The area can also be accessed from France (Strasbourg, Colmar) or Switzerland (Zurich, Basel).

Main cities can be reached by train, but a car provides more ease of movement.

Things to do in the Black Forest Region, Germany, Mountains

Cities and Towns in the Black Forest

Here is a list of the cities and towns that can be used as a base to explore the area.

Baden Baden

Baden Baden has been a popular spa destination for over two thousand years. The resort offers twelve thermal spas and is a favorite among foreign and domestic tourists. Previous visitors to the spa have included Barak Obama and Victoria Beckham.

The town’s therapeutic waters bubble away from two thousand meters below, providing relief from a variety of illnesses and conditions, including heart problems and arthritis.

It’s a beautiful way to end your holiday in the Black Forest, as you can rest and recuperate your tired body in the beautiful setting of one of Germany’s most lusted-after resorts.

Gengenbach

Gengenbach, a  town of about 11,000 residents, is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Black Forest area.  In addition, it is of easy access to independent travelers since it has a major train station in the regional network.

Many people chose to stay here to take in the Medieval architecture, the tall spires, and the homey food.  A favorite activity is hiking to a chapel on a hill to take in scenic views of the town and surrounding vineyards.

Offenburg, a bigger city, is 15 km away, and Strasbourg (France) is 40 km away.

Freiburg

Freiburg is one of the main entry points to the Black Forest (it is well-connected to cities in France, Switzerland, and Germany).  And, for some visitors, it is all they see in the region.

This city is known for its minster, Medieval gate, university, and template climate.  It is advised to take at least a day to see the main sights.  Then, move on to enjoy the surrounding natural attractions.

Schauinsland is a popular day trip.  A cable car takes you to the top of the mountain, from where you can admire impressive views of the area.

Keep in mind Freiburg is quite large (over 200,000 residents).  This is not the place to stay if you are looking for peace and quietness.

Things to do in the Black Forest Region, Germany, Freiburg Minster

Breisach

This town, located on the banks of the Rhine River and the border between Germany and France, is another gem in the area.

People come here to explore the ruined castles scattered around, drink the unique wine products of the region, and sail along the Rhine.

Triberg

All the towns I have discussed are located in the Western part of the Black Forest.  Triberg is situated in the central part of the area.

Triberg is the perfect place to get a storybook feeling.  You will be welcomed by colorful structures, dozens of cuckoo clocks, and classic figurines (reminiscent of the ones used in Christmas trees).

The learn more about the area, you can visit the Black Forest Museum.  And do not miss the House of the 1000 Clocks.

Things to Do in the Black Forest

Here are some of our favorite ways to spend time in the Black Forest.

Geroldsau Waterfall

A short path can reach this small waterfall.  There are other marked trails in the area if you want to continue hiking.

This spot is located 10 km from Baden Baden.

Mehliskopf

This adventure park has ropes courses, hanging bridges, treetop paths, and a big toboggan.  It is a great place to visit with kids.  Children as young as 6 years old are allowed to complete certain circuits.

Visitors can ski during winter.

Schwarzenbach-Talsperre

This reservoir has swimming areas (during summer) and offers boat rentals to visitors.  It is located 30 km from Baden Baden.

Wildgehege Breotenbrunnen

I am including this place since it is a great stop for those traveling with kids.  This game reserve allows you to observe deer and wild boars (among other creatures).  It is located 30 km from Baden Baden.

Mummelsee

As a lake lover, this is one of my favorite spots in the Black Forest.

The lake is small but very scenic and surrounded by legend.  Since it is located next to the main road crisscrossing the area, it is a popular spot to walk/hike, rent a pedal boat or have something to eat at the Mummelsee Hotel.

Ottenhofen

This small town and its surrounding area are known for its well-preserved historic mills.

Things to do in the Black Forest Region, Germany, Old Mill

Allerheiligen Waterfall

The “All Saints’ Waterfall” is one of the most popular attractions in the area.  The waterfall has a drop of 83 meters over 7 steps.  The walk from the parking lot is easy. The step and bridges in the area are easy to conquer, too.  You can extend your hike by walking to the All Saints’ Abbey.

Lotharpfad

Located in the Schliffkopf Nature Reserve, the Lothar Path is an 800-meter platform made from dead wood. There is an observation deck from where the tallest mountains in the area can be spotted on a clear day.

Buhlbachsee

This is another beautiful lake located close to the main road.  In a land of many lakes, I like this particular one because it has an island in the middle (covering most of the lake’s surface).  I think that makes it very unique.

Giant Cuckoo Clocks

You’ll kick yourself if you miss this. The once-largest cuckoo clock, built by Joseph Dold in 1980, is certainly something to put on your holiday itinerary. Joseph is also normally around to explain the history and inner workings of the clock. There is nowhere else in the world that offers this opportunity, and it will certainly make for a great story when you return home!

This clock is located in Schonach, three kilometers away from Triberg.

There is even a bigger clock located in Schonachbach.

Café Schafer

Much like the ubiquitous cuckoo clock, no trip to the Black Forest is complete without a slice of deliciously rich Black Forest Gateau at Café Schafer. There’s no better place to indulge in this than at Café Schafer, where you can be treated to a traditionally prepared gateau made with cherry brandy, whipped cream, and shaved chocolate. This is an experience not to be missed!

The cafe is located in Triberg.

Things to do in the Black Forest Region, Germany, Black Forest Cake

Triberg Waterfall

The Triberg Waterfall, one of the highest in Germany, descends 535 feet (163 meters) in seven tiers.

After paying a small fee, you can walk an easy one-mile trail around the falls. The waterfalls are located only 2 miles from the center of town.

Open Air Museum

Experience a taste of the past with a visit to an open-air museum in Vogtsbauernof. Be prepared to spend several hours here, taking in the sights and smells of a traditional German village. Interact with staff in traditional dress and learn about the history of the area as well as how this part of Germany has evolved. The museum features its own train station and you can purchase authentic food and drink whilst you’re there.

Titisee

Titisee, the largest natural lake in the Black Forest, is an outdoor playground.

Visitors go to walk the lake’s perimeter, hike to the top of Hochfirst Mountain, cruise the lake, or rent a rowboat.  Since this is a large resort, nearby attractions include a waterpark, golf course and several campgrounds/

Schluchsee

At 1.4 kilometers long and sixty-one meters deep, Lake Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest. This artificial lake is popular for water sports, and due to its clean water, it’s a regular spot for swimmers too.

A walk around the lake offers fantastic views of the forest from a totally different viewpoint. In the summer, you might want to take advantage of the heated outdoor pool and children’s adventure playground nearby.

Schluchsee, Things to do in the Black Forest Region, Germany,

Black Forest Hikes

Walk off your gateau by undertaking a hike in the Black Forest. There are hundreds of different trials to choose from through an impressive fourteen thousand miles of Black Forest scenery. See Black Forest Hikes for routes and advice.

Many of the trials will be color-coded, so you will need to pay attention to your hike to ensure you stick to the right trail. You wouldn’t be the first to get muddled up! Fortunately, plenty of huts along the way offer drinks and snacks, so you can always stop here and ask if you get stuck.

As with any holiday, make sure you organize European travel insurance. This gives you peace of mind that should you have a slip or trip whilst hiking, you will be fully covered.

Itinerary Ideas

You can use three days to explore the northern part of the Black Forest.  I would use Day 1 to explore Baden Baden, Day 2 to drive from Baden Baden to Gengenbach, and Day 3 to explore Gengenbach and its surroundings.

Or, you can spend three days exploring the Freiburg and Breisach area.

Yet another idea will be to plan a lake-centric getaway.  Titisee and Schluchsee are located close to each other, and you can move from one area to another for a couple of days.

Things to do in the Black Forest Region, Germany, Triberg Waterfalls

I hope you have enjoyed reading about some things to do in the Black Forest.  I hope you plan a trip to the area soon!

More of the Area

  • Things to do in Colmar
  • Petite France Strasbourg
  • A Lesson in Alsatian Cuisine

How have you experienced the Black Forest?  What things to do in the Black Forest would you recommend?

If you enjoyed this post, remember to share!

Pin it for later?

Things to do in the #BlackForest, #Germany – Travel tips and ideas - The Black Forest region is actually made up of not just forest, but towns and cities as well, so for the eager explorer, it offers a superb mix of hiking and trailing options as well as delicious restaurants and towns to enjoy in between hikes. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend time in the Black Forest.

Related posts:

Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Castle, Palace, Munich, Fussen, Germany, Day Trip to NeuschwansteinHow to Make the Most of a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein  Best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany, Main River, Old TownOne Day in Frankfurt: Great Things To Do in Frankfurt Strolling Around Madrid Centro The Most Romantic Place in Budapest: Vajdahunyad Castle


26 Comments

« Sol Restaurant at Sonesta Hotel, Redondo Beach
Things to Do in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles »

Comments

  1. Anna says

    February 8, 2016 at 1:08 am

    I’ve visited the Black Forest about 20 years ago! We visited Baden Baden, Triberg, Freiburg and some other places I don’t remember! I even got a recipe for the dessert, but have to look it up in my souvenirs collection!!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 9, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      Wow! That was quite a trip. Hope you can find that recipe. I bet you will find it when you are not looking for it.

      Reply
  2. Photo Cache says

    February 8, 2016 at 9:23 am

    I only know Black Forest for the cuckoo clocks. I am very curious about the open air museum and hiking trails.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 9, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      Well, there are plenty of cuckoo clocks there and they are a cool sight. But, the scenery is what steals the show.

      Reply
  3. Amila @ Leisure and Me says

    February 8, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    It seems like a great place to spend a day.This clock is something really interesting…

    Reply
  4. Rhonda Albom says

    February 8, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    Looks like the black forest was all about hikes and beer for us – I think we missed everything else on this list. Great photos. (Tip: You will get better results on pinterest if you make your image for pinning the taller than wide (portrait view))

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 9, 2016 at 8:40 pm

      Rhonda, thanks for the Pinterest tip. I usually prepare my Pinterest images in the way you pointed out. This time, I didn’t like any of those images enough.

      Reply
  5. image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says

    February 9, 2016 at 2:56 am

    Beautiful photos, and an informative post. Thank you for the information, and for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/02/potted.html

    Reply
  6. Holly says

    February 9, 2016 at 7:51 am

    Germany is very definitely on my list as I have never been! The views from the open air museum would definitely put it to the top of my list – I love a view!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 9, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      I have not spent as much time in Germamy as I would have desired. There are so many towns and routes to choose from! My time in the Black Forest was not enough.

      Reply
  7. Claudia | ImagesByCW says

    February 14, 2016 at 9:41 am

    The Black Forest truly is a gorgeous region. While I am originally from the northern parts of Germany, I have lived in the south, the southern border of the Black Forest for five years. I love the open air museums and I second everything you wrote, except for the cuckoo clocks – no matter what you say, me, as a northern German, I do not like them 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 15, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      I am glad you liked the article. Like I have mentioned, I wish I have stayed longer in the area. Love to be surrounded by nature.

      Reply
  8. Indah Nuria Savitri says

    February 15, 2016 at 4:35 am

    I came here once from Switzerland and really enjoy the place 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 15, 2016 at 7:22 pm

      Great! Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  9. Indrani says

    February 27, 2016 at 4:09 am

    I drove along the route some years back. Wish I had paused to experience all these. Love the pics, very scenic.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 28, 2016 at 4:49 pm

      Thanks Indrani. This forest is so lush and green. I wish I had time to explore more.

      Reply
  10. Stella Lee @Purfylle says

    February 28, 2016 at 12:41 am

    I love a good historical village. It would be my first stop!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      February 28, 2016 at 4:50 pm

      I am lover of historical cities too. I think the region has a good mix of the things I enjoy the most.

      Reply
  11. Andrea says

    March 1, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    Hi Ruth, thanks for visiting my blogpost. I replied to you there. That waterfalls picture here is so beautiful taken with long exposure. I thought that is yours, till i saw the photo source. Now i know why you asked me if getting the glow of the worms in the caves is difficult, every camera user knows that. haha

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      March 5, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      I went to the Black Forest region long time ago. I am dreaming about going back since then.

      Reply
  12. Birgitta says

    March 2, 2016 at 4:37 am

    Great photos and interesting to read! Love that clock 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      March 5, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      Clocks are one of the highlights of the area. It is interesting to enter a store and see them all moving.

      Reply
  13. Birgitta says

    March 21, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures!

    Reply
  14. Mandy says

    March 23, 2016 at 8:39 am

    I’ve been to Germany a few times but never to the Black Forest region. I will definitely have to check it out when I return … especially the cafe and the lake!

    Reply
  15. leah says

    January 31, 2018 at 1:25 am

    Black Forest is my most favorite place in Germany. I have been to the places you’ve mentioned and your article serves as a helpful reference for those who are planning to visit the area. Great job!

    Reply
  16. Time to get lost says

    September 13, 2019 at 3:29 am

    The Black Forrest looks incredible! I have loved reading this, amazingly wrote. I have to go and visit now!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Oh, Hi There

Ruth
My name is Ruth and I believe you do not have to travel far or spend a lot of money to have meaningful experiences. Let me show you how to kiss goodbye routine and add an exciting dose of adventure to your life. To learn more about me, click here.

New Here? Check out my Getting Started page.

Follow us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Find a Category

Copyright Notice

All text and media on this site is created by me, the owner of Tanama Tales, unless otherwise stated. I will always give due credit to the author/creator of any content not provided by me. All content on this site is copyrighted and may not be used without prior written consent.

Get all the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Copyright © 2025 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2025 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in