23 Top Things to Do in Black Forest, Germany

Do you love the outdoors and are also keen on getting high-quality relaxation? If so, then read on to find the best things to do in Black Forest, Germany which is an ideal location for you. The region with its diverse landscapes and historical landmarks is interesting to explore, some of the most interesting ones being the Old Town that is straight out of the pages of medieval history.  

Here is a curated list to help you soak into the sights and sounds of Black Forest.

Triberg Waterfalls 

There is nothing like gurgling waterfall in the Black Forest. You could say that Triberg is one of Germany’s best waterfalls with a descent of 163 m. Your walk through the paved forest path to Triberg Waterfalls will one of the most mesmerizing moments in the Black Forest. There are multiple trials that will lead you to the different picturesque angles of the Triberg waterfall. Though it will take you just about 30 minutes to drive from the Baden-Baden city center, the scenic beauty of this place will remain encapsulated in your memory forever. 

Triberg Waterfall 2.JPG
By Meganp, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 78098 Triberg, Germany | Timing: Monday to Friday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Mid May – Mid September: Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iSucPTQAFdpTGfBMA | Phone Number: +497722866490 

Freiburg im Breisgau 

The historic Old Town of Freiburg im Breisgau perched atop the sunny side of the Black Forest is situated in a valley between the green vineyards and blue-grey mountains. In this place, visitors can enjoy the benefits of history and geography, as well as modern health care and medicine. Neighboring tourist attractions include Freiburg Minster, Freiburg University, and SC Freiburg.   

Konviktstraße (Freiburg im Breisgau) jm60847.jpg
By © Jörgens.mi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/b5qyrr23XdQ4Jcpa7  

Baden-Baden Spas 

If you come to Black Forest, Germany, you shouldn’t miss Baden-Baden, the iconic spa town known for its exotic thermal baths and retreats.  Situated on the edge of the Black Forest, amidst the best-preserved forests in Europe, the Baden-Baden town is a fantastic tourist attraction. The mineral rich spas offering thermal baths attract travelers from all across the world.

Apart from soaking into the curative waters of the thermal baths, you can indulge in a myriad of treatments to relieve stress. One of the most popular spas that you can check out is the Caracalla Spa Thermal Bath. You can also choose to experience the Salt Sea Grotto that travelers so recommend treating respiratory distress.  

Baden-Baden-Caracalla-Therme-38-gje.jpg
By Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/v32JhWJLSSTgxBYVA  

Lake Titisee 

Lake Titisee, in Germany, is one of the top places to visit Black Forest. It is a popular tourist place because it’s one of those few lakes in the world formed during the last ice age. Perched at 850 m above the sea level, this lake offers picture-perfect views for photographers and a host of activities for you to indulge in. You can enjoy serene boat rides and hike to neighboring Mount Titisee. 

5 of 10 - Lake Titisee, Black Forest - GERMANY.jpg
By Ignaz Wiradi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Seestrasse, 79822 Titisee Neustadt, Germany | Timing: 24/7 | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p5U1VorvH7HP6YFT9 | Phone Number: +49765212060 

Mummelsee

The Mummelsee is a popular place among all sorts of travelers and visitors both tourists and locals. The water in the lake is crystal clear and it is possible to see the bottom of the lake, which rests at a depth of 2,6m (8,5ft) on average. There is a sandy beach and a playground for children. Those interested in fishing can explore it here, although they need an individual license from a local governmental office. Visitors can also explore options to go camping, hiking, or go on a ski.  

Mummelsee01.jpg
By Norbert Hüttisch, Karlsruhe, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Schwarzwaldhochstraße 11, 77889 Seebach, Germany | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PoHKfowWHPJjoiJF6  

Schluchsee

Schluchsee is one of the largest lakes in the Black Forest. It’s the epicenter for swimming, sailing, and watersports like windsurfing. The water is always very clear and there are a lot of beaches around the lake. Cold winters mean that the snow on the surrounding mountains melts only in spring. Legend has it that there is treasure hidden in the clear waters of Schluchsee, making the lake even more attractive to travelers. 

Schluchsee bei Aha 02.jpg
By Werner Schreiber, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DYjXmSRWgnHmw7kj9  

Schiltach 

The smallest town in the Black Forest region of Germany is Schiltach. Only 20 minutes by train from Freiburg, this small tobacco farming town, spans over just a square mile and has about 1,800 residents. 

It’s the kind of place where visitors escape from the hustle-bustle of Freiburg for a Sunday afternoon trip through the mountainous streets and enjoy some local beer at its breweries.  

Schiltach River in Schiltach.jpg
By Adbar, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zh6nfQPn8ppizdNL6  

Schwarzwald Hochstrasse 

In the Black Forest, Germany, the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse is a magical road that meanders through dense forests and allows you to enjoy spectacular alpine views in the distance.  This road takes visitors on a trip through the Black Forest from south to north. It is 300 km (186 miles) long and originates at the Swiss border on the river Rhine and ends in Montabaur.  The national park known as Schauinsland Reute is a popular destination due to its rich biodiversity.  

Bikertreff an der Schwarzwaldhochstrasse

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/A8vCRgk2SW7ydpZ79  

Black Forest Open Air Museum 

The Black Forest Open Air Museum (Schwarzwaldmuseum) in Germany is an open-air museum for different historical buildings from all over the Black Forest. You find houses, barns, churches, factories, and schools from the beginnings of the 19th century. Not only are these historic buildings fascinating but the whole museum is a wonderful world for your children, too.

Here you can experience life in the past and get an impression of how it was to live 250 years ago. Some craftsmen work in their old workshops again like tinsmiths, carpenters, or makers of quilts and you can try maneuvering some of their tools and learn how it is done with your own hands.  

Black Forest House

Address: Wählerbrücke 1, 77793 Gutach (Schwarzwaldbahn), Germany | Timing: Monday to Saturday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm, Sunday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/Vogtsbauernhof?share | Phone Number: +49783193560 

House of 1000 Clocks 

If you’re on a trip through Germany looking for the best things to do in Black Forest, Germany and are also a fan of cuckoo clocks, then look no further than the House of 1000 Clocks. Not only is this place breathtakingly beautiful, but it has over 1000 clocks – so visitors literally won’t be able to escape time itself! Every room has a dozen clocks, and none are synchronized. To experience this chaos, you should visit the House of a 1000 Clocks in Germany. It’s one huge clockmaker art gallery that will more than entertain and tickle your imagination with creative cuckoo clock designs. 

Triberg, Germany

Address: Am Bach 17, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald, Germany | Timing: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday to Sunday | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LTc26rPycALpyw45A | Phone Number: +49772296300 

Hohenzollern Castle 

Hohenzollern Castle (Schloss Hohenzollern) is set on a ridge in the Swabian Alps, above the town of Hechingen in Germany. The castle was once the ancestral seat of the imperial House of Hohenzollern.  

This magnificent structure built on top of a mountain hosts some truly beautiful features, including a replica of King Solomon’s throne from 1040 BC. It’s amazing to tour through and see how a simple stone structure can be transformed into a masterpiece, especially with the architectural style used in Germany. Be sure to add it to your travel list of places to visit Black Forest. 

things to do in Black Forest: Hohenzollern Castle

Address: 72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany | Timing: Thursday to Wednesday:  10:00 am to 05:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fHDt7m1GgpzjoSMQA | Phone Number: +4974712428 

Sommerrodelbahn Gutach 

Sommerrodelbahn Gutach is a wonderful addition to the already amazing list of things to do in Black Forest, Germany. Sommerrodelbahn Gutach is a family-owned outdoor activities establishment in the Black Forest, near Gutach in Germany. It has some of the most exciting field coasters to vouch for. In case you are travelling with a toddler, there a small park for the little one to have fun. This is precisely why this is a popular tourist attraction in Black Forest.  

Sommerrodelbahn Gutach aus der Vogelperspektive

Address: Singersbach 1a, 77793 Gutach (Schwarzwaldbahn), Germany | Timing: Monday to Sunday:  10:00 am to 06:00 pm, | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/F8Q7vos4kkpZdS2WA | Phone Number: +497831965580 

Upper Danube Valley Nature Reserve 

The Upper Danube Valley Nature Reserve, also known as the Höllental Nature Reserve due to its rugged terrain, is one of the most scenic and well-preserved valleys in the Black Forest. While many travelers focus their time on the larger towns and cities in the valley, hiking around this reserve and the Danube River gives you a more authentic experience of what Black Forest has to offer. 

Naturpark Obere Donau, Blick ins Donautal zum Kloser Beuron.jpg
By JVNESLEB, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Wolterstrasse 16, 88631 Beuron, Germany | Timing: Monday to Friday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Saturday to Sunday: 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mTq4uWSsk69KVpCQ8 | Phone Number: +49746692800 

Maulbronn Monastery 

Founded in 1147 by Berthold IV von Zähringen, Maulbronn Monastery or Kloster Maulbronn is now a World heritage site.  It was one of the first Cistercian monasteries and the best preserved from the time of its foundation. This monastery complex is an architectural landmark bringing enigmatic Romanesque and Gothic style together. The Fountain House, the Refractories, and the High Alter Reliefs are major attractions of this place.  

Kameralamt - Maulbronn Monastery.jpg
By H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Klosterhof 5, 75433 Maulbronn, Germany | Timing: Monday to Friday: 09:30 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday to Sunday: 09:00 am to 05:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/v1MdvrKXTXiCxivS6 | Phone Number: +497043926610 

Schauinsland

The Schauinsland is a small mountain, at 1345 meters above sea level in Black Forest. The mountain offers views from the peak that can be stunning, and day hikers will be able to make it to the top in a few hours.  The Schauinsland funicular railway starts at Hotel Hochschwarzwald and allows you to reach the top of the peak within 10 minutes from Gütenbach. There are two routes on the way up, one for beginners and another for experienced riders who wish to get more exhilaration. You can check out the multiple opportunities for camping and skiing in the area. Don’t miss dining in the Café & Restaurant Die Bergstation and enjoy the spectacular view of the region between Baden and Strasbourg. 

Schauinsland-mittel.1200.jpg
By Ipab, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 79117 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany | Timing: 24/7 | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BHvaGbKqSzaUh1u66

Europa Park 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, and Simba from the Lion King decided to build a theme park? If so, then visit Europa Park in Germany which was founded by the Disney family. This is Europe’s largest amusement park is in Deutschland. Europa Park is located in Rust, Germany an hour from Freiburg and two hours from Strasbourg.  This Park has over 140 rides including 11 roller coasters, 20+ children ride, water rides, a long flume ride, and the Blue Fire mega coaster.  

Haupteingang Europa-Park Rust.jpg
By Graf Umarov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Europa Park Strasse 2, 77977 Rust, Germany | Timing: Thursday to Wednesday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xjzx8KZQvx3gazti9 | Phone Number: +497822776688 

Gengenbach 

Situated in a Black Forest valley, at the foot of a mountain Schlossberg, Gengenbach can be proud of its rich history and beautiful half-timbered houses, straight out of fairy tale.  Established in the second half of the 13th century, this town is well known for still having many unique medieval houses on its cobbled streets. Visitors can find an artistically unique cityscape that provides beauty, culture, and diversity. This definitely is one of the most beautiful towns along the Upper Rhine Valley that is waiting to be discovered. 

Gengenbach in Weihnachtsbeleuchtung mit Obertor.jpg
By Andreas Schwarzkopf, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/azjhPMgRD8uvrHuv6  

Treetop Walk 

Treetop Walk is a 300-meter-long wooden walkway in the forest that is approximately five meters up in the air. It’s a wonderful experience where you as a first-time visitor can’t help but feel as if you are walking through the treetops of the Bavarian pine forest. The stroll can be tiring at first, but eventually, you will get used to it and move up and down the trail with ease. 

Treetop Walk in MacRitchie Nature Trail, Singapore.jpg
By Drew Tarvin, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: Böhmstraße 43, 94556 Neuschönau, Germany | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 09:30 am to 07:00 pm, | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/baumwipfelpfad?share | Phone Number: +498558738910 

The Augustiner Museum 

The Augustiner Museum was founded in 1810 by the Bavarian Augustiner monks who still run it today. The museum’s extensive collection of Old Masters and 19th Century Art is housed in a Baroque Palace. It includes works from Dürer, Holbein, Raphael, Rubens, and Van Dyck. These are stored together with Medieval and Modern sculptures along with the two tapestries woven for Marie Antoinette. 

Augustiner Museum (Freiburg) jm9384.jpg
By © Jörgens.mi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Augustinerpl., 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany | Timing: Monday: Closed, Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm,  Saturday & Sunday : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/62XNDadh5UNjpQXb6 | Phone Number: +497612012501 

Baden Wine Road 

The Baden Wine Road winds through the Black Forest in southwestern Germany, where the famous German wine is produced – there are hundreds of wineries along the route. The Baden Wine Road is a part of the German Moselle Wine Route that passes through the southeastern part of Rhenish Hesse and the northwest part of Baden Wuerttemberg. The 32-kilometer-long wine route runs through a landscape especially charming in spring when the violets blossom. It also makes a fabulous option for hiking.  

Ravenna Gorge 

Of the many things to do in Black Forest, Germany, Ravenna Gorge is the one that embraces nature the most.  If you are a first-time visitor, you will be spellbound by the nature in its most pristine and uninterrupted form. This picturesque gorge located near Ravenna in Germany draws tourists from across the world It is a serene place where you may be able to walk around, enjoy the view from the bridge, breathe clean fresh air, take some spectacular photographs and capture some really gorgeous moments on your camera. A neighboring village also hosts a beautiful Christmas Market, if you are there around Christmas in December.   

Ravenna Bridge.JPG
By Bermicourt, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Ravennaschlucht, 79874 Breitnau, Germany | Timing: 24/7| Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HsmbfitXubF6egt88 

Must Try the Black Forest Cake 

Black Forest cake is a multi-layered cake that originated well, you guessed it, in the Black Forest region of Germany. The Black Forest cake is a dark chocolate cake with cream and cherries on top. It’s most delicious when made with a creamy chocolate filling. The cake is also known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte or German Cherry cake. Be sure to try it when you visit this exciting region! 

Black Forest gateau.jpg
By Mikelo, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Donaueschingen 

With a population of roughly 80,000, Donaueschingen is nestled on the horn of the Black Forest Urstromtal. The Donaueschingen in Black Forest, Germany once enchanted everyone who paid it a visit. The history of the town of Donaueschingen goes back to about 1100 AD when it was founded.  It was built on three plateaus and is surrounded by woods and vineyards. Be sure to check out the enchanted castle here. 

Donaueschingen Donauquelle.jpg
By Clemensfranz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WwkiRTQmwLcQK4fV7  

Black Forest is a historic German region. It is located in southwestern Germany, and it’s easy to get to. You can find everything you need around here, and there are many beautiful spots you can visit to relax your mind. Considered one of the best areas in Germany, Black Forest is known for its abundant forest cover, rich history, and diverse culture.