The Best Things to Do in Germany's Black Forest Region

The Black Forest is perhaps best known as the setting for some of the Brothers Grimm’s finest fairytales, including Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Hansel and Gretel. Upon first glance, it isn’t hard to see why. There is a very real sense of magic present throughout this corner of southwest Germany, dominated by a sprawling woodland that offers plenty for the visitor. Far more than cuckoo clocks, spa towns and the eponymous cake, the Black Forest invites relaxation and reconnection with nature. Discover the best things to do in Germany’s Black Forest region.
Bakeries
Cafe, Bakery, Pastries

Who can resist the lure of an authentic German bakery? With Black Forest cake found in bakeries around the globe, it’s no surprise that the delicious dessert’s home has its share of amazing pastry shops. For those unfamiliar with Black Forest cake, introduce your taste buds to this layered chocolate cake made with cherry alcohol as soon as possible. This German slice of paradise can be found in nearly every Black Forest bakery, but it’s recommended that you head to Cafe Schwarzwaldmaidle in Feldberg or Schopflins Backhaus in Freiburg im Breisgau.
Triberg Waterfalls
Forest, Hill Station, Natural Feature

Titisee-Neustadt
Forest

Baden-Baden Thermal Baths
Spa

Since the Romans built the first thermal baths in Baden-Baden over two millennia ago, men and women have sought rejuvenation from the 12 hot springs in this spa town. There are two thermal bathhouses in Baden-Baden. Caracalla Spa is a luxurious retreat complete with a rock grotto, current channel and grass area to soak up the sun after a swim; while the Friedrichsbad is a Roman-Irish bathing temple that transforms body, mind and spirit through a 17-station circuit. Whichever you choose, be sure to scope out the preserved ruins to see how the Romans rocked their spa sessions.
Schluchsee
Forest

Mummelsee
Forest

Schwarzwald Hochstrasse
Natural Feature, Forest

Worn out from all of the Black Forest’s hiking trails? Rest up without missing out on the views by enjoying a drive along the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse, also called the Black Forest High Road. This popular 60km (37mi) stretch of roadway is open to vehicles, cyclists and hikers, which means you’ll be sharing the unobstructed views with other visitors. Thankfully, the stunning vistas present more than enough photo ops to go around. Don’t try to tackle all 60km like a race; the small towns and nature trails are worth every generous pitstop.
Freiburger Münster
Cathedral

House of 1,000 Clocks, Triberg
Store

The Black Forest Museum, Triberg
Museum

Sommerrodelbahn Gutach
Forest

Dorotheenhütte Glassworks
Museum

German Clock Museum
Museum

Upper Danube Nature Park, Beuron
Hiking Trail, Park, Ruins, Natural Feature

Schauinsland
Hill Station

Feldberg
Forest

Hell’s Valley
Forest, Natural Feature

This treacherous road to Hollental was originally named for its treacherous terrain but navigating it is a far less frightening ordeal these days. A surprisingly spacious highway and a railway both provide a smooth and safe ride for sightseeing in the Valley of Hell.
Schlossberg, Freiburg
Forest, Hill Station

Rosengarten auf dem Beutig
Park

Badeparadies Schwarzwald
Natural Feature

A beachy getaway within the Black Forest, Badeparadies Schwarzwald is a little slice of Caribbean paradise in Titisee-Neustadt. Renewed vitality awaits in the textile-free Palais Vital-themed sauna; while pina coladas, mai tais and white Russians loosen every muscle in the Palm Oasis. While the intrepid children are orbiting 23 slides in the Galaxy Schwarzwald, parents are free to indulge in a Black Forest Mist steam bath that’s out of this world.
Schluchtensteig
Hiking Trail, Forest, Natural Feature

Lace up a pair of comfortable hiking shoes for this exciting trek through the Black Forest. Over the river valleys and through the forests to Wehraschlucht’s gorge, the full Schluchtensteig trail runs for just under 120km (75mi) reaching an airy 3,000m (9,843ft) above sea level. The majestic gorges are well worth the six-stage hike, which takes most a few days to complete.
Nagold
Architectural Landmark

Along the southern edge of the Black Forest is the town of Nagold, peacefully surrounded by woodlands and offering the chance of a stroll through a Stone Age settlement. Hohennagold Castle sits in ruins, welcoming visitors into the town. Nagold itself is a pretty town with a handful of shops, restaurants and plazas. With trails along the Nagold River and the Schwarzwald Nature Park nearby, this small town is an ideal place to rest tired feet and replenish supplies for yet another hike through the Black Forest.
Hornisgrinde
Hiking Trail, Natural Feature, Forest

Explorers who want to conquer the Black Forest cannot claim victory without taking on Hornisgrinde. Though not the most challenging hike in Germany, but the sheep-lined mountain sides are too picturesque to resist. The largest mountain in the Black Forest, Hornisgrinde’s observation deck offers a unique view for every season and its sunsets cannot be missed.
Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald
Forest, Natural Feature

What better way to experience the Black Forest than a stroll among the treetops? Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald in Bad Wildbad takes visitors on a 1,250-m (4,101-ft) walk alongside the trees. Although the walkway does stretch up to 20m (66ft) high, the mild grade allows strollers and wheelchairs to easily climb towards the sky. Skip the treetop walk and opt for a ride on the Sommerbergbahn funicular railway or wind up the spiralling observation tower for an unbeatable view. With an Adventure Forest playground and educational activity stations throughout the park, Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald is a family-friendly way to enjoy the Black Forest without trekking too far.
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