The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is an impenetrably dense forested mountain range in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The Black Forest is the setting for Grimm Brothers Fairy Tales and also known for its thermal hot springs, spa towns, and crystal-clear lakes. It is the home of cuckoo clocks and the delectable Black Forest cake. Here is our list of the best and most enjoyable things that travelers shouldn’t miss while holidaying in Black Forest.
Bakeries
Any holiday that starts with a thick slice of Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) is bound to be awesome. To tick off the most attractive thing in Black Forest off the list, travelers can head to any bakery of their choice in any Black Forest town. This happiness on a plate is made of layers of chocolate cake and whipped cream, with a generous dose of Morello cherries and a shot of Kirsch (cherry alcohol).
Triberg Falls is Germany’s highest waterfall, located in the charming town of Triberg. For a small fee, visitors can enjoy gorgeous views of the gushing waterfall from several angles and at several levels by climbing a marked pathway up a forested hill.
Titisee is the biggest natural lake in the Black Forest and one of the top attractions. It offers gorgeous views at every turn to travelers cruising on the lake or hiking around it. Titisee is also a favored spot for tourists to indulge in exciting water sports.
The picture-perfect spa town of Baden-Baden is fed by 12 hot springs that boast of curative powers, apart from being wonderfully rejuvenating. Two thermal bathhouses in Baden Baden, Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Spa, offer visitors refreshing thermal baths, massages, saunas, and a whole lot of luxury wellness options.
Schluchsee
Perched at an altitude of 3,050 meters, Schluchsee is the largest lake in Black Forest. The sparkling blue glacial lake is ringed by green rolling hills and offers excellent scope for trying out some water sports, as well as swimming and boating.
Karlsruhe Palace, built between 1715 and 1718, has remained the residence of electoral princes and grand dukes of Baden for over 200 years. Today, the Baroque palace is a cultural museum open to the public, and considered to be one of the best museums in the country. A unique feature of the palace is that 32 avenues of the city radiate out like a fan from the palace.
Mummelsee, located at a height of 3,399 feet in the lap of imposing mountains, is believed to be the abode of mermaids and the King of Mummelsee. A glimpse of this pristine lake, amber green with the reflection of the surrounding greenery, makes it easy to actually believe these myths.
Schwarzwald Hochstrasse is a 60-km-long panorama road that stretches form Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. This is one of the most popular driving, biking and hiking trails in Black Forest. It offers uninterrupted views of majestic mountain ranges, valleys, meadows and endless fun, gastronomy and recreation options.
The history of Freiburger Münster can be traced back to year 1200. This historic work of Gothic architecture has an intricate design and sculptures, and an equally stunning interior. In the words of the Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt, the church spire “will forever remain the most beautiful spire on earth.”
This fifth-generation family business is a delightful place to visit in Triberg. Anyone wishing to feast their eyes on a seemingly endless range of German cuckoo clocks and possibly buy one as a souvenir must head to the House of 1000 Clocks.
The Black Forest Museum details the history of the region spanning several centuries. Through interesting displays and galleries, travelers get to learn about the native lifestyle, economy, cuckoo clocks, and traditional Black forest crafts.
Sommerrodelbahn is a super fun activity for the entire family. This mountain toboggan takes visitors on an exciting whirlwind ride down the mountains, over bends and through tunnels. At the end of the 1,150-meter track, visitors invariably crave another round.
At Dorotheenhutte Glassworks, visitors can experience hands-on the exciting process of mouth-blowing and hand-cutting lead crystal. The museum showcases 2,000 years of history of glass and intricacies of glass artistry. Visitors can also buy beautiful glass souvenirs in the in-house shop.
The German Clock Museum (Deutsches Uhrenmuseum) is a fascinating museum dedicated to timepieces, including the icon of Black Forest: cuckoo clocks. The museum houses the largest collection of clocks in Germany, and traces the history and origin of cuckoo clocks.
The Upper Danube Nature Park is a unique landscape that is home to a vast number of rare flora and fauna. Alongside, a walk through this protected land is a journey down the pages of history. Travelers can easily spend several busy days exploring all the castles, ruins, abbeys, palaces, and hiking trails.
The 4,213-foot-high Schaunislandpeak can be reached via the longest cable car loop in Germany. Once at the top, visitors are invariably blown away by the breathtaking views over the lush valleys, as well as by the plethora of exciting sports and gastronomy options.
Feldberg is the highest peak in the Black Forest and can be reached by a panoramic cable car. Apart from glorious views for as far as the eye can see, Feldberg Mountain is the most popular ski region in the Black Forest and one of the best in Germany.
Hell’s Valley is a 9-km-long stretch of deep gorge-like valley between Freiburg and Hinterzarten. It got its name because of its dangerous terrain back in the old days. Today, a train ride through Hell’s valley is one of the most loved attractions in Black Forest.
Schlossberg, Freiburg
Forest, Hill Station
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Schlossberg is a hill on the edge of the old town of Freiburg, and stands as a proud witness of centuries of Roman history and wars. Today, the Schlossberg invites visitors to explore its bomb shelter, water tower, and cannon point, and offers gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys of the Black Forest.
Rosengarten auf dem Beutig is a fairy-land filled with roses across an astounding range of variety and color. Visitors to the Rosengarten are enthralled by the rose bushes, rose-lined avenues, rose arches overhead, and the stunning rose beds.
