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Wishlists

A Family-friendly Guide to Black Forest

Father and child walking in the forest | © laterjay / Pixabay
Father and child walking in the forest | © laterjay / Pixabay
Germany’s iconic Black Forest is ideal for everyone. Not only is it an oasis of natural beauty, tranquility, and wellness options, but also offers endless fun and adventure, making it a perfect family destination. Where else but in Black Forest would children get the chance to walk the footsteps of Hansel and Gretel, visit one of the best amusement parks in Europe, go hiking, whizz down mountain slides, and witness a magnificent carnival? Read on to find out why Black Forest should be your next family getaway.

Europa Park

As far as family attractions go, Europa Park is unrivaled. It is Germany’s biggest and Europe’s second largest theme park, and located on the edges of Black Forest. Europa Park boasts a wide range of rides, including 13 roller coasters, for thrill-seekers of all ages. The rides, movies, castles, fairy-tale forests, and so on, are distributed across several geographical-themed areas – Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Africa, etc. The park also holds a variety of theatrical, music, and dance shows and performances throughout the year. Several hotels, resorts, and restaurants are housed inside the park complex.

Europa Park, Europa-Park-Straße 2, Rust, Germany, +49 7822 776 688

The Alemannische Fasnet

What sets Black Forest carnival apart from other carnivals in Germany are the assortment of traditions, rituals, and quirks peculiar to the region. At the Alemannische Fasnet, people dress up in scary costumes and grotesque masks and parade down the streets carrying sticks, whips, fake pig bladders, and large bells to scare Winter away. Children have a blast catching the candy thrown from the parade. Remember that Black Forest carnival parades are known for their (harmless) pranks. If you are someone who might be offended at being doused in confetti or teased with a pig bladder, it’s best to stay away.

Black Forest carnival © deutschonline / Pixabay

Triberg Waterfall

Forest, Hill Station, Natural Feature
Triberg Waterfalls
Triberg Waterfalls | © Marvball / Pixabay
Triberg Waterfall is Germany’s highest waterfall, and one of the top attractions of Black Forest. A pathway leads to the top of the waterfall through the forest, with several viewing platforms en route to enjoy the beautiful, gushing waterfall from various angles. The hike is super fun, adventurous, and the best part, easy enough even for little children. Spotting squirrels and birds on the way adds to the excitement of curious kids. Triberg Waterfall hike is a great way to bond with nature and channel some of the endless energy kids seem to be blessed with.
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Vogelpark Steinen

Vogelpark Steinen (Bird Park) is a destination that your kids will talk about for months afterwards. The highlight of the park is the fascinating Birds of Prey show, where trained birds await to amaze you with their tricks. A lot of other adorable creatures, like kangaroos, macaques, parakeets, and monkeys, call the Vogelpark their home. The park also has barbecue areas and playgrounds, making sure that families have a well-rounded day out.

An der L136, 79585 Steinen, +49 07627 7420

Aqua Fun Schluchsee

Perched at an altitude of 930 meters (3,050 ft), Schluchsee is the largest lake in Black Forest and one of the most gorgeous lakes in Germany. Other than beautiful views, boating, hiking, and sports facilities, Schluchsee scores extra points from families thanks to its Aqua Fun pool. A 105-meter long winding slide drops squealing, giggling fun-seekers into a big open-air pool right by the lake. There is also a playground and the opportunity to play volleyball and football.

Freiburger Str. 16, 79859 Schluchsee, +49 07656 7731

Steinwasen Park

Steinwasen Park is a delightful theme park in Black Forest that promises a whole day of fun for the entire family. Main attractions of Steinwasen Park include bobsled run, coaster, 4D cinema, suspension bridge, indoor play areas, playgrounds, water rides, thrill rides, movies, and more. The park is also home to several species of animals, including chamois, lynx, deer, boars, and marmots.

Steinwasen 1, 79254 Oberried, +49 07602 944680

Summer toboggan

If your family enjoys tobogganing, Black Forest is waiting to spoil you rotten. It boasts not one but several thrilling coaster slopes or toboggan tracks, where families can revel in endless fun amid beautiful nature. The most popular toboggan run in Black Forest is Seewald Leisure Park, which houses South Germany’s longest toboggan run (1500 meters) along with many other fun activities for the family.

Hesenhorn coaster © Miraculix3 / Wikimedia Commons

Baumkronenweg Waldkirch

Get ready for a whole day of active family adventure and lots of thrills at Baumkronenweg Waldkirch. It’s here that you get the chance to walk the treetops along an exciting pathway while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the majestic expanse of the Black Forest and slide down Europe’s longest tubular slide! Get up and close with nature by walking barefeet on pine cones, moss, and bare earth, and cross a spine-tingling rope bridge.

Parkplatz: Erwin-Sick-Straße, 79183 Waldkirch, +49 07823 961279

These recommendations were updated on November 23, 2017 to keep your travel plans fresh.