The Black Forest is home to thousands of miles of walking and mountain-biking trails, the cuckoo clock and the delightful Titisee. Here are 11 lovely Airbnb cottages in which to spend magical nights in the wild.
Set in Neukirch on the outskirts of Furtwangen, this one-bedroom apartment is right on the doorstep of woods, creeks, meadows and farmland. You can explore it all on foot, or hop on a hired mountain bike and take on the rocky slopes. When you need to recharge, there’s plenty of space indoors to do just that, whether in bed (there are two single beds pushed together to make a double) or on the sofas out on your private terrace overlooking the Black Forest. There are no shopping facilities in the village but there is a supermarket and a bakery a short downhill drive away, so you’ll need your own vehicle to pick up supplies.
Located near the village of Badenweiler on the Black Forest’s southwestern edge, Villa Krautin is a grand old Jugendstil dame ready to serve up fantastic views and a slice of life from the Downton Abbey age. As well as the usual forest pursuits, the area offers nearby thermal water spas and internet (should a Real Housewives break be needed).
Accessible by bus from nearby Pforzheim, Black Forest Cottage is a rural getaway that doesn’t leave you stranded on the set of a B movie. Modern furniture, a wood-burning stove and massive windows make the place perfect for recharging after a long day of outdoorsy activities.
Bürchau, in the southwestern Black Forest, is home to the gloriously floral and tastefully chintzed Holiday Cottage. The place has a generous living area, a wood-burning stove and a small yet perfectly formed kitchen that includes a pizza oven, but the wifi is spotty in bad weather.
Enjoy pure nature in the Nagold Valley, a two-minute walk to the river. If even that is too much strain, simply enjoy the view from the bungalow’s south-facing balcony. Amenities include a terrace for breakfast, a hammock for lazy afternoons and a small pool for cooling off after some intense forest exploration.
While this airy, modern loft in Bühl has no kitchen, it boasts views all the way to Strasbourg, France. The loft is 120sqm (1,300sqft) and includes living room, dining room and bedroom.
Full of natural light thanks to loads of massive windows, this wooden house is a homely place to spend a week or 50 taking in all the Black Forest has to offer. The cottage is located near Grafenhausen in the southern part of the Black Forest and sleeps two. Bonus: there are cats on the premises.
Walk out of this home in Triberg’s garden and straight into the forest for an idyllic stroll. A full kitchen means you can cook up a feast and fuel up for hiking, skiing or hanging out all day at the baths.
Located 45km (28mi) from Freiburg in Haslach im Kinzigtal, this apartment is perfect for travellers who want to enjoy nature without sequestering themselves in it (or just don’t have a car) and still enjoy loads of walking opportunities. The train station, butcher and several bakeries are nearby, as well as many cafes providing your daily slice of küchen (cake).
This adorable little cottage is located in Steinach in the middle of the Black Forest between Offenburg and Freiburg. Thoughtfully laid out with a massive bed, a good-sized kitchen, living room corner and firepit, this place is a little slice of German holiday heaven, complete with a red slide outside the front door going down the hill.
Hidden away on a plateau at the top of Belchen Mountain with a view to the Swiss Alps, Chalet Abnona Black Forest near Wieden is a traditional holiday hideaway. Watch eagles ride thermals and deer prance about from the balcony, or indulge in a bit of forest exploration.
