The Top Things to Do in Triberg, Germany

Triberg has the perfect blend of luscious scenery and a quirky sense of fun. Throw into the mix a rich history, thriving cafe culture and more cake than you can possibly eat, what’s not to like? Here’s our rundown of the must-do places to visit while you’re there.

Soak up the views of Germany’s highest waterfall as you whizz through the forest on ziplines. Adrenaline junkies will love this high-octane adventure, which sees you climb through the trees on high ropes and gives you the chance to see the beautiful forest from above. If you’re not brave enough to try the highest course, don’t worry, there are trails to suit all abilities. Be warned, though, the red and purple runs are not for the faint-hearted.

Watch as an eagle swoops to land its prey or admire a falcon in flight at Triberg’s Raptor and Owl Park. Twice a day, visitors can watch the spectacular flight shows that mirror the birds’ natural behaviour and show off their supreme predatory skills. Afterwards, you can meet the stars and learn all about them. Make sure you grab a Bratwurst, or vegetarian wurst, at the cute snack bar.

Step back through the centuries to discover how life in the Black Forest used to be. The Romans first called the area silva nigra, or black forest, as it was an unknown, black spot on their maps. However, in the 11th and 12th centuries, farmers settled there and learnt the skills such as blacksmithing, glass-making and clock-making that make the region famous today. Find out who invented the cuckoo clock and how many woollen balls it takes to make the traditional German pom pom hat.

No trip to this region would be complete without trying a sumptuous slice of Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte to give it its proper name!) The concoction of chocolate cake, whipped cream, Morello cherries and a shot of kirsch (cherry liqueur) is so delicious, it’s little wonder it has gained worldwide fame. Enjoy it at the Hotel-Cafe Adler.

At 163m (535ft), Triberg Waterfall is the highest accessible waterfall in Germany – and one of the most visited too. Hike along the 1.3 mi (2.1km) trail that leads you from the entrance to the top of the waterfall through the verdant forest. En route, you are treated to picture-postcard views of the fall itself. It’s an easy stroll that is accessible for most, including kids. The path is open round the year, and assumes a particularly mystic air during cold, foggy days – although be prepared for slippery roads in the peak of winter.

The largest cuckoo clock in the world (as per the Guinness Book of World Records) is so big that you can actually walk inside it. This giant clock, an engineering masterpiece, was developed by local clock-makers Ewald and Ralf Eble using traditional Black Forest craftsmanship. The timepiece is 4.5m (15ft) high, weighs 6 tonnes (900st) and has an 8m-long (36ft) pendulum. The clock chimes every 30 minutes, and is met with much cheer from visitors each time. This clock is a part of Eble Uhren-Park, which houses a mind-boggling range of cuckoo clocks. Nearby Hubert Herr even produces the world’s smallest cuckoo clocks, with replicas available to buy and take home.

If you like meat, don’t leave town before trying Triberger Fichtenschinken, Triberg’s version of the famous Black Forest ham. It’s smoked using spruce wood from the surrounding forests for several hours, giving it a juicy, tender texture. The best place to try this ham is at Restaurant Bergseestüble – you can even buy a leg to take away with you. Locals are so proud of their ham that every September, Triberg holds the Triberger Schinkenfest (Triberg Ham Fest), marked by parades, costumes and rows of stalls selling this delicacy.

Legend has it that in 1644, a little girl named Barbara Francis was cured of her eye disease when she washed her eyes at a spring that used to flow in the spot where the church stands today. A year later, the same spring is believed to have healed tailor Friedrich Schwab’s leprosy. To express his gratitude, Friedrich placed a small statue of Mary in a crack of a pine tree, which was discovered in 1692 by three Tyrolean soldiers. Eventually, a simple stone church and finally the current splendid baroque pilgrimage church was built on the spot.

If you wish to shop (or window-shop) for cuckoo clocks, drop in at the House of 1,000 Clocks. This cheerful shop stocks an endless series of authentic cuckoo clocks made locally, ranging from tiny to massive. There are delightfully intricate designs that you’ll cherish for years to come, alongside simple, easily affordable small souvenirs. The friendly staff are happy to talk to you about the clock mechanisms and about shipping to your home country.

Natasha Holt has contributed additional reporting to this article.