The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is one of Germany’s most beloved and versatile holiday destinations. This fairytale-like low mountain range in the southwest of Baden-Württemberg combines dark, dense pine forests with rolling green valleys, crystal-clear lakes, impressive waterfalls, and charming half-timbered villages.
It is an attractive destination all year round. In spring and summer, you can hike through blooming meadows and along babbling mountain streams, rent a canoe on Lake Titisee, or enjoy the fresh air in the Black Forest National Park. In autumn, the forests turn beautiful shades of red and gold, and in winter the slopes transform into a paradise for cross-country skiers, downhill skiers, and snowshoe hikers.
Let yourself be enchanted by the Black Forest and enjoy a relaxing holiday in nature. You’ll find the best activities for young and old in the blog below.
1. Freiburg im Breisgau
The regional capital of the Black Forest is Freiburg im Breisgau. The old university quarter in particular is well worth a visit. One of the city’s main landmarks is Freiburg Minster, a church dating back to the 13th century with stunning stained-glass windows. Via a steep spiral staircase, you can climb to the top for a small fee and enjoy the view.
Another attraction in Freiburg is the white Martinstor tower. In 1901, it was raised from 22 to 63 meters, and today the city tram even passes underneath it.
Freiburg is also great for children. Throughout the city you’ll find Bächle—narrow water channels ranging from 15 to 75 cm wide, perfect for splashing around. It’s also nice to know that Freiburg’s city center is car-free and that it is the sunniest city in Germany.
2. Europa-Park
A visit to the Europa-Park theme park is a perfect outing for the whole family, with plenty of fun for children of all ages. It is located just 38 km northwest of Freiburg im Breisgau. Spread across 18 themed areas, each dedicated to a European country (including the Netherlands), the park offers a full day of excitement with more than 100 indoor and outdoor attractions.
3. Water Fun at Lake Titisee
Another activity just 30 km southeast of Freiburg is Lake Titisee. It lies at the foot of the Feldberg glacier. The lake is situated at an altitude of 840 meters, covers an area of 1.3 km², and has an average depth of 20 meters. Want to explore the lake? You can do so by electric-powered boat or pedal boat. On warm days, it’s also wonderful to take a refreshing swim.
Just 1.5 km from Lake Titisee is Action Forest Kletterwald, an adventurous climbing and zip-lining park. It features six different climbing courses and two thrilling zip lines. Safely secured with harnesses, you balance across wobbly rope bridges and narrow planks. At the highest points, you soar up to 21 meters above the ground, right through the leafy treetops—an activity guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush.
4. Burg Hohenzollern
For castle lovers, a visit to Burg Hohenzollern at an altitude of 855 meters is an absolute must. This castle is extremely popular thanks to its many pointed roofs in various shapes and sizes and its medieval walls built on multiple levels. Its setting is truly fairytale-like: towering high above the surrounding forests and green meadows, partially wrapped in lush treetops. It’s no surprise that it is one of Germany’s most visited castles. The castle is located near the town of Hechingen.
5. Triberger Waterfalls
The Black Forest is home to the impressive Triberger Waterfalls, among the highest in Germany. They are located in Triberg, about 12 km north of Furtwangen. Here, the Gutach River plunges down a total height of 163 meters, spread over seven natural steps along granite rocks, reaching an elevation of around 711 meters above sea level.
To view the waterfalls up close, follow a challenging but well-maintained 2 km climb along paved paths with railings. Along the way, you cross two wooden bridges and enjoy beautiful views over the rooftops of Triberg and the surrounding mountain ridges. The area is well maintained and requires a small entrance fee per person.
Good to know: after 8:00 PM, admission is free and the waterfall is beautifully illuminated—a truly magical sight.
6. A Hiker’s Paradise
The range of signposted hiking trails is enormous. As a hiker, you’ll pass through forests, across meadows, through valleys, over ridges and peaks, through wine villages, and past remote farmhouses—each time entering a completely different world.
The Black Forest is also known for its long-distance hiking trails. The 83 km multi-day Albsteig Schwarzwald hike, running from the Swiss border to the Feldberg Pass, is considered one of the most beautiful. Another highlight is the 119 km-long Schluchtensteig in the southern part of the region.
For true adventurers, the Westweg long-distance trail—285 km in length—is a fantastic challenge. The Westweg winds through the heart of the Black Forest and takes you through the largest contiguous protected natural area, both nationally and internationally, including the Black Forest National Park and the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve. This iconic route has existed since 1900 and now runs from Pforzheim to Basel. Enjoy the overwhelming nature and follow the familiar red diamond trail marker along the way.
7. Treetop Walk: Exploring Trees at Great Height
Bad Wildbad is best known as a spa town, thanks to its many thermal and bubble baths. This lively town lies at the foot of the Wildbader Sommerberg, which rises to nearly 740 meters. You can reach the summit on foot or by the Sommerbergbahn cable car. At the top, adventure awaits for all ages, including the Treetop Walk (Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald).
Along a wooden walkway, you stroll at treetop height and encounter playful activities along the way, such as a rotating wooden puzzle where you have to form a plant motif—great fun for children.
From the entrance, it’s about a one-kilometer walk to the final destination: a 40-meter-high observation tower. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the vast forests of the Black Forest. An extra highlight is the descent via the spiral slide, which twists like a giant corkscrew just above the ground.
Nearby, you’ll also find another adrenaline-filled attraction: the WildLine suspension bridge. At its highest point, this gently curved wooden bridge places you a full 60 meters above the ground.
8. Schwarzwald High Road: An Elegant Winding Route
The Schwarzwald High Road (B500) is the iconic 60 km route through the northern Black Forest. It is one of Germany’s most beautiful and oldest high-altitude roads. You glide past tall coniferous trees and rolling plateaus reaching up to 1,000 meters in elevation, surrounded by breathtaking views over the Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountains. From Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt (or vice versa), you can fully enjoy this scenic drive.
Along this famous route are countless stops where you can pull over and take in the surroundings. An absolute highlight is the enchanting Mummelsee, one of the most popular spots along the way. This fairytale-like lake, located at 1,036 meters above sea level and with a circumference of 800 meters, lies right at the foot of the Hornisgrinde (1,164 m), the highest mountain in the northern Black Forest. Take a leisurely walk around the crystal-clear water, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the views of the surrounding forests and peaks. Perfect for a short stroll, a photo stop, or a relaxing coffee at one of the cozy terraces.
9. Gengenbach
Be sure to visit Gengenbach, a fairytale town at the foot of the Offenberg. Numerous colorful medieval half-timbered houses with exposed wooden beams line narrow streets paved with authentic cobblestones.
A highlight of the town is the Kinzigtorturm, the stately city gate tower with its pointed roof, which once served as the main entrance to the city. Today, this 13th-century tower houses the Museum of the Gengenbach Citizens’ Guard, where you can learn more about the history of the city gate and its guards. Particularly special are the evening tours with a night watchman—by the warm glow of his lantern and the softly lit streets, Gengenbach becomes even more romantic and almost magical.
10. Gondola Ride on the Schauinslandbahn
Floating in a gondola above the rolling grassy hills of Baden-Württemberg is a unique way to experience the Black Forest. The Schauinslandbahn, at 3.6 km the longest cable car in Germany, takes you in about twenty minutes from the village of Horben at 473 meters above sea level to the summit of the 1,284-meter-high Schauinsland, near Freiburg. Along the way, a panorama unfolds of coniferous forests, scattered villages, and green meadows in the Freiburg valley.
At the top awaits the 31-meter-high Eugen Keidel Tower, whose steel construction resembles a power pylon. Via metal stairs, you reach the triangular viewing platform, from where—on clear days—you can even spot the silhouettes of the Swiss Alps.
The Schauinsland Mining Museum is also well worth a visit. During guided tours lasting 45 to 150 minutes, you’ll explore part of the 100 km-long network of tunnels inside the mountain, where silver, lead, and zinc were once mined.
Besides its many sights and attractions, there are even more reasons why the Black Forest is a perfect destination for a road trip.
A Hiker’s Paradise
The Black Forest is a true haven for hikers, with trails through a national park, two nature parks, and a biosphere reserve. With more than 24,000 kilometers of signposted hiking routes, there is something for every type of walker.
On Two Wheels
Cycling enthusiasts will also find the Black Forest an amazing region. Whether you prefer a touring bike, mountain bike, road bike, or gravel bike, the cycling routes and long-distance trails are clearly marked and ideal for a day of sightseeing.
A Gastronomic Region
In the Black Forest, you can enjoy anything from a simple lunch to a festive dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Dining here is always a culinary experience.
Wellness & Relaxation
For a truly relaxing holiday, this region is the perfect choice. With 17 thermal baths and countless wellness hotels, you’ll return home feeling completely zen.
Family-Friendly
A true paradise for families spending their holidays in the Black Forest, with a wide range of activities. From the Europa-Park theme park to experiential adventure trails designed especially for children.
Winter Fun
The Black Forest is also a wonderful place to enjoy the winter landscape. Areas such as Feldberg offer plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, while more than 2,000 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails are available.
The Black Forest is a destination that continues to surprise. From atmospheric half-timbered towns and centuries-old traditions to adventurous mountain peaks, panoramic views, and relaxing spa resorts. Time seems to stand still here, allowing you to fully unwind in nature. From your holiday home—bookable via Leisure Time—you can start each day feeling relaxed and refreshed.
