Germany’s Black Forest, or the Schwarzwald, is known around the world, with a reputation of mystery and myth, beautiful scenery, and enchanting villages. But more importantly, it is one of the places that German locals choose when they vacation in their own country. After visiting the Black Forest, it is easy to see why. There are endless things to do in the Black forest! Hopefully, this Black Forest trip planner will inspire you, by showing you some of the amazing places to see in the Black Forest, and perhaps you will be planning your own Black Forest Itinerary soon!
The Black Forest holiday region is a perfect travel destination, with something for everyone. Visitors often travel to the Black Forest for the fairy tale villages, but find themselves enamored with the unique stunning scenery, charming traditions, and historical sites that are found in literally every town and village. Beyond all of that, our German friends love the Schwarzwald for the fresh air, and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. They also highly recommend getting off the typical tourist path!
There are other woodlands and forests across Germany, and several of them are worthy of a visit. But none have the renown of the Black Forest. After all, who hasn’t heard of Black Forest Cake? That moist chocolate cherry piece of deliciousness, locally known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, was created in the Black Forest. It gets that delectable warmth and comes from Kirschwasser, a locally made liqueur, similar to schnapps, but unique to the area. Don’t forget yet another area delicacy, Black Forest Ham, or Schwarzwälder Schinken. And of course, no matter where you hail from, you have probably seen and heard, a cuckoo clock. The cultures of the Black Forest has made their mark upon the world.
The truth is, you can’t go wrong with any Black Forest itinerary, and you could fill weeks and still only scratch the surface. Our German friends, Andreas and Tonia, return year after year, and still haven’t discovered all the things to do in the Black Forest. Visiting the Black Forest is an essential part of any tour of Germany, and one of the best things to do in Baden-Württemberg.
Whether you have a day, or a week, we want it to be a trip you will remember forever. While it would be possible to suggest an itinerary, it would be impossible to give you a perfect Black Forest itinerary for you. So, we have some good starting points to help plan your own. And, we will definitely NOT suggest that same route that nearly every other travel blogger and writer suggests for visiting the Black Forest. Believe me, it is not where the locals go!
This Black Forest Trip Planner Includes:
Where is the Black Forest?
The Black Forest is a small mountain range running north to south, in the far southwest corner of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The Black Forest Mountains are the highest non-Alpine Mountains in Germany. On the south and west lie the Rhine Valley, and to the east are the Swabian Mountains. It is roughly 200 kilometers long, and ranges between 30 and 60 kilometers wide.
However, the area referred to as the Black Forest Holiday region, expands beyond the mountains, and encompasses 11,400 square kilometers which includes the German portion of the upper Rhine Valley, the wine regions to the southwest, and the valley between the Black Forest and the Swabian Alps. The Black Forest National Park is part of that, with it’s 23,000 kilometers of hiking trails. There are about 250 different communities within the Black Forest regional area.
Why is it Called the Black Forest?
For some, the very name Black Forest conjures up images of wizards and magic, something akin to an enchanted forest in a fantasy novel. Indeed, it is still an area abounding with myths, including gnomes and witches, who work their magic in good ways and bad. Legends say that the woods here were once filled with creatures, and the trees were thick and dense, casting a shadowy and frightful gloom over the land.
In ancient times, the forest was intermingled with both deciduous trees and pines, and the undergrowth that comes with deciduous forest. Explorers came from Rome looking for new lands to conquer. Imagine being habituated the Mediterranean climate and landscape of Rome, then coming upon such a forest for the first time, where the sunlight seldom made way to the ground. It would seem a dark and fearful place. It is said that it was these Romans who first coined the name, to describe both the forest and the frightfulness it aroused. That name has stuck millennia, but in today’s world it sounds somehow romantic, in either language.
A Brief and Surprising History of the Black Forest
Not long after the Schwarzwald was named, as human habitation and development grew, the density that created the darkness would grow increasingly thinner. People needed the wood for homes, furnishings and warmth, and in some cases they needed the land for homes and crops. On top of that, the forest wood was an economic resource, sometimes sold, and sometimes used for industry. In the Netherlands, timber from the Black Forest was used to build foundations for homes on the soft, sandy surface. The wood was also used in industries such as mining, charcoal making, and glass making.
Eventually, by the 1880s, the forest would be gone, and the hills appeared desolate. The barren state of the land prompted one of the world’s first eco-engineering programs, as the government planned and implemented a reforestation process. However, the trees planted were significantly different that those that once grew, as primarily spruce trees were planted in large quantities.
Today the Schwarzwald is still a managed forest. On your first trip through, you may not even realize this when you see the rolling green hills and thick woodlands. But get onto the back roads, into the small villages, and you will see the sections where foresting is allowed, and sections where new planting is being done. In some areas, you can still see the straight lines of the planting grids.
Getting to the Black Forest
Flying in
If you are beginning your Black Forest itinerary by flying in, be aware that there are no airports in the actual Black Forest Region. The closest options are Stuttgart and Basel, which is across the Rhine and the border, in Switzerland. Whichever you choose, be sure to reserve a rental car when arranging your flight.
Stuttgart is the closer option for the low Black Forest, or the northerly sections. Basel is the closer option for the High Black Forest, or the southerly sections, where the mountains are higher. It is also closer if you are basing yourself in Freiburg im Breisgau,
Strasbourg, France is another airport location, that is only a short drive from the northern parts of the region. Frankfurt is further, but it will also most likely have the lowest priced airfares of the four.
Driving
The easiest way of visiting the Black Forest is by car, whether you are flying to one of the above cities, or coming from further away in Germany. Autobahn A5/E35 runs along the western edge of the Black Forest, passing near many of the areas popular cities. Autobahn A81/E41 runs through the valley on eastern side of the region. Both run the full length of the Black Forest, so they are the starting point for driving to any town in the region.
There are several car rental companies doing business in Germany. We had a great experience with Sixt. We drove our Sixt vehicle all over the Black Forest! You can save 10% on your Sixt rental in Germany right now!
If it will be your first time driving on the Autobahn, and you are wondering about that no speed limit business, we wrote an entire article on everything you need to know to be prepared for driving on the Autobahn. It covers everything from license regulations for renting a car, to using the rest areas, to when and where there are, and are not, speed limits on the Autobahn.
Public Transportation
If you are visiting the Black Forest by train, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, and Offenberg are all connected to the major cities in Germany by rail, and in some cases by Flicks Bus. It is most likely you will need to arrive in one of these cities first, then use regional trains to get to the smaller towns on your Black Forest itinerary. This requires a bit more planning, since you have to meet train schedules.
If you are opting to visit the Black Forest by train, you may want to consider purchasing a Konus card, which includes free public transportation when staying at participating resorts and guest houses.
Ways of Visiting the Black Forest
A Vacation Home Base
We feel the best way to explore the Black Forest is one of the ways the locals do, which is to be based in a holiday home, and explore from there. We stayed with Andreas and Tonia in their holiday home in the tiny hamlet of Falkau, next door to the highest mountain north of the Alps, at Feldberg. If you do not want to be completely on your own, a small guest house is a reasonable alternative, as hotels are limited. Those who want a rustic experience may want to consider a farm stay, which is also popular in the area. Although we are not affiliated, Black Forest Tourism has the most comprehensive list of vacation rentals.
Basing yourself in one location allows day by day exploration of the surrounding areas, without a set Black Forest itinerary. This works out because the entire area can be crossed in a day, so whatever things to do in the Black Forest you hope to include, you can get there and back by evening. It also works well because every town has something special, so even if you are not exactly sure where you are going, you end up somewhere that matters.
In our case, we had some ideas of where we wanted to go each day, and what places to see in the Black Forest. So, the night before we got out the area guide books, to plan where we should stop along the way. We also left time in our routes to stop at any point of interest we saw along the way. If this is too loose for you, by all means plan more specifically for your days, but be aware that wherever you go, you will likely come across other places that deserve a stop.
Drive a Tourist Trail
Germany is a country of promoted tourist routes, each designed to give visitors a specific path to discover the a subject of their interest. Almost every traveler who has considered Germany has heard of the Romantic Road, or the German Fairy Tale Route. Fifteen different German tourist routes travel through the Black Forest, and some of them lie exclusively within the Schwarzwald. This is a fantastic way to get a taste of the area. The best part is that the routes have already planned a Black Forest Itinerary for you.
The Deutsches Uhrenstrasse, or the German Clock Route
Not only is the Black Forest known for the characteristic cuckoo clocks, once the local skill at such work was recognized, there was much commercial interest. Watch and clock making schools were built, and the area also became renowned for high precision modern time-keeping. The Clock Route covers all the bases, leading travelers through a number of stops in clock making history, from the traditional cuckoos to the modern electronics, and it even includes some kitschy sites such as one of the several largest cuckoo clocks in the world.
We drove a portion of the German Clock Route on our last day in the Black Forest, and particularly enjoyed the brilliant Clock Museum in Furtwangen, and the Cloister Museum in St. Margen. The Cloister Museum tells the story of different arts in the area, houses a amazing collection of clocks (including cocks with creepy moving eyes,) and other carved pieces, and lies next door to an amazing Baroque chapel.
Other Tour Routes Specific to the Schwarzwald
The Schwarzwaldhocstrasse, or the Black Forrest High Road, is the oldest tourist route in the Black Forest. It covers high areas in the northern Black Forest, focusing on scenery and panoramic views.
The Schwarzwald Panoramastraße, or Black Forest Scenic Road, offers a very similar experience in the southern parts of the forest. The mountains are higher in the south, so the views may be more spectacular.
The Badische Weinstrasse, or Baden Wine Route, travels through the wine making region on the west side of the forest. The route includes numerous wineries, and renowned restaurants.
The Schwarzwald-Bäderstraße, or Black Forest Spa Route, travels through some of the top spa towns in a region that is known for its phenomenal spa experiences.
The Kloisterroute Nordschwarzwald, or Northern Black Forest Monastery Road, visits four spectacular historic monasteries, including the UNESCO World Heritage Maulbronn Monastery.
Other routes exclusive to the Black Forest include: the Schwarzwald-Tälerstraße, and the Baden Spargelstraße, or Asparagus Route.
Tour routes traveling through the Black Forest, but not exclusive to it are:
The German Framework Route, red line, featuring stunning half-timbered architecture across the region.
The Hohenzollern Road, which follows the path of the Prussian royalty throughout Baden-Wurttemberg.
Römerstraße Neckar-Alb-Aare, or Roman Road Neckar-Alb-Aare, traces Roman ruins throughout the area, with excavations and open air museums.
Backpacking
If you are an outdoors person looking for real adventure on your travels, hiking the Black Forest may be for you. With the 23,000 kilometers of marked trails, there are enough options to fill a lifetime of vacations. If you want a real trek, there are a total of 17 long distance hiking trails in the Black Forest Holiday Region.
Almost all trails are regularly maintained, well signed, and set up in a manner that they lead from town to town. They are such an important part of local culture that there are often inns and rest stops along the way, and for outdoorsy German citizens, it is one of the most popular means of visiting the Black Forest. And, it is entirely possible to set up an entire Black Forest itinerary by hiking, without sleeping in a tent.
In addition, there are several trails that are themed, in the same manner as the driving tourist routes, so visitors can choose a trail to learn about a particular aspect of the region. Some are pilgrimages, others focus on farm life, others highlight the unique cultural attractions of the area. There is even a schnapps trail, since local distilling is intrinsic to the history of the area.
Travelers who wish to venture out on their own can choose a route with the route planner on the Black Forest Tourism page, which shows both long and short distance routes. Choose routes, and select the area you wish to explore, and it will show all of the trails in that area. Or, you can choose a particular attraction or lodging, and it will show all trails that lead to that location. If you really examine the planner, you will note that it also shows cabins, guest houses, and sites such as waterfalls.
There are also phone apps that act as virtual guides for those who will venture out on their own. Once you download the maps, you can start from any location on your Black Forest vacation. The apps will show you all of the nearby trails. It also works in conjunction with Google maps to show you your own location. For those who want a bit more security, guided hikes are available throughout the tourism area, from day hikes, to full 7 day treks.
Things to Do in the Black Forest
Everyone has something different in mind when visiting the Black Forest, and certainly one small list will not encompass everyone’s desires. Likewise, this little list is but a fraction of all the things to do in the Black Forest. I tried to include the most popular activities, and those that you would find most useful when planning your trip!
Hiking
Even if you are not inclined to backpack your way through the Schwarzwald, it is a great idea to get in at least one hike on your Black Forest itinerary. Every town has its own set of cleared trails, and many have stunning scenery along the way, as this is part of the appeal of the area. and frankly, one of the essential things to do in the Black Forest.
Staying in the small town of Falkau, we hiked the Altglashutten-Schuppenhoernle trail, which is a Nordic walking trail with a brilliant view over Lake Titisee, and walked a portion of the 2 Schanzen Tour, mountain biking tour in the same area.
Enjoy a Spa Treatment
Since its early days as a travel destination, the Schwarzwald has been known for its health retreats and spas, and for centuries if someone told you they were visiting the Black Forest, you could assume it was to go to the spas. In fact, if you ever wondered why so many of the towns have names starting with the word “Bad” it is because it means baths. These towns were known for their hot springs and mineral baths, and their therapeutic effects.
Spas in Germany are rated with Wellness stars, ranking over 400 criteria to determine the overall quality of a spa. Seventeen different sites in the Black Forest are rated, so you can make a choice knowing that you will get a quality experience. The most well known spas in the area are at Baden-Baden, but there are generally spas in every town named Bad, and beyond.
Experience Traditional Farm Life at an Open Air Museum
Okay, so I have said before that I am a great big history nerd, and I love these kinds of things. (I still visit New Salem, in Illinois, just 100 miles from home!) The Vogstbauernhof, also called the Black Forest Open Air Museum, features traditional Black Forest farm homes from over the past 600 years on a 17 acre park.
Visitors can explore farmhouses and outbuildings, such as storage sheds, chapels and mills, as well as gardens and livestock areas. Traditional trades and crafts are demonstrated, as is millwork. There are also workshops and events for families and visitors. It is generally a fun day for all.
The park is open from March 24, through November 3, and is visited by over 200,000 guests each year, with over 70% of the visitors coming from the home country. Cost is 10 Euros for adults, and 5,50 for children ages 6 through 17.
Visit a Castle
The Black Forest is not especially known for its castles or palaces, but there are a few amazing examples in the area. If you only have time for one, I personally recommend going to the east, just outside of the forest, and visiting Burg Hohenzollern. Once the seat of the Prussian kings and Kaisers, Burg Hohenzollern is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. We loved everything about the castle!
However, if you have time for more than one, there are several worthy of a visit. In many cases, the castles and palaces in the Black Forest now hold other attractions, such as the National Museum, wineries, and restaurants. Others host theater and musical performances at various times of year, so you can experience two attractions with one stop.
Visit a Mine
Mining was once central to the economy in the Schwarzwald. It was also a way that the local people and resources were exploited. Silver, copper, iron, and lead have been mined from the mountains. Today, nearly all of the mines are closed to production, but after refurbishment, several have re-opened their doors to visitors. There are at least 10 mines in the Black Forest that offer tours ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Some have transport along the mining tracks, and others require walking, but any would be an interesting and educational addition to your Black Forest itinerary.
Ride an Alpine Slide
Alpine Slides are a popular attraction in southern Germany, including the Black Forest, although they are not all alike. Some take a typical sliding board approach, such as the Riesenrutschbahn Poppeltal, in the town of Enzklösterle-Poppeltal. Others take a roller coaster approach, such as the Sommerrodelbahn Gutach in Gutach, (near the open air museum,) or the Hasenhorn in Todtnau, (near the waterfall,) which is the longest hill coaster ride in Germany.
Hit the Slopes
Visiting the Black Forest has the same charm year round, so if you happen to be three in the winter, skiing is in order. The area in the southern Black Forest is one of the top ski areas in Germany, and in fact, Feldberg was the home of the country’s first ski club. There are prime ski areas throughout the southern Black Forest, and many of them rent gear to visitors. Many of these sites also include toboggan runs for the non-skiers. Jumpers will be pleased to know there are 2 ski jump areas in the Lake Titisee Area.
Chase Waterfalls
So, I know that everyone who has ever read a Black Forest blog post has read the suggestion to visit Triberg Falls. This was the first place our German friends told us NOT to go. From their standpoint, almost everything in Triberg had a circus-like atmosphere, and was built to suit the stereotypical images of tourists. Yes, thy said the waterfall is lovely, but there was no sense in paying a few Euros to walk up the main path to see it, when there are plenty of other waterfalls in the Schwarzwald.
Personally, we enjoyed Todtnauer Waterfall, or Wasserfall, near the town of Todtnau. It was a short drive from where we stayed near Lake Titisee. There was a parking area provided, and the accessible trail to the waterfall was about a 15 minute walk. At the time of our visit, there was no fee to enter. If you choose to visit Todtnauer, it is also very close to the Hasenhorn Coaster. If you are looking for other waterfalls in the area, there are several of them worth visiting.
Visit an Amusement Park
Having grown up with a grandfather who owned a carnival, amusement parks are no longer on my to do list. But, if you are traveling with children, you may want your Black Forest itinerary to include a day at Europapark. It is not only Germany’s biggest amusement park, but it is the largest in all of Europe. It features world class rides in a setting that recreates highlights from around the world. What is more, is Europapark is open through December, transforming into a winter wonderland scene during the snowy months.
Places to see in the Black Forest
I must preface this section with a reminder that almost every village and city in the Black Forest has beautiful aspects, and something special to see. Wherever you go, there will be something worthwhile, and that is just one aspect of the joy of visiting the Black Forest. But there are some exceptional places that you may want to plan your Black Forest itinerary around, or choose as your base location.
Freiberg im Brisgau
A jewel in the woods, often referred to as the capital of the Black Forest, Freiberg im Breisgau is the biggest city in the tourism area, yet it somehow exudes the essence of everything that represents the Black Forest. Tell any local or German friend that you are visiting the Black Forest, and they will tell you be sure to enjoy Freiburg. With the unusual Mediterranean climate that rises up between the Black Forest and the French Vosges Mountains, Freiberg is also known to be Germany’s sunniest city. It makes an ideal end, or beginning, to your Black Forest itinerary.
Visit Freiberg Munster to see the 91 gargoyles protecting the church, hear the distinct sound of the 750 year old Hosanna Bell, and climb the 33 steps to the top of the tower for an incredible view over the city. Then visit the Augustine Museum, walk along the city walls, pass through the two stunning city gates, and splash in the water-filled gutters, called Bachle.
Rottweil
Although technically located just to the east of the Black Forest, Rottweil is a city that earns a spot on your Black Forest itinerary. Not only is it gorgeous, there is also a plethora of things to do. Dating back to 74 AD, it is the oldest city in Baden-Württemberg, and the ruins of the Roman Baths are one of the attractions
Museum lovers will be in heaven, with a city history museum, the Dominican Museum, the Doll and Toy Museum, the Saline Museum (which demonstrates the production of salt that was once an important industry in the city,) and two art museums. The churches in Rottweil cannot be missed, even for those who are not religious. The Predigerkirche and the Kapellenkirche offer elaborate baroque chapels, while the Ruhe-Christi-Kirche is a bit simpler, but still stunning. When you grow weary of being indoors, head to the elevator test tower to get an amazing view over the city, or take a night watchman tour to learn the long history. Don’t leave town without petting one of the namesake Rottweiler statues!
Bad Wildbad
A picturesque riverfront city, Bad Wildebad encompasses so many of the iconic things to do in the Black Forest. Funny enough, it manages to stay a bit under the radar in comparison, and it is not one of those places where you will feel overrun by tourists when visiting the Black Forest. Start your time in the city with a river walk to enjoy the charm. While you are there, try the Palais Thermal baths, which feature a more Asian flair than the typical Black Forest bath houses. When you need some adventure, take a ride on the Sommerberg Funicular Railway, then take the Schwarzwald Treetop Walk. For some real excitement try paragliding over the city.
Breisach am Rhein
Breisach was almost utterly destroyed during WWII, but some of its most significant historical landmarks somehow remained standing. This miracle has left it as one of the best places to visit in the Black Forest. Start your visit at St. Stephen’s Munster, which towers over the city. See the Blue House, the oldest standing home in the city, and visit the Museum of Urban History in the Rhine Gate. Learn the mysteries of the Radbrunnen, once a town hall and medieval court torture chamber. Cross the river into France to see the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, the star-shaped Neuf-Brisach Fortress.
Calw
As a stop on the Timber Frame Road, Calw may be just what you are looking for as far in terms of a beautiful city, but it has far more to offer than just those looks. As the birthplace of Herman Hesse, Germany’s most read international author in the 20th century, and Nobel Prize recipient, the Herman Hesse Museum is an important attraction.
While you are in museum mode, stop by the Tannery Museum, the Monastery Hirsau Museum, or the Farmhouse Museum. When it’s time to get outdoors, hike the Walter Woods and Meadow Trail, or search for a geocache. The city will even rent you a gps if you didn’t bring your own! If you visit on the right day, be sure to stop by the weekly market, or catch a performance of the Aurelius Boys Choir.
Gengenbach
Gengenbach is on of those picture perfect towns that everyone imagines as a part of their Black Forest itinerary, and is part of the German Framework Road. But not only is the town beautiful, there is quite a number of things to do in Gengenbach.
Gengenbach is a museum lovers paradise, and our favorite is the Narrenmuseum in the Niggelturm, or the Fools Museum. The Niggelturm was once a freestanding guard and prison tower for the city, but now it hosts the museum which pays tribute to the fool, or the jester, an important character fro medieval times, and the German Carneval celebration. After that, you can see the fanciful exhibits of the Löwenberg Museum in the former Patrician’s house, the Rafting and Transport Museum in the former Warden’s House, the Military History Museum in the Kinzig Tower (the Kinzigtorturm), and the embrodiered art of the Franciscan nuns in the Motherhouse.
When you are all museumed out, get outside and experience the interaction with nature on the Robber’s Path, or find your zen walking the Sensory Labrynth. Wind your day down with a dinner of Blue Trout, the city specialty, then try a Nightwatchman tour, or a Vineyard Walk.
Day Trips from the Black Forest
If you spending several days when visiting the Black Forest, you may want to do some day trips that go outside of the Forest, as there are many worthwhile destinations in the surrounding area. We liked this option because we did not have to pack up and change lodging. And, the diversity of the options meant that a full and well rounded vacation could be had right there.
Stuttgart
Even if the entire point of visiting the Black Forest is the outdoor aspects, sometimes you need a break from the break, so to speak, and want to feel a little metropolitan. If this is you, Stuttgart should be the first choice for your Black Forest itinerary.
Stuttgart makes an ideal city day trip from anywhere in the Schwarzwald. As the capital city of Baden-Wurttemberg, it has all of the highlights that are expected in a German capital, including palaces, government buildings, state museums, formal gardens, and even a zoo. However, Stuttgart offers far more than just these options. The city is known as a manufacturing hub, and the headquarters of both Porsche and Mercedes Benz. Both companies host high caliber museums and factory tours. A must for any auto lover!
Strasbourg
As one of the seats of the European Parliament, Strasbourg has a constant influx of visitors, which leaves it being a relatively expensive city for travel. However, the upside of that is that the city is very cosmopolitan, accustomed to visitors from many countries, and multilingual. (Multilingual is not often found in France!) A day visit won’t end up costing too much, and the city is just an hour away from the northern Black Forest.
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, sometimes referred to as Strasbourg Cathedral, is a must see. Built in full Gothic fashion, with it’s 142 meter spire, intricate sculptures, and elaborate stained glass windows, it is an architectural masterpiece. It’s astronomical clock is an attraction in it’s own right, and gives a full performance at 12:30 each day. Another must see place is the Petite France neighborhood, where the trade workers of the city once lived. It is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Europe.
Natzweiler-Struthoff
Visiting a concentration camp is probably not part of your planned Black Forest itinerary. However if it is part of your Germany tour plans, and you haven’t worked it into the trip elsewhere, Natzweiler-Struthoff is just a short drive away.
Natzweiler-Struthoff was the only concentration camp in France, although it had several subcamps. Located in the Vosges Mountains in Alsace-Lorraine. The camp was initially used to imprison members of the French Resistance, but later it was used in studies that attempted to prove the inferiority of the Jewish race. A visit to the camp is emotional, but truly reveals the horrors that man is capable of, and the terror of the Third Reich.
Basal
On the border of three countries, and the Rhine River, Basel, Switzerland makes an especially great day trip for art and culture lovers. Basel is home to no less than 40 museums, having the highest density of museums in all of Switzerland, so it is an art lover’s dream.
For those with other interests, Basel has a lovely old town that runs along the Rhine. A cruise along the river affords the perfect view point. Those who have missed out on shopping will find an experience they will enjoy on the Spallenberg. Those who prefer to relax will find nicely priced cocktails and finger foods, with a view of the Rhine, at the Buvettes.
Rhein Falls
Visiting the Black Forest affords a lot of waterfalls, but none are quite like the Rhine Falls, the biggest waterfall in Europe, based upon water volume, which is between 250 and 600 cubic meters per second, depending upon the time of year. The country borders wind around a bit between Germany and Switzerland, so it is a bit confusing, but the Rhine Falls is actually located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. However, this is a short drive from most locations in the Black Forest.
The Rhine Falls was formed during the last ice age, as was the towering rock that stands in its center, the Rheinfallfelsen. Visitors expecting a dramatic drop may be disappointed, as the plummet is only 23 meters, or about 70 feet. However the sheer power of the water is still impressive. There are walkways along the river and falls on both sides, as well as very well-placed overlooks, essentially right next to the falls. A highlight is a boat trip to the Rheinfallfelsen, where it is possible to climb to the top and stand between the falls.
The Bodensee- Lake Constance
Although the Bodensee is not the biggest lake in Europe on the surface, it holds more water than any other lake on the Continent. Lying on the southern border of Germany, it also borders Switzerland, and Austria, and along with Lichtenstein, all 4 countries manage tourism for the lake. It is a short drive from most locations in the Black Forest.
There are numerous attractions in the cities surrounding the lake, and on the main islands. Boating is quite popular, and a number of vendors offer tourist trips. Perhaps the most enjoyable way to visit Lake Constance during your Black Forest vacation is to have a lakeside lunch at one of the many establishments, and take a ferry ride out to the islands. On a clear day there is a stunning view of the Alps. It is also possible to take a zeppelin ride over the lake. This would add something unique to your Black Forest itinerary.
Are You Ready to Visit the Black Forest?
We hope our Black Forest trip planner has inspired you, and that visiting the Black Forest will be part of your travels in Germany. We would love to suggest a perfect Black Forest itinerary, but there are so many options, and frankly, none of them are wrong. If you want to lay out a detailed plan for your Black Forest vacation, the Schwarzwald Tourism page gives information on literally every city and attraction in the area. But, if you want a loose plan, picking a base location from on of our places to see in the Black Forest, and just exploring at your leisure will be a pleasure too. You will not be disappointed.
We fell in love with the Black Forest, and will definitely return. The question is, how many times.
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3 thoughts on “Visiting the Black Forest”
nice information great