Currency:
Euro €
Best time to visit:
Summer (May to September)
Winter (December to February)
The best form of transportation:
Rental Car
Bus
Language Spoken:
German
Climate:
Summer: Warm
Winter: Cold / Freezing and Wet
Spring and Autumn: Cool, Wet and Windy
The Black Forest is based in the Southwest of Germany along the border to France and much of it is densely wooded. Most people who visit Germany go to the big cities like Munich and Berlin. Therefore, many do not even know the beautiful Black Forest. In Germany we pay with Euros and speak German. Every region in Germany has their own accent. We, in the Southwest speak German with a“badisch”accent. It may sounds funny or is difficult to understand for people who learned German in school. :)
The best time to visit the Black Forest is in summer (May to September) or in the winter (December to February). Most of the time in summer, we have warm/ hot weather. It’s often gets very sticky, but sometimes we also have a fresh wind. If we have a good winter, we have a lot of snow in the Black Forest. So, if you love skiing or driving with a sled you should visit the Black Forest in winter when it looks like a true winter wonderland. I would not recommend visiting Germany during spring or autumn months because it’s often cold, wet, and windy. This is not suitable for excursions in the Black Forest and covers the beauty of nature.
The best form of transportation is to rent a car, because it is very rural here and therefore not the best connections with public transport. But remember that not only renting a car is very expensive in Germany, also the gas. We pay around 1,90€ per liter (1 gallon = 3,8 liter). If you will save money, you can also use the bus (very cheap compared to car) to reach most of the places I will show you in the following, but you are not so flexible and you will need more time to visit the places.
Baden - Baden
Let's start with my absolute favorite city Baden-Baden and the cleanest city I have ever visited. Here you get everything from beautiful architecture to breathtaking nature. Baden Baden is known as a spa town and always impresses me with its beautiful architecture. In the 19th century, Baden-Baden was an international meeting point for many aristocrats and wealthy citizens. From this time came - for me - very impressive buildings and villas, in which very wealthy people from Germany, Russia and Switzerland still live today.
The cityscape is mainly characterized by the theater and the Kurhaus with its casino. The atmosphere in these buildings is indescribable. For this reason, it is worth going to the casino for everyone over the age of 21. It is one of the most traditional casinos in the world. But it is best to set a limit on what you want to gamble away, otherwise it could become a very expensive stay. :) If gambling has made you hungry, you can then enjoy delicious sushi and beef specialties at “The Grill”with its extravagant and stylish atmosphere. However, the prices here are quite high, like almost everywhere in Baden-Baden.
In the old town there are numerous shops and cafés that invite you to shop and enjoy. Here is something for everyone. For the small, but also for the large purse.
In the spa district, the beautiful Caracalla Spa and the Friedrichsbad invite you to relax. Roman bath ruins, remains of ancient thermal baths, can also be visited here. However, these are less suitable for children. Especially since admission is only from the age of 6 years. Since 2021, Baden-Baden has even been listed as“Great Spa Town of Europe”on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is definitely exciting for all children is the ride on the Merkur mountain railway up the 669 meter high "Merkur" mountain in Baden-Baden. Once at the top you can enjoy the beautiful view over Baden-Baden and explore great hiking trails. If the visibility is good, you can even see the Strasbourg Cathedral in France. The sporty can also hike up the mountain on foot or by bike and then fortify themselves with delicious German specialties or cakes in the restaurant at the top. If you visit Baden-Baden at Easter, you can hunt for Easter eggs with your children on Easter Saturday. More than 10,000 colorful Easter eggs are hidden here and can be searched by the children.
There are also beautiful hiking trails down by the valley station of the cable car. Among other things, the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany, the Panoramaweg. This leads
once around Baden-Baden and has fantastic views on different stages. If you are careful, you will see deer or wild boar. I like to walk parts of the way with my children, especially in summer.
If you want to hike even more and enjoy the nature of Baden Baden, there are many great hiking trails. On the one hand, the circular route at the old castle of Baden-Baden, which leads over the Battertfelsen. From there you have a great view over Baden-Baden. The path is also very suitable with children, as it is relatively flat and not very long. There is also a great restaurant ($$) in front of the Old Castle, where delicious German cuisine is served, but you can also just enjoy something to drink with a great view.
If you just want to go for a short walk or are out and about with a stroller, you should go for a walk through the “Lichtentaler Allee”park, which runs along the Oos River.
The well-known horse races take place in Baden-Baden in May, August and October. Celebrities from all over Germany gather here. A visit is definitely worthwhile and with a lot of luck and the right choice of horse, you can make big money here.
Back Forest High Road
I don't even know where to start. There are so many beautiful places in the Black Forest that you must see. I have put together a selection of all my favorite places in the Black Forest for you:
The most famous road that runs through the Black Forest is the Black Forest High Road. It is the oldest and one of the most famous holiday routes in Germany. It is over 60 km long and runs from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. Especially bikers love to drive the road through the forest. Here are the most beautiful points along the Black Forest High Road:
Baden - Baden
Let's start with my absolute favorite city Baden-Baden and the cleanest city I have ever visited. Here you get everything from beautiful architecture to breathtaking nature. Baden Baden is known as a spa town and always impresses me with its beautiful architecture. In the 19th century, Baden-Baden was an international meeting point for many aristocrats and wealthy citizens. From this time came - for me - very impressive buildings and villas, in which very wealthy people from Germany, Russia and Switzerland still live today.
The cityscape is mainly characterized by the theater and the Kurhaus with its casino. The atmosphere in these buildings is indescribable. For this reason, it is worth going to the casino for everyone over the age of 21. It is one of the most traditional casinos in the world. But it is best to set a limit on what you want to gamble away, otherwise it could become a very expensive stay. :) If gambling has made you hungry, you can then enjoy delicious sushi and beef specialties at “The Grill”with its extravagant and stylish atmosphere. However, the prices here are quite high, like almost everywhere in Baden-Baden.
In the old town there are numerous shops and cafés that invite you to shop and enjoy. Here is something for everyone. For the small, but also for the large purse.
In the spa district, the beautiful Caracalla Spa and the Friedrichsbad invite you to relax. Roman bath ruins, remains of ancient thermal baths, can also be visited here. However, these are less suitable for children. Especially since admission is only from the age of 6 years. Since 2021, Baden-Baden has even been listed as“Great Spa Town of Europe”on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is definitely exciting for all children is the ride on the Merkur mountain railway up the 669 meter high "Merkur" mountain in Baden-Baden. Once at the top you can enjoy the beautiful view over Baden-Baden and explore great hiking trails. If the visibility is good, you can even see the Strasbourg Cathedral in France. The sporty can also hike up the mountain on foot or by bike and then fortify themselves with delicious German specialties or cakes in the restaurant at the top. If you visit Baden-Baden at Easter, you can hunt for Easter eggs with your children on Easter Saturday. More than 10,000 colorful Easter eggs are hidden here and can be searched by the children.
There are also beautiful hiking trails down by the valley station of the cable car. Among other things, the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany, the Panoramaweg. This leads once around Baden-Baden and has fantastic views on different stages. If you are careful, you will see deer or wild boar. I like to walk parts of the way with my children, especially in summer.
If you want to hike even more and enjoy the nature of Baden Baden, there are many great hiking trails. On the one hand, the circular route at the old castle of Baden-Baden, which leads over the Battertfelsen. From there you have a great view over Baden-Baden. The path is also very suitable with children, as it is relatively flat and not very long. There is also a great restaurant ($$) in front of the Old Castle, where delicious German cuisine is served, but you can also just enjoy something to drink with a great view.
If you just want to go for a short walk or are out and about with a stroller, you should go for a walk through the “Lichtentaler Allee”park, which runs along the Oos River.
The well-known horse races take place in Baden-Baden in May, August and October. Celebrities from all over Germany gather here. A visit is definitely worthwhile and with a lot of luck and the right choice of horse, you can make big money here.
The city's well-known Christmas market takes place from the end of November to January 6th. Christmas magic reigns here and there are delicious food at many stalls, but you can also buy Christmas decorations and handmade things. You can definitely spend your money here. ($$)
As you can see, there is a lot to experience and see in Baden Baden. If you just want to explore the city, one or two days are enough. But if you also want to see the beautiful nature and go for hikes, you should stay four to five days. But it is important to know that the city is not very cheap, especially when it comes to eat in Restaurants. If you want to save, it's best to go out the city to eat.
MEHLISKOPF
If you continue on the Black Forest High Road you will reach the Mehliskopf. A 1008 m high mountain. The highlight for all children is the bob run, which is open all year round. As well as a climbing garden and adventure playground. For all winter lovers there is also a ski slope with lifts.
SCHWARZENBACHTALSPERRE
If you continue to follow the Black Forest High Road, you will reach the"Schwarzenbachtalsperre". There is a reservoir and a storage power plant that generates energy from water. It may sound boring now, but it looks fascinating and is exciting for young and old. You not only have a great view, but you can also take a pedal boat across the lake in summer.
HUNDSECK AND UNTERSTMATT
This is followed by Hundseck and Unterstmatt. There are also ski lifts and restaurants. If you want to hike, you should explore the hiking trail next to the ski lift in Unterstmatt. This leads to great destinations. Especially in winter I like to go hiking here with my family. The children are strapped onto a sled and pulled. When there is snow, nature looks like a winter wonderland. After about 2 kilometers you will come to the restaurant "Ochsenstall", where you can get some refreshments. Here you can get a typical German Dampfnudel with vanilla sauce and hot tea. Everything you need on cold winter days. Anyone with or without older children who are already good on foot can walk 2 kilometers further up to the Hornisgrinde from here. From here you have a great view and can admire wind turbines.
MUMMELSEE
A little further on is the Mummelsee, a glacial lake at 1029m. Due to the pH of the lake there are no fish in the lake. Not only because of the legend of a mermaid, but also because you can take a pedal boat across the lake in summer, the Mummelsee is very popular with children. A circular route around the lake is also a must-do when you drive up here. The Mummelsee Hotel and Restaurant is located directly on the Mummelsee. Here you can stay overnight and also eat very well. If you want a delicious freshly baked German bread, you should buy a freshly baked wood-fired bread here. It tastes best with butter when it's still warm! It is best to take the bus up during the holiday periods and weekends as the lake is very popular and it is always very crowded. Finding a parking space can sometimes be impossible.
GERTELSBACHER WATERFALLS
Other great hiking trails lead along the Gertelsbacher waterfalls in Bühlertal. These paths are also suitable for children. They are not very steep and not too long. In wet weather you should be careful not to slip.
TRIBERGER WATERFALLS
With a drop of 163m, the Triberg waterfalls are among the highest waterfalls in Germany. They are one of the most popular destinations in Germany. Here you can make great hikes and enjoy nature. It is a unique experience, especially for children. However, the natural paths are not accessible with prams. You should definitely plan a whole day for the waterfalls and the city of Triberg. The city of Triberg attracts with its historic old town and beautiful cafés as well as the well-known cuckoo clocks of the Black Forest. Even in winter, the waterfalls look gigantic when icicles hang everywhere. But good shoes are very important here so that you don't slip.
BAUMWIPFELPFAD
With a length of 1250 meters and a height of up to 20 meters, this path is a very impressive path through the Black Forest. There are many learning and experience stations. The highlight is the 40 meter high observation tower. Both the path and the lookout tower have been specially designed for families so that they can also be used with prams.
RIVER RHEIN
A trip to the Rhine, which rises in Switzerland and flows into the North Sea, is definitely worth it. Here you can watch great sunsets or eat delicious food. The path along the river is perfect for children and prams. In Greffern you can cross the river by ferry to France for free. You can enter the ferry by car, on foot or by bike.
CASTLE AND HIKING TRAIL IN LAUF
In the village of Lauf there are also beautiful hiking trails that are not well known among tourists. It is worth coming here, especially in winter, because nature looks just magical when there is snow. Since you have arrived at the top you can go all the way down with the sled. If you are interested in castles or are traveling with children, you should definitely take a look at the ruins of the castle in Lauf. From there you have a beautiful view of the valley.
TRIBERGER WATERFALLS
With a drop of 163m, the Triberg waterfalls are among the highest waterfalls in Germany. They are one of the most popular destinations in Germany. Here you can make great hikes and enjoy nature. It is a unique experience, especially for children. However, the natural paths are not accessible with prams. You should definitely plan a whole day for the waterfalls and the city of Triberg. The city of Triberg attracts with its historic old town and beautiful cafés as well as the well-known cuckoo clocks of the Black Forest. Even in winter, the waterfalls look gigantic when icicles hang everywhere. But good shoes are very important here so that you don't slip.
BAUMWIPFELPFAD
With a length of 1250 meters and a height of up to 20 meters, this path is a very impressive path through the Black Forest. There are many learning and experience stations. The highlight is the 40 meter high observation tower. Both the path and the lookout tower have been specially designed for families so that they can also be used with prams.
WINDECK CASTLE
Windeck Castle is a ruined castle on a 378-meter-high mountain in Buehl. It was built around 1200. There is also a great restaurant ($$) with a fantastic view over the Rhine plain. Next door there is a great playground for children, also with a great view.
EUROPAPARK RUST
For everyone who loves action, you should visit the Europapark in Rust. It is one of the most visited amusement and theme parks. During the winter time they have a big christmas market and everything is decorated for Christmas.
SCHWIMMING PARADISE BLACK FOREST
Schwimming Paradies Black Forest is a leisure and adventure pool with a sauna area in Titisee-Neustadt. There is both a large area with slides for children of all ages and a relaxation area for adults.
CASTLE Y-BURG
The Yburg is located in Baden-Baden on the summit of the 520 meter high Yberg. From here you have an excellent allround view of the Rhine plain and the Black Forest. Next to the castle is a restaurant where you can enjoy German food with a perfect view.
Food
GEROLDSAUER MUEHLE
The Geroldsauer Mühle is a huge beautiful building that houses a mill that produces energy for the city of Baden Baden. There is a great restaurant in the building with a nice outdoor area. If you are here, you must try"Maultäschle"with potato salad. A typical specialty in south-west Germany. Maultaeschle consist of pasta dough and a meat or vegetable filling and taste so delicious! And anyone who has ever been to the Black Forest must eat a delicious piece of Black Forest Chocolate Cake for dessert. But be careful, it contains liquor and lots of calories!
JAEGERSTEIG
The Jaegersteig is a panorama restaurant with a large terrace, which is particularly inviting in summer with its fantastic view over the valley. There are meat and fish dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. Here you should definitely try the cordon bleu with vegetables and fries. If you travel in April/May, be sure to try a dish with regional asparagus! If you drive a little further you will reach Windeck Castle.
BRENNERS PARK-HOTEL & SPA
The Brenners Park-Hotel is a 5-star hotel directly on the Lichtentaler Allee. So, if you want to eat very well, you should visit the associated restaurant "Fritz & Felix"or "Wintergarten". There are unusual flavors from all over the world. However, the food here is very expensive.
ENGEL IN VIMBUCH
The restaurant is a bit away from tourism and in a small village. However, a visit is very worthwhile! Here you should definitely try the“Baden Sauerbraten”. A popular dish in southwest Germany. It is a roast beef marinated in a wine sauce and traditionally served with noodles. But you should also have tried a“breaded schnitzel - Viennese style” in Germany! It is pork meat. There is also a hotel here that offers cheap accommodation.
OTTO'S
Otto's is known for its variety of salads. These are huge and consist of a variety of delicious salads. My favorite thing here is the mixed salad with breaded chicken nuggets. If you think a salad won't fill you up, you should definitely convince yourself of the opposite. The village where the restaurant is located is very idyllic and traditional.
SPINNERHOF
The Spinnerhof is located high above the popular flower and wine village of Sasbachwalden. From here you have a wonderful view over the valley and can make great hikes. There are also typical Black Forest dishes with ingredients from the region. You should try the homemade cheese spaetzle - also a very popular dish in south-west Germany. Regional wines are also offered here.
BEST SUNSET SPOTS
Most of the places I present you are perfect for watching the sunset. But these are my favorites: River Rhein: I love evening walks next to the River Rhein. In summer there is always a perfect sunset to watch.
Merkur Mountain
Y-Burg
Windeck Castle
SKING SPOTS
We have no beaches in the Southwest of Germany, but a lot of mountains for skiing:
Unterstmatt
Hundseck
Feldberg
OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN YOU VISIT GERMANY
Driving a car is expensive: Gas prices are higher than ever (1,90 € per liter). We also have a lot of speed cameras, that take photos of you when you are too fast. You get an expensive ticket (not as high as in Switzerland ;))
Most of the time there is no speed limit on the highways
Go out of the cities if you want to save money for eating and hotels
In the Black Forest most of the restaurants offer cheap guest rooms with the typical Black Forest atmosphere
Be careful if you drive with a car in winter in the Black Forest. We often have a lot of snow and black ice on the streets Visit the Black Forest outside of the school holidays if possible (summer holidays are from end of July until the first week of September; winter holidays: from Christman until 6th January) to save money and to avoid tourists
Try the German kitchen, it's worth it! --> Go to a german bakery :)
Instagram: Kerstiin06
E-Mail: KerstinFriedmann1996@gmx.de
Meet Kerstin
Hallo! I’m Kerstin!
I'm 26 and have a passion for family, travel and the nature. I work in the controlling department for the Oetker Collection that own and manage twelve five-star luxury masterpiece hotels all over the world. My family is based near the beautiful Black Forest in Southwest of Germany. My husband and I have two adorable kids (Lias 1 year, Lina 5 months) and we are all born and raised here near the Black Forest. We love to go for hikes and adventures in the Black Forest. There is always something new to discover and the nature is always worth it. Even if we live here since forever, we haven’t seen every beautiful place here.