THE NORTHERN BLACK FOREST
The Northern Black Forest is a land of ancient, dark woods, crystal-clear lakes, and half-timbered towns that seem lifted from a fairy tale. It’s a perfect blend of high-end spa culture and thrilling outdoor adventure.
This region is Germany’s largest nature park, offering a sanctuary of quiet forests and spectacular vistas. It’s a captivating mix of traditional heritage, culinary excellence, and vibrant natural beauty.
Most Popular Attractions
Natural Wonders & Scenic Drives
Schwarzwaldhochstraße (B500): The most famous scenic road, offering spectacular views, high-altitude trails, and access to key attractions.
Mummelsee: A mystical, dark-water cirque lake nestled high in the mountains, popular for a gentle walk and boat rentals.
Triberg Waterfalls: Germany’s highest waterfalls, where the Gutach river plunges over multiple cascades in a wooded gorge.
Hornisgrinde: The highest mountain in the Northern Black Forest, featuring a viewing tower and excellent hiking trails with panoramic views.
Wutach Gorge (Wutachschlucht): A dramatic, deep canyon known as the “Grand Canyon of the Black Forest,” a haven for serious hikers.
Wildsee: A remote, untouched moorland lake near Bad Wildbad, offering a quiet, solitary hiking experience.
Geroldsauer Waterfalls: A beautiful, easily accessible series of small cascades near Baden-Baden, set in a lush forest.
Lotharpfad: A fascinating nature trail near the B500, showing the regrowth of the forest after the devastating Hurricane Lothar in 1999.
Teufelsmühle: A mountain with a viewing tower, offering exceptional views over the valleys towards the Rhine plain.
Allerheiligen Abbey Ruins & Waterfalls: A picturesque set of historical ruins and small waterfalls, great for a combined history and nature walk.
Kaltenbronn Nature Reserve: A large, high-altitude protected moor and forest area, excellent for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Moorpfad Kaltenbronn: An elevated boardwalk trail through the unique moor landscape of the Kaltenbronn Nature Reserve.
Wolfach River Valley: A scenic area known for its traditional farms and deep, wooded valleys, perfect for driving and cycling.
Schliffkopf: A mountain on the B500 with vast meadows and panoramic viewpoints.
Sankenbach Waterfalls and Lake: A small, charming lake and a waterfall near Baiersbronn.
Bad Griesbach: A quiet spa town with scenic walking trails and a focus on mineral springs.
Freudenstadt Marktplatz: Germany’s largest market square, a striking Renaissance-style plaza at the geographical heart of the region.
Kinzig Valley: A beautiful river valley passing through historic towns and offering gentle hiking and cycling.
Enz Valley: A picturesque northern river valley with charming small towns like Bad Wildbad.
Bühlertal Wine Region: The slopes around Bühlertal, where the Black Forest meets the Rhine plain, offering scenic vineyards and tastings.
Culture, History & Relaxation
Baden-Baden: The cosmopolitan, world-famous spa town, known for its thermal baths, high-end shopping, and casino.
Caracalla Spa (Baden-Baden): A modern, spacious thermal bath complex offering a vast array of pools and saunas for relaxation.
Frieder Burda Museum (Baden-Baden): A stunning modern art museum designed by Richard Meier, housing a major collection of modern and contemporary art.
Festspielhaus (Baden-Baden): Germany’s largest opera and concert house, a world-class venue for music and performing arts.
Hohenbaden Castle (Altes Schloss): The atmospheric ruins of a former margrave residence high above Baden-Baden, offering incredible views.
Casino Baden-Baden: One of the most beautiful and historic casinos in the world, famed for its opulent decor.
The Black Forest Open Air Museum (Vogtsbauernhof): A living history museum showcasing traditional Black Forest houses, crafts, and farm life.
Cuckoo Clock Museum (Furtwangen): A large, dedicated museum tracing the history of the famous Black Forest cuckoo clock.
Gengenbach: One of the most beautiful half-timbered towns, often used as a filming location, with a charming old town center.
Strasbourg (A short day trip into France): While not in Germany, the proximity makes the stunning Alsatian city of Strasbourg a very popular cultural day trip.
Maulbronn Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complexes in Europe.
Bad Wildbad: A historic spa town known for its thermal baths and the Wildline Suspension Bridge high above the valley.
Kniebis Pass: A historic mountain pass and former border crossing with museums and hiking trails.
Schloss Eberstein: A beautifully situated castle near Gernsbach, now a hotel and restaurant, offering fine dining with a view.
Pforzheim Jewellery Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of jewellery and watches, reflecting Pforzheim’s industrial past as a “Gold City.”
Activities & Experiences
Hike the “Lothar Path” (Lotharpfad): Walk along this dramatic, educational trail near Oppenau that showcases the raw power of nature, winding through the former windbreak forest destroyed by Storm Lothar in 1999.
Relax in the Thermal Baths of Baden-Baden: Spend a day at the famous Caracalla Spa or the historic Friedrichsbad for a Roman-Irish bathing ritual in the grand spa town.
Drive the Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße): Enjoy one of Germany’s oldest and most scenic themed roads (), offering breathtaking views, hiking trail access, and charming stops along the way.
Visit the Black Forest Open-Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof: Explore centuries-old, fully furnished Black Forest farmhouses and learn about the region’s traditional culture, crafts, and farming life.
Go Cuckoo Clock Shopping in Triberg: While slightly south, the drive is worth it to see the world’s largest cuckoo clock and explore the heartland of this iconic German souvenir.
Explore the Historical City of Freudenstadt: Wander through Germany’s largest market square, a unique, almost-square space framed by traditional architecture and arcades.
Hike the Wild and Romantic Geroldsau Waterfalls: Enjoy an easy-to-moderate trail near Baden-Baden that leads through a lush forest to a beautiful, cascading series of waterfalls.
Take a Scenic Walk through the Wolfach Gorge (Wutachschlucht): Hike the dramatic canyons and river landscapes of this natural wonder (note: the full gorge spans a wider area, but the Northern/Central access points are stunning).
Learn to Bake Authentic Black Forest Gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte): Take a cooking or baking class from a local master baker to recreate the region’s signature cherry, cream, and chocolate cake.
Cycle along the Kinzig Valley (Kinzigradweg): Rent a bike and follow the Kinzig River on a well-paved, family-friendly cycle path that links historic towns like Gengenbach and Alpirsbach.
Explore the Charming Old Town of Gengenbach: Visit this picturesque town, famous for its half-timbered houses and historic town hall, which doubles as the world’s largest Advent Calendar in December.
Local Tips & Transport
The KONUS Guest Card is Essential: If you’re staying for at least one night in a participating town (which includes most tourist towns), you receive a KONUS Guest Card. This allows you to use all local buses and regional trains for free throughout the entire Black Forest holiday region. This is a huge money-saver and makes getting around effortless.
Car vs. KONUS: While a car is the most flexible way to explore the scenic backroads and remote villages, especially for driving the Black Forest High Road, the public transport network is excellent for connecting the major towns thanks to the KONUS card. It’s often best to combine the two.
The Regional Train Network: The train lines, like the Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn), are an experience in themselves, offering spectacular views as they tunnel and switchback through the mountains.
Parking in Historic Towns: Parking in the centers of smaller, older towns like Gengenbach can be tight. Look for designated public parking lots (often signposted with ‘P’) just outside the old town walls.
The Black Forest Gateau is Served with Kirsch: The true Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is not simply a chocolate cake; it is heavily flavored with Kirschwasser, a clear cherry brandy distilled from morello cherries. You’ll find it in virtually every bakery and café—don’t miss out on trying the authentic version.
Dress in Layers: The Northern Black Forest region is a mountainous area, and the weather can change quickly. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, and temperatures can vary significantly between the valleys and the high-altitude trails. Always pack a rain jacket and layers.
Embrace the “Vesper”: The traditional Black Forest Vesper is a hearty, cold meal, usually enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening, consisting of local smoked ham (Schwarzwälder Schinken), bread, pickles, and cheese. Many restaurants and guesthouses offer a delicious and authentic Vesper plate.
Hiking is a Way of Life: The Black Forest is crisscrossed by thousands of miles of well-marked trails. Look for the yellow or red diamond signs from the Schwarzwaldverein (Black Forest Association). Respect the trail markers and always let someone know your route, especially for longer, more strenuous hikes.
Hidden Gems:
- The Mummelsee: A beautiful, dark, glacial lake high up on the Black Forest High Road. It’s often crowded, but a walk around the lake shore (about 30 minutes) is lovely and easy.
- Kloster Alpirsbach (Alpirsbach Monastery): A beautifully preserved, Romanesque-Gothic former Benedictine monastery. The nearby Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu brewery is also worth a visit for a tour and tasting.
- The Town of Schiltach: This tiny town is often overlooked but boasts one of the most perfectly preserved ensembles of half-timbered houses in the entire region, with a gorgeous marketplace.
- The Saumarkt in Freiburg: While Freiburg is often considered the gateway to the Southern Black Forest, its Saumarkt (Pig Market) is a fantastic, non-touristy square full of great bars and restaurants where locals gather.
The Regional Dialect: People in the Black Forest speak a dialect of German called Alemannic (Alemannisch). While standard German is understood everywhere, don’t be surprised if the local accent is quite strong—a warm Guten Tag or Danke in standard German will always be appreciated!
Top Restaurants
Klösterle Hof [$20-$35] – A charming, rustic inn in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach offering authentic regional cooking, well-known for traditional dishes like Schwäbische Maultaschen (Swabian dumplings).
Der Engel [$20-$35] – A historic, family-run inn in Sasbachwalden, established in 1764, offering a traditional menu with regional dishes, including their famous Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast).
Gasthaus Zur Krone [$20-$35] – A classic, simple village inn known for its hearty regional specialties and cozy atmosphere, with a focus on good value cooking (Bib Gourmand).
Wirtshaus zur Sonne [$20-$35] – A traditional Gasthaus in Glottertal popular for its classic Southern German dishes like Schwäbische Maultaschen and Zwiebelrostbraten (roasted onion steak).
Oberkirchs Weinstuben [$25-$40] – Located in Baden-Baden, this traditional hotel-restaurant and wine cellar is a bastion of regional cuisine, serving local, seasonal dishes and fine wines.
Dorfstuben [$25-$40] – A cozy, wood-paneled restaurant at Hotel Bareiss in Baiersbronn, serving traditional Black Forest and regional fare cooked with flair, perfect for an authentic atmosphere.
Gasthaus Traube [$25-$40] – An appealing country inn in the vineyards above Baden-Baden (Neuweier), serving local and seasonal dishes, such as asparagus and game, with a lighter touch.
Weinstube zum Engel [$25-$40] – A wine tavern in Baden-Baden offering a regional cuisine focus in a pleasant setting, perfect for a casual yet quality meal.
Die Klosterschänke [$25-$45] – Located in the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, this offers an elevated take on traditional regional cuisine in a casual setting.
Restaurant Bergfriedel [$25-$40] – Located in Bühlertal, this restaurant is a local favorite for its traditional Black Forest dishes, noted especially for its Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup).
Wanderhütte Sattelei [$20-$30] – A rustic hiking hut high in the forest above Baiersbronn (part of Hotel Bareiss), offering hearty hiker’s fare like soups, meatloaf, and massive slices of cake.
Seidtenhof [$15-$25] – A farmhouse kitchen-café in Baiersbronn serving classic regional dishes, local meats and cheeses, and famous for its house-made ice cream.
Gasthaus Sternen Post [$20-$35] – A traditional inn offering classic German and regional dishes, popular for its Käsespätzle (cheese noodles).
Zum Storchen [$20-$35] – A traditional local spot popular for classic Swabian and regional dishes like Schwäbische Maultaschen and Sauerbraten.
Zum Rebstock [$25-$40] – A traditional restaurant in Kappelrodeck focusing on country cooking and regional specialties in a welcoming environment.
Zwickel & Kaps [$25-$45] – Located in Alpirsbach, this popular spot offers delicious cuisine, including steakhouse favorites, with a focus on proving that good food doesn’t have to be expensive.
Rizzi [$30-$50] – A trendy, lively restaurant in Baden-Baden that opts for a modern, international approach, moving away from old-world Black Forest conventions.
Maltes Hidden Kitchen [$30-$50] – A popular spot in Baden-Baden, known for its standout meal experience and modern culinary approach.
La Tapería de Zorrilla [$25-$40] – A popular bar in the center of Baden-Baden with a creative, modern take on European tapas and small plates.
Weinstube Schloss Staufenberg [$20-$35] – Located on a castle above the vineyards in Durbach, this spot serves lighter fare like Flammkuchen and regional specialties with stunning views.
Ponyhof Stammhaus by Tobias Wussler [$30-$50] – A contemporary restaurant in Gengenbach offering a modern take on regional dishes with a focus on local produce.
Restaurant 1789 [$40-$70] – Located in Hotel Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn, this restaurant pays tribute to the hotel’s historic origins with an inventive menu and modern execution.
Weinstube Rebstock [$30-$50] – Located in Durbach, this restaurant offers regional cuisine with a focus on wine and seasonal, modern dishes.
Die Reichsstadt [$35-$60] – Located in Gengenbach, this restaurant focuses on classic cuisine in an elegant setting, often with a subtle contemporary approach.
Schwarzwaldstube [$150-$250] – The iconic, three-Michelin-starred restaurant at Hotel Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn, known for Chef Torsten Michel’s refined French cuisine with regional influences.
Restaurant Bareiss [$150-$250] – Another three-Michelin-starred institution in Baiersbronn, led by Chef Claus-Peter Lumpp, offering sophisticated, French-based cuisine with regional flourishes.
ÖSCH NOIR [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Der Öschberghof (near Donaueschingen/Villingen-Schwenningen, bordering the north), known for its French delights and modern culinary influences.
Le Jardin de France im Stahlbad [$100-$180] – Located in Baden-Baden, this is a top-tier restaurant that transports guests with its classic French cuisine and impeccable service.
Le Pavillon [$100-$180] – The two-Michelin-starred restaurant at Hotel Dollenberg in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, offering classical French cooking at the highest level.
Schloss Eberstein [$80-$150] – Located in a gorgeous castle in Gernsbach, the fine dining restaurant offers sophisticated, classic French cuisine by chef Bernd Werner.
Schlossberg [$80-$150] – The gourmet restaurant at Hotel Sackmann in Schwarzenberg, a one-Michelin-starred establishment known for its creative and refined dishes.
Restaurant und Hotel Schwarzer Adler [$80-$150] – Located in Vogtsburg (Kaiserstuhl, near the Black Forest), this Michelin-starred venue is famous for its massive wine list and modern, French-inspired cuisine.
Werners Restaurant [$80-$150] – The fine dining option at Schloss Eberstein in Gernsbach, with a Michelin star, serving classic French and contemporary German cuisine.
Röttele’s Restaurant & Residenz [$80-$150] – A high-end experience in Baden-Baden that often features in gourmet guides for its refined cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
Café König [$10-$20] – A famous, ornate café in Baden-Baden specializing in cakes, pastries, and a wide variety of coffee, including the obligatory Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau).
Schloss Schänke [$25-$45] – The more casual dining option at Schloss Eberstein in Gernsbach, serving regional specialties with a view from its terrace.
Forellenhof Buhlbach [$25-$40] – A restaurant connected to a historic trout farm in Baiersbronn, offering a focus on fresh, regional trout dishes.
Weinstube zur Stadtmauer [$25-$40] – A traditional, cozy wine tavern in Freudenstadt offering regional dishes and local wines.
Badische Weinstube in Hotel Dollenberg [$30-$50] – A second, more traditional restaurant at Hotel Dollenberg (Bad Peterstal-Griesbach), focusing on regional Baden specialties.
Waldrestaurant St. Valentin [$25-$40] – A picturesque restaurant in the mountains near Freiburg, popular for its terrace, regional food, and beer garden atmosphere.
Rebstock-Stube in Hotel Dollenberg [$30-$50] – Another venue at Hotel Dollenberg, offering traditional German and regional cuisine with high-quality ingredients.
Zum Kleinen Kletterer [$20-$35] – An al fresco dining spot in Karlsruhe (near the Black Forest entrance) offering a European menu with local dishes like stuffed pig’s stomach and Wiener Schnitzel.
Tannenstube [$30-$50] – Located in the Bareiss Hotel in Baiersbronn, this is a high-quality, yet casual, alternative to their main fine dining room, with a focus on regional and international dishes.
Café Rapp [$15-$25] – A popular café in Buchenberg known for its traditional cakes, including Black Forest Gateau, and light lunch fare.
Die Dorfstube [$20-$35] – A restaurant in the Baiersbronn area offering classic regional cooking in a welcoming setting.
Im Ochsen [$25-$40] – A popular local restaurant in the Baden-Baden area known for its traditional regional food and a relaxed ambiance.
Rössle [$25-$40] – Located in Alpirsbach, this spot focuses on country cooking, offering a taste of authentic regional flavor.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Fitzgerald’s Bar (Baden-Baden): Located within the prestigious Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, this bar offers a classic, sophisticated ambiance for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and fine spirits in a luxurious setting.
Riva Bar (Baden-Baden): A chic and stylish bar in the heart of Baden-Baden, known for its creative cocktail menu, extensive gin selection, and an atmosphere of refined elegance.
The Grill Bar (Baden-Baden): Situated in the historic Kurhaus, near the Casino, this bar is perfect for pre- or post-casino drinks, offering a classic cocktail menu in a glamorous, opulent environment.
Traube Tonbach Bar (Baiersbronn, near Freudenstadt): A high-end hotel bar in the Tonbach Valley, known for its first-class service, well-stocked spirit selection, and a quiet, elegant atmosphere ideal for an exquisite cocktail.
Carlos Cocktailbar (Karlsruhe): A popular spot near the main train station, recognized for its extensive menu of classic and house-special cocktails, often with a lively, upbeat atmosphere.
Shooter Stars (Karlsruhe): Located centrally, this bar is a favorite for younger crowds, specializing in a vast array of unique shots and fun, easy-drinking cocktails in a vibrant setting.
Badisch Brauhaus (Karlsruhe): While primarily a large brewery/restaurant, its bar area serves as a lively meeting point where you can enjoy local brews and simple cocktails in a bustling, traditional German pub setting.
The Mixology Bar (Pforzheim): Found in Pforzheim’s city center, this establishment focuses on the art of cocktail making, offering a curated selection of premium drinks and a knowledgeable staff.
Hemingway Lounge (Pforzheim): A comfortable and classic cocktail lounge in Pforzheim, designed with a timeless, literary theme and a focus on high-quality, traditional drinks.
Cottage Club (Karlsruhe): Tucked away near the city center, this bar offers a cozy, intimate setting that is known for good music and a range of well-made cocktails.
Loft Club Bar (Karlsruhe): The bar section of a popular club, providing a more relaxed space for cocktails and conversation before the main dance floor gets going.
Sausalitos (Karlsruhe): A lively chain bar with a Latin American theme, serving colorful margaritas and various other cocktails, perfect for a casual, fun night out near the main shopping areas.
Enchilada (Pforzheim): Similar to Sausalitos, this Mexican-themed cocktail bar offers a cheerful atmosphere and a wide selection of fruity and classic mixed drinks.
Alter Simpl (Freiburg – Southern Black Forest, but a vibrant city often visited from the North): A classic Freiburg institution known for its late-night hours, laid-back vibe, and wide selection of beers and simple cocktails.
Guts & Glory (Karlsruhe): A bar known for its sophisticated drink creations and stylish interior, attracting a crowd looking for a high-quality cocktail experience.
Max’s Nightlife (Baden-Baden): An exclusive and chic nightclub in the city center, known for its sophisticated crowd, electronic music, and opulent décor, making it a premier luxury spot.
Loft Club (Karlsruhe): A major club venue in the city, frequently hosting local and international DJs, focusing on electronic music, techno, and house, known for its high-energy dance floor.
Stadtmitte (Karlsruhe): A centrally located, multi-level club famous for its diverse music nights, from hip-hop and R&B to mainstream chart hits, often attracting a large student crowd.
Nachtschicht (Karlsruhe): One of the city’s largest clubs, offering multiple themed areas and dance floors playing different music genres, from commercial pop to rock, guaranteeing a lively night.
Die Suite (Baden-Baden): A modern and stylish club near the Kurhaus, offering a more intimate but high-class clubbing experience with contemporary music and a focus on service.
Agostea (Pforzheim): A large-scale, multi-area club on the outskirts of Pforzheim, offering different music styles across various rooms, popular for big weekend parties.
Balzklub (Karlsruhe): Located in the heart of Karlsruhe, this club is popular for its mix of alternative and electro music, known for its unique, underground feel and creative events.
Erdbeermund (Pforzheim): A popular, centrally located Pforzheim dance club that plays a mix of pop, dance, and R&B, offering a guaranteed fun, mainstream clubbing experience.
Kantine (Karlsruhe): A unique and casual club, often hosting theme nights and alternative music events, popular with a student and creative crowd seeking a less commercial atmosphere.
Gotec (Karlsruhe): Known for its focus on underground electronic music, this club is a hub for techno and house enthusiasts in the region.
Marktlücke (Pforzheim): A smaller, cozy club in Pforzheim’s center, offering a relaxed environment with varied music ranging from classic rock to current hits, popular as a late-night bar/club.
Tempel (Karlsruhe): A long-standing venue that often hosts live music, concerts, and parties with a focus on rock and alternative genres, situated a short walk from the central shopping area.
Casino Baden-Baden (Baden-Baden): While not a traditional club, the legendary, lavishly decorated Casino often features music and is an essential part of the high-end nightlife, providing a glamorous backdrop for a night out.
Tollhaus (Karlsruhe): Primarily a cultural center, it frequently transforms into a dance venue for special events, concerts, and themed parties, offering a diverse club-like experience.
Kesselhaus (Pforzheim): A venue near the city center that hosts various events, including large parties and club nights, with a focus on current and commercial dance music.