THE SOUTHERN BLACK FOREST
The Southern Black Forest is a quintessential German escape, a land of ancient, dark-canopied woods, crystalline lakes, and traditional cuckoo clocks. It’s where deep cultural heritage meets stunning alpine landscapes.
This region is famous for its culinary excellence, from rich Black Forest Gateau to hearty local specialties. It is a haven for outdoor activities, offering magnificent hiking, winter sports, and spa towns like Baden-Baden.
Most Popular Attractions
Natural Wonders & Scenic Drives
- Feldberg: The highest mountain in the Black Forest, offering year-round activities from hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowshoeing.
- Titisee: A picturesque, glacier-formed lake perfect for swimming, boating, and scenic walks along the shore.
- Schluchsee: The largest lake in the Black Forest, a reservoir known for its deep, clear water and excellent windsurfing conditions.
- Triberg Waterfalls: Germany’s highest waterfalls, cascading in seven stages; they are particularly impressive after heavy rain or snowmelt.
- Wutach Gorge (Wutachschlucht): A spectacular, deep canyon known as the “Grand Canyon of the Black Forest,” a haven for challenging hiking.
- Belchen: The fourth-highest peak, offering arguably the best panoramic views of the Rhine valley, the Vosges mountains, and the Alps.
- Schauinsland: A mountain near Freiburg accessible by Germany’s longest circulating cable car, offering superb views and a mountaintop museum.
- Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße): One of Germany’s oldest and most scenic tourist routes, running through the heart of the region’s high peaks and forests.
Historic & Cultural Centers
- Freiburg im Breisgau: The vibrant, sunny regional capital, famous for its historic Old Town, miniature water channels (Bächle), and the Gothic Freiburg Minster (Münster).
- Staufen im Breisgau: A charming medieval town known for its half-timbered houses and historic castle ruins that tower over the center.
- Gengenbach: Often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Germany, with its perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and historic market square.
- St. Peter in the Black Forest (Sankt Peter): A village centered around an impressive Baroque Benedictine monastery with a magnificent library and church.
- St. Blasien: Home to the magnificent St. Blasien Dom (Cathedral), a vast neoclassical church with one of the largest domes in Europe.
- Haslach im Kinzigtal: A historic mining town with a lovely Old Town and the Black Forest Open-Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof nearby.
Museums & Unique Attractions
- German Clock Museum (Deutsches Uhrenmuseum) in Furtwangen: Traces the history of timekeeping, with a focus on Black Forest cuckoo clocks.
- Black Forest Open-Air Museum (Vogtsbauernhof): Showcases the history and traditional architecture of the region with fully furnished, relocated farmhouses from the 16th-19th centuries.
- Steinwasen Park: A popular family park that combines wildlife enclosures with thrill rides like a summer toboggan run.
- Fasnacht Museum (Narrenschopf) in Bad Dürrheim: Dedicated to the traditions and elaborate costumes of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival (Fasnacht).
- Glassblowing Workshop (Glashütte) in Wolfach: A place where visitors can watch traditional glassblowers at work and purchase handmade glass art.
- House of 1000 Clocks (Haus der 1000 Uhren): A massive store and attraction in Triberg with an overwhelming array of cuckoo clocks and Black Forest souvenirs.
- Museum für Neue Kunst (Museum of New Art) in Freiburg: One of the most important museums for modern and contemporary art in the state.
- Europa-Park: While technically just north of the Southern Black Forest in Rust, it is a massive, highly popular theme park and one of the largest in Europe.
- Eugen-Keidel Tower: A 30.5-meter observation tower on the Schauinsland mountain providing 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Feldberg: Summit the highest peak in the Black Forest (and in all of Germany outside the Alps). Choose from various trails, from easy scenic walks around the summit to more challenging long-distance routes.
Marvel at the Triberg Waterfalls: Visit Germany’s highest waterfalls near the village of Triberg. Walk the tiered paths to see the water cascade over multiple drops into the valley below.
Experience a Cuckoo Clock Workshop: Tour a traditional workshop in Triberg or Schonach to see how authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks are hand-carved and assembled.
Cycle the Southern Black Forest Cycle Path: Rent an e-bike or traditional bicycle and ride a section of this well-marked path, which takes you through valleys, past farms, and alongside the Wutach Gorge.
Take a Boat Trip on Lake Titisee: Enjoy a leisurely cruise or rent a paddleboat on this beautiful, high-altitude natural lake, the largest in the region.
Explore the City of Freiburg im Breisgau: Visit this vibrant university city, wandering its medieval Old Town, seeing the Gothic Münster (Cathedral), and exploring the quaint “Bächle” (small water-filled runnels).
Hike the Wutach Gorge (Wutachschlucht): Trek through one of Germany’s most impressive canyons, known for its deep ravines, wild river, and unique biodiversity.
Go Tobogganing at the Hasenhorn Coaster: Enjoy a fun, fast ride on the all-weather roller coaster near the town of Todtnau, which plunges down the hillside.
Indulge in a Black Forest Gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) Tasting: Visit a local bakery (Bäckerei or Konditorei) to sample the authentic, kirsch-soaked version of this iconic dessert.
Take a Scenic Drive on the B500: Drive a portion of the famous Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Black Forest High Road), specifically the southern section, for stunning views and stops at scenic overlooks.
Visit the Open-Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof: Step back in time at this open-air museum in Gutach, where you can explore authentic, historic Black Forest farmhouses, see traditional crafts, and learn about rural life.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is King: Due to the rural, mountainous nature of the region, having a car is by far the most flexible and efficient way to explore the Southern Black Forest. This allows you to easily reach trailheads, remote villages, and scenic viewpoints.
The KONUS Guest Card: A massive benefit for visitors! If you stay at a participating accommodation (most are), you receive the KONUS Guest Card. This card grants free use of all local public transport (buses and regional trains, excluding long-distance IC/ICE trains) throughout the entire Black Forest region, making day trips and travel between towns completely free of charge.
Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn): Take a scenic journey on this historic railway line, which runs from Offenburg through the heart of the Black Forest to Singen. It’s a spectacular example of railway engineering with many tunnels and viaducts.
Buses: The bus network is well-coordinated with the train network and is essential for connecting to smaller villages and popular hiking areas not directly served by the train. Remember, the KONUS card makes these free.
Embrace the Trails: The Black Forest is a paradise for hikers, with a vast, incredibly well-signposted network of trails. Look for the yellow diamonds for local trails and the colored diamonds for long-distance routes. Always have sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
Lunch is the Main Meal: Similar to many parts of Germany, the main hot meal (Mittagessen) is traditionally eaten around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Many traditional restaurants (Gasthäuser or Gasthöfe) offer a set lunch menu that is both affordable and hearty. Dinner is often lighter.
The Importance of the Vesper: Don’t miss out on a Vesper (pronounced “fess-per”). This is a traditional, hearty afternoon or evening cold platter, often consisting of cured meats, smoked bacon (Schwarzwälder Schinken – Black Forest Ham), cheese, pickles, and rye bread. It’s the local alternative to a full sit-down dinner.
Authentic Cuckoo Clocks: If you buy a cuckoo clock, look for the Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Association (VDS) shield. This is a guarantee that the clock mechanism is entirely made in the region. The clocks sold in tourist shops without this mark are often mass-produced imports.
Hidden Gems:
St. Peter’s Abbey (Kloster St. Peter auf dem Schwarzwald): This stunning baroque church and former Benedictine monastery is a peaceful and beautiful stop with exceptional architecture.
Rötenbach Gorge (Rötenbachschlucht): A lesser-known, quieter alternative to the busy Wutach Gorge. It offers a spectacular, deep canyon hike with wooden footbridges and powerful waterfalls.
The Schauinsland Cable Car: Take Germany’s longest circulating cable car up the Schauinsland mountain near Freiburg for breathtaking panoramic views across the Rhine Valley to the French Vosges mountains.
Gengenbach: A picturesque, beautifully preserved medieval town that served as a filming location for the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s known for its half-timbered houses and beautiful town hall.
Language: While English is spoken in most tourist centers, venturing into smaller villages will require a few basic German phrases. Guten Tag (Good day), Danke (Thank you), and Auf Wiedersehen (Goodbye) go a long way. The local dialect is Alemannic, which can be quite thick!
Top Restaurants
Gasthaus zur Sonne, Hinterzarten [$20-$40] – A classic, cozy Black Forest inn known for its excellent regional specialties like deer goulash, Schäufele (smoked pork shoulder), and traditional hospitality.
Wirtshaus zum Falken, Freiburg [$20-$35] – A historic, rustic tavern in Freiburg that is popular with locals for its hearty German dishes, Swabian favorites, and large selection of local beers.
Waldgasthaus Zur Wanderlust, Titisee-Neustadt [$25-$45] – Located deep in the forest, this highly-rated spot is perfect after a hike, serving traditional, elevated regional cuisine with excellent views.
Gasthaus Adler, Staufen im Breisgau [$20-$40] – A charming, centuries-old inn in the picturesque town of Staufen, known for traditional German dishes, a lovely beer garden, and a strong local following.
Bären-Hof, Todtnau [$20-$35] – A historic family-run restaurant that emphasizes regional products, serving classic Black Forest dishes with a focus on quality and tradition.
Gasthaus Schwanen, Bernau im Schwarzwald [$25-$45] – Located in the high valley of Bernau, this restaurant is known for its venison and game dishes sourced from the local forests, as well as classic regional trout.
Ochsen, Glottertal [$20-$40] – Situated in the famous wine valley of Glottertal, this traditional Gasthaus offers both local Black Forest comfort food and excellent wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Rebstock, Elzach [$20-$35] – A beloved local institution offering classic Baden and Black Forest food, known for large portions and a welcoming, authentic atmosphere.
Gasthaus Blume, Feldberg [$25-$40] – A traditional mountain inn that is popular with hikers and skiers, serving hearty German meals, especially the famous Schwarzwälder Vesper (cold meat platter).
Zum Deutschen Haus, Löffingen [$20-$35] – A long-standing, unpretentious restaurant known for its focus on local ingredients and specialties, including game dishes and homemade noodles.
Zirbelstube, Hinterzarten [$50-$80] – Part of the luxury Parkhotel Adler, this traditional yet refined restaurant offers high-quality regional cuisine in an elegant Black Forest setting.
Colombi Hotel Zirbel- und Falkenstube, Freiburg [$80-$120] – This Michelin-starred restaurant complex in Freiburg offers a top-tier dining experience with creative, modern takes on classic German and international cuisine.
Adler-Post, Bonndorf im Schwarzwald [$40-$70] – A family-run hotel restaurant with a Gault&Millau mention, offering creative, modern German dishes with a strong regional focus.
Restaurant Storchen, Titisee-Neustadt [$40-$60] – An upscale restaurant focusing on Baden cuisine, with a modern flair and emphasis on seasonal, fresh ingredients, particularly fish from the local lakes.
Sonne, Kirchzarten [$50-$80] – A highly-regarded spot just outside Freiburg, focusing on excellent, creative gourmet cuisine with roots in the Baden and Black Forest traditions.
Krone, St. Märgen [$40-$70] – Located near the famous monastery, this restaurant offers refined, inventive cuisine that blends local ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques.
Fischhaus Titisee, Titisee [$30-$50] – While in a tourist hotspot, this restaurant is genuinely known for its excellent fresh fish, especially the trout and pike-perch from Lake Titisee and surrounding waters, prepared simply and excellently.
Wolfshöhle, Freiburg [$60-$90] – A small, intimate fine-dining restaurant in Freiburg known for its innovative, French-influenced cuisine and excellent wine pairings.
Alemannenhof, Titisee-Neustadt [$40-$60] – Situated with a beautiful view of Lake Titisee, this restaurant offers upscale, inventive interpretations of classic regional cuisine.
Fuchsenstube im Gasthaus zum Hirschen, Feldberg [$40-$60] – Located in the mountain village of Feldberg-Bärental, this spot offers excellent, refined Black Forest cuisine focusing on game and seasonal produce.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Cohibar (Freiburg im Breisgau): A central institution in Freiburg’s nightlife for over 20 years, renowned for its excellent cocktails and quick long drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Maria Bar (Freiburg im Breisgau): Located centrally, this spot serves as both a laid-back bar and a popular pre-club venue, known for its burgers, beer, and later-night dancing.
NEKO Bar.Club (Freiburg im Breisgau): Perched on the 17th floor of the central train station tower, this bar offers a spectacular 360-degree view over the rooftops of Freiburg, perfect for enjoying a high-end cocktail in a lounge atmosphere.
Frederics Cocktailclub (Freiburg im Breisgau): Found in the city center, this club offers a diverse cocktail menu that takes guests on a global journey, often accompanied by regular live events.
The Great Räng Teng Teng (Freiburg im Breisgau): Located in the Altstadt, this bar offers a unique saloon-style atmosphere and hosts various themed events and parties.
Harmonie Keller (Freiburg im Breisgau): Set in a beautiful vaulted cellar in the city, this venue provides a special ambiance for enjoying drinks and dancing to different music genres.
Bar & Cigar Lounge (Baiersbronn, Traube Tonbach): An elegant and sophisticated hotel bar in the renowned Traube Tonbach hotel in the Northern part of the region, offering expertly crafted classic and signature cocktails and an extensive selection of spirits.
Vital Bar (Donaueschingen, Der Öschberghof): Located within the luxurious wellness area of Der Öschberghof hotel, this bar offers light snacks and a variety of drinks, including cocktails, which can be enjoyed on the adjoining terrace or by the pool.
Restaurant & Bar 1760 (Lörrach): Found in the Hotel Stadt Lörrach, this is a stylish bar with a casual atmosphere, popular among locals for an after-work aperitif or a relaxed evening drink.
Parkfront (Lörrach): Part of the IMPULSIV sports and event center, this is a casual and friendly spot with long tables and benches, perfect for drinks and snacks.
BLACK FOREST LOUNGE (Lörrach): Also at IMPULSIV, this lounge is an ideal location for a special aperitif, specializing in Black Forest tapas and Black Forest Gin.
Beach20 (Lörrach): A beach bar at IMPULSIV, offering tasty cocktails in a unique beach setting, available for private summer parties and events.
Bar Apart (Titisee-Neustadt): Located in the Parkhotel Waldeck near the Titisee lake, this large lounge with a fireplace is known for its excellent, freshly prepared classic and signature cocktails.
Poolbar palm oasis (Titisee, Badeparadies Schwarzwald): An indoor and outdoor pool bar within the tropical ‘Palmenoase’ spa area, allowing guests to enjoy exotic cocktails in 33°C warm water.
Bistro Door Knocker (Titisee-Neustadt): A local bistro in the Neustadt area, serving as a casual spot for drinks and meeting up.
Slow Club (Freiburg im Breisgau): An independent cultural center that hosts concerts, parties, readings, and various cultural events, known for its diverse and alternative programming.
Agar Disco (Freiburg im Breisgau): A popular disco for dancing to a mix of Charts, Classics, Black, Oldies, and House music.
Velvet Club Málaga (Freiburg im Breisgau): Offers a high-end club experience with live events, sometimes open-air, catering to a sophisticated adult crowd.
Mamita Club (Freiburg im Breisgau): Specializes in Latin beats and dancing, located centrally in Freiburg’s old town.
Drifter’s Club (Freiburg im Breisgau): The prime destination for electro and electronic music lovers in the city.
Hans-Bunte-Areal (Freiburg im Breisgau): A large club with multiple floors and a spacious outdoor area, hosting various party concepts.
ELPI (Freiburg im Breisgau): One of the oldest and smaller clubs in the Freiburg Altstadt, popular among students for its good music, friendly atmosphere, and fair prices.
Tacheles (Freiburg im Breisgau): A unique central venue that transitions from a restaurant and bar during the day into a club on Friday and Saturday nights.
Jazzhaus Freiburg (Freiburg im Breisgau): Known as one of the best locations for live music in the region, featuring a wide array of musical genres and events, and also hosting occasional parties.
Notlösung – Bar & Club (Lörrach): A dedicated bar and club venue in Lörrach, often hosting various events and known as a central spot for nightlife in the area.