THE CENTRAL BLACK FOREST
The Central Black Forest, or Mittlerer Schwarzwald, is Germany’s quintessential fairy-tale landscape. It’s a land of dense, dark spruce forests, rolling hills, and deep valleys punctuated by charming villages.
This core region blends iconic cuckoo clock culture, traditional half-timbered houses, and a deep-rooted history of craftsmanship and gastronomy, inviting visitors to explore its unique blend of nature and heritage.
Most Popular Attractions
Black Forest Nature & Drives:
Schwarzwaldhochstraße (B500): The most famous scenic road, offering spectacular views, hiking trails, and access to mountain lakes and spa towns.
Triberger Wasserfälle (Triberg Waterfalls): Germany’s highest waterfalls, accessible via multiple picturesque hiking trails through the forest.
Mummelsee: A beautiful, legendary, glacial lake on the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, a popular stop for boat rentals and hiking.
Hornisgrinde: The highest mountain in the northern Black Forest, offering panoramic views from its observation tower.
Kinzig Valley (Kinzigtal): A picturesque valley dotted with traditional farmhouses and a major artery through the region.
Blindsee: A secluded mountain lake near the Triberg region, known for its tranquil beauty and challenging hiking.
Burgbach Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall deep in the forest near Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Germany.
Schuttertal: A quiet, less-traveled valley known for its unspoiled nature and authentic Black Forest charm.
Culture, Towns, & Craftsmanship:
Triberg (The Town): Famous as the home of the waterfalls and the heart of the cuckoo clock industry.
Deutsches Uhrenmuseum (German Clock Museum), Furtwangen: An extensive museum tracing the history of timepieces, particularly the iconic Black Forest cuckoo clock.
Gengenbach: A stunning, perfectly preserved medieval town with half-timbered houses, often called the “Rothenburg of the Black Forest.”
Gutach Open-Air Museum (Vogtsbauernhof): A complex of historic Black Forest farms, showing centuries of rural life, architecture, and craftsmanship.
Schiltach: A remarkably well-preserved town with a beautiful market square and half-timbered facades dating back to the 16th century.
Wolfach: Known for its historic glassworks (Glashütte) where visitors can watch glass blowing demonstrations.
The World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock (Schonach): A massive, functioning cuckoo clock house, a popular, quirky photo stop.
Oberwolfach: Home to the Mineral and Math Museum, dedicated to the region’s mining and scientific heritage.
Historic Sites & Wellness:
Allerheiligen Abbey Ruins: The atmospheric ruins of a former monastery, set in a peaceful valley with nearby waterfalls.
Freudenstadt Marktplatz: Germany’s largest market square, surrounded by Renaissance-style arcaded houses.
Baden-Baden (Near North Central): While technically Northern Black Forest, its proximity makes it a key attraction, famous for its Roman-style thermal baths and casino.
Sasbachwalden: A beautiful wine-growing village known for its half-timbered houses and excellent vineyards along the western edge of the forest.
Haslach im Kinzigtal: A historic town known for its unique ‘Trachten’ (traditional costumes) and its historical railway station.
Rötenbach Ravine (Rötenbachschlucht): A picturesque gorge near Friedenweiler, popular for hiking with small bridges and waterfalls.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Westweg Trail: Tackle sections of Germany’s oldest long-distance trail, which runs through the heart of the Central Black Forest, offering spectacular views and diverse forest landscapes.
Take a Cuckoo Clock Workshop: Visit a traditional clockmaker in Triberg or Schonach to learn about the intricate mechanisms and even try your hand at carving or assembly.
Drive the Schwarzwaldhochstraße (B500): Experience one of Germany’s most beautiful scenic routes, stopping at viewpoints, the Mummelsee, and various small mountain inns.
Visit a Glass Blowing Studio: Stop at the Glashütte in Wolfach to watch live demonstrations of traditional glass blowing and browse the intricate finished products.
Savor Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte): Go on a quest to taste the most authentic version of this iconic cake, made with local cherries, Kirschwasser, and fresh cream, often in a small village bakery.
Hike to the Triberg Waterfalls: Explore the multiple trails around Germany’s highest waterfalls, allowing you to view the cascades from various picturesque angles.
Cycle the Kinzig Valley: Rent a bike and ride along the Kinzig River, passing through charming historic towns like Schiltach and Wolfach, offering a gentle, scenic route.
Take a Kirschwasser (Cherry Schnapps) Tasting: Visit a local distillery (Brennerei) to sample the powerful, clear cherry brandy that is a regional specialty and a key ingredient in the Black Forest Cake.
Explore the Open-Air Museum: Spend a day at the Vogtsbauernhof (Gutach) to step back in time, tour authentic centuries-old farmhouses, and watch traditional craftspeople at work.
Hike the Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht): A picturesque and slightly challenging hike near Hinterzarten, featuring a rushing stream, railway viaduct, and steep forest paths.
Try Forest Bathing (Waldbaden): Participate in a guided nature experience or simply immerse yourself in the famously dense, healing air of the Black Forest woods.
Relax in a Spa Town: Visit a nearby spa like Baden-Baden (Northern edge) or Freudenstadt and enjoy the thermal waters and wellness treatments, a tradition in the region.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential: The Central Black Forest is best explored by car, as many of the most beautiful natural sights, remote hiking trailheads, and traditional villages are not well-served by public transport. The scenic B500 road is a must-drive.
Koni Card Benefit: Staying at a participating hotel or guesthouse provides a free KONUS Guest Card. This card grants free use of all public transport (buses and trains) within the entire Black Forest holiday region, making it easy and free to travel between major towns like Triberg, Gengenbach, and Freudenstadt.
Local Trains: The regional train network, particularly the Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn), is incredibly scenic. It runs from Offenburg through the Kinzig Valley to the eastern part of the forest, offering a relaxing way to see the landscape.
Cycling: The region has numerous well-maintained, often flat, cycling paths, especially along the valleys (like the Kinzig Valley). E-bike rentals are widely available due to the region’s hilly nature.
Understand the Forest: The “Black” in Black Forest comes from the dense spruce and fir trees that block out much of the light. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and misty conditions, even in summer. Always stay on marked trails for safety.
Embrace the Vesper: The local equivalent of a snack or a light meal is the Vesper (often eaten mid-morning or mid-afternoon). It typically consists of hearty smoked ham (Schwarzwälder Schinken), rye bread, and local cheese, often accompanied by Most (local apple cider) or a local beer.
Dining Times: Germans tend to eat dinner earlier than in Spain, typically between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Many rural restaurants may close their kitchens relatively early (around 9:00 PM), so plan your evening meals accordingly.
Honesty Stalls (Hofläden): Look for small, unmanned stalls at the side of the road near farms. These are honesty stalls where you can buy fresh local produce, eggs, or even schnapps, paying by dropping money into a designated box.
Hidden Gems
Schiltach’s Market Square: Skip the more crowded squares and visit the beautiful, smaller market square of Schiltach, one of the best-preserved ensembles of half-timbered houses.
The Black Forest Torte (Cake) Route: Don’t just eat the cake; follow the informal route that highlights bakeries, farms, and restaurants famous for their traditional Kirschtorte.
Allerheiligen Waterfalls and Ruins: A quieter stop on the B500 than the Triberg Falls, these picturesque waterfall cascades are next to the ruins of a historic, moss-covered monastery.
Gengenbach’s Adventskalender (Advent Calendar): If visiting during the Christmas season (late November/December), the entire facade of Gengenbach’s historic Town Hall transforms into the world’s largest Advent calendar, with a new window revealing an artwork each evening.
Top Restaurants
Der Engel [$30-$50] – Established in 1764, this family-run inn in a picturesque location offers a menu of carefully prepared regional Black Forest and Baden specialties.
Gasthaus zur Krone [$25-$40] – A charming and authentic village inn, likely to be found in smaller towns like Biengen, serving classic, hearty German and regional cuisine.
Wirtshaus zur Sonne [$25-$40] – Found in various towns, a traditional “Wirtshaus” or tavern known for regional classics such as Zwiebelrostbraten (roasted beef with onions) and Maultaschen (German stuffed pasta).
Klösterle Hof [$25-$40] – A cozy restaurant, often in a traditional Black Forest house, focused on local and seasonal Baden-Württemberg cuisine, including homemade Maultaschen.
Gasthaus Sternen Post [$20-$35] – A classic, often historical, German guesthouse/restaurant known for traditional fare like Käsespätzle (cheese egg noodles) and a cozy, local atmosphere.
Zum Storchen [$25-$40] – A long-standing restaurant in a historic building, popular for authentic regional dishes and a commitment to Black Forest culinary traditions.
Gasthaus Staude [$20-$35] – Located in or near Triberg, this gastropub offers authentic German flavors and a blend of culinary delight and warm hospitality, popular with locals.
Gaststätte Bure Stube [$20-$35] – Found in towns like Münstertal, this spot emphasizes the rich flavors of traditional German cuisine in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
Vesper Stube [$15-$30] – Located in smaller towns like Seelbach, these are typically rustic, simple taverns or farm shops specializing in Vesper (a hearty snack of cold cuts, cheese, and bread).
Schwarzwälder Koch Restaurant [$25-$40] – Found in towns like Nordrach, this restaurant focuses on authentic Baden cuisine, a culinary experience steeped in local flavors and tradition.
Restaurant im Hotel Zum Ochsen [$25-$40] – A traditional German restaurant within a hotel setting in a town like Schönwald im Schwarzwald, offering classic regional dishes in a cozy environment.
Hotel & restaurant Imbery [$30-$50] – A traditional restaurant in St. Märgen offering regional dishes, often using high-quality local ingredients, in a pleasant setting.
Hotel-Restaurant Sonne St. Peter [$30-$50] – A well-regarded hotel restaurant in St. Peter, known for its refined take on regional German dishes and a welcoming ambiance.
Landgasthaus Bergblick [$25-$40] – Located in a scenic spot like Bernau im Schwarzwald, a traditional country inn offering regional cuisine with stunning views.
Waldrestaurant St. Valentin [$20-$35] – A picturesque excursion restaurant in the mountains near Freiburg, popular for its terrace, regional food, and beer garden atmosphere.
Wirtshaus zur Geroldsauer Mühle [$25-$45] – Located near the entrance to the Black Forest in Baden-Baden, a traditional, rustic German eatery with a chic, modern feel, focused on regional sourcing.
Berghütte Lauterbad [$15-$30] – A traditional mountain hut in the woods near Freudenstadt, offering regional delicacies like seasonal salads, cheese boards, and cold-cut platters, perfect after a hike.
Wipfel – Das Schwarzwald Restaurant [$30-$50] – A restaurant focusing on authentic Black Forest cuisine, where tradition meets breathtaking scenery, often utilizing local ingredients.
Forellenhof Buhlbach [$30-$50] – A trout farm and restaurant near Baiersbronn, specializing in incredibly fresh trout and other regional dishes in a unique, rural setting.
Waldrestaurant Zähringer Burg [$20-$35] – Located near Freiburg, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience amidst stunning natural beauty, often with a focus on simple, regional food.
Weber’s Esszeit – Christian Weber [$40-$70] – Located in Gutach, this spot offers a modern and exquisite dining experience, blending local flavors with a warm and contemporary hospitality.
Cocotte [$30-$55] – A Black Forest brasserie in Gengenbach, offering local Baden and Alsatian/French cuisine with a unique focus on cocotte (casserole) dishes, great for sharing.
Maltes Hidden Kitchen [$40-$70] – Found in Baden-Baden, this restaurant has a modern approach to fine dining, with a focus on outstanding, creative cuisine that is well-regarded by locals.
Wolfshöhle [$50-$80] – Located in Freiburg, this restaurant offers exquisite German cuisine with a fine dining approach, focusing on local flavors and contemporary presentation.
Fritz & Felix [$60-$90] – Located in Baden-Baden, this restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and fine wines in an elegant setting, known for culinary artistry and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Zirbelstube [$50-$80] – Found in Freiburg, this restaurant showcases culinary artistry, blending exquisite German cuisine with elegance in the heart of the city.
Rizzi [$40-$70] – Located in Baden-Baden, this restaurant offers a modern, chic approach to dining, moving away from old-world conventions and offering a more international or contemporary menu.
Oberkirchs Weinstuben [$35-$60] – Situated in a charming location in Freiburg, this spot offers a more refined and contemporary take on traditional German and Baden cuisine, often with a strong wine list.
Restaurant Klosterstüble [$30-$50] – Located in Schönwald, this gastropub offers authentic Black Forest cuisine in a modern yet cozy setting, often with a pleasant beer garden.
I-Küche [$30-$50] – A local favorite in a city like Freiburg, known for a modern, often seasonal, menu that reinterprets Baden and regional German cooking. (General name for a modern, well-regarded bistro/restaurant concept).
Schwarzwaldstube [$150-$300+] – A legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Baiersbronn, offering a contemporary interpretation of French classic cuisine with an unforgettable, luxurious experience.
Restaurant Bareiss [$150-$300+] – Another three-Michelin-starred institution in Baiersbronn, helmed by Chef Claus-Peter Lumpp, known for ornate and intricate French cuisine with regional influences in a plush setting.
Ösch Noir [$120-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant located at Der Öschberghof, offering excellent French dishes and modern culinary influences in a luxurious, architecturally striking environment.
Le Jardin de France [$80-$150] – Located in Baden-Baden, this restaurant specializes in elegant and imaginative French cuisine, often with an Alsatian influence, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a beautiful courtyard.
Gourmetrestaurant Schlossberg [$100-$200] – Located in Baiersbronn, this spot offers exquisite flavors and stunning views, focusing on culinary art and fine dining elegance.
Restaurant und Hotel Schwarzer Adler [$80-$150] – Found in Vogtsburg, this Michelin-starred restaurant is known for contemporary regional cooking and one of Germany’s most extensive wine lists.
Romantik Hotel Spielweg Restaurant [$70-$120] – Located in a luxurious hotel, this restaurant often features elevated, regional cuisine with a focus on local produce and a tranquil, upscale atmosphere.
Restaurant 1789 [$100-$180] – A refined dining experience in Baiersbronn, paying tribute to the establishment’s historic origins with an upscale, elegant menu.
Zirbelstube im Colombi Hotel [$80-$140] – A gourmet restaurant, often Michelin-recognized, in a central city like Freiburg, offering traditional German elegance and refined regional cuisine.
Schlossberg Restaurant [$70-$130] – Located in a scenic spot or historic building, this restaurant (like the one at Hotel Sackmann) offers fine dining with a regional focus and exceptional views.
Café König [$15-$25] – An ornate, centrally located café in Baden-Baden, perfect for indulging in the German Kaffee und Kuchen tradition, famous for Black Forest and other traditional cakes.
Oma’s Kuche [$20-$35] – A restaurant in Freiburg, translating to “Grandma’s Kitchen,” known for serving classic German comfort food, particularly well-prepared Maultaschen.
Hausbrauerei Feierling [$15-$25] – A local favorite brewery in Freiburg, serving its own popular local beer alongside simple, traditional German fare like pretzels and Flammkuchen in a lively setting.
Kastaniengarten Biergarten [$15-$25] – A popular beer garden in Freiburg, offering a relaxed atmosphere, great views, and traditional beer garden food like pretzels and Flammkuchen.
St. Wilhelmer Hütte [$15-$30] – A mountain hut (Hütte) near Feldberg, offering rustic, hearty regional dishes and a great place to stop for a break during a hike.
Schlappen [$15-$25] – A popular, casual student pub and restaurant in Freiburg known for being a great place to grab a Flammkuchen and soak up the local vibe.
Museumsrestaurant Hofengel [$20-$35] – Located in a place like Hausach, a restaurant offering authentic German cuisine surrounded by art and culture in a unique setting.
Weinstube im Baldreit [$20-$35] – A lively little wine bar in the Old Town of a city like Baden-Baden, offering excellent local wines, simple, good food, and a charming courtyard.
Die Reichsstadt Gengenbach – Brasserie [$30-$50] – Housed in a half-timbered building with views of the old town, offering a mix of regional and French-inspired dishes in a cozy, historical atmosphere.
Zwickel & Kaps [$25-$45] – Located in a beautiful Black Forest town like Alpirsbach, this popular spot is known as a steakhouse that proves delicious cuisine doesn’t have to come at huge prices.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Hemingway Cocktail Bar (Freiburg): Located in the elegant Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria in the city center, this bar has been serving first-class drinks and a large selection of exclusive spirits for decades. It features an elegant ambiance and a comfortable smoker’s lounge in a historic vaulted cellar.
Frederics Cocktail Club (Freiburg): Found on Leopoldring near the train station, this venue combines creative, story-driven cocktails with a vibrant jungle flair, offering a unique atmosphere in its vaulted cellar and tropical courtyard. It also hosts live music, DJs, and karaoke.
Juri’s Cocktail & Wine Bar (Freiburg): Situated near the Schwabentor, this spot offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with cushions and candles, specializing in both innovative cocktails and fine wines. It’s a great place to unwind after exploring the old town.
One Trick Pony (Freiburg): A trendy and atmospheric bar with experienced bartenders in the city center, known for its excellent cocktails and long drinks, making it a popular choice for a sophisticated night out.
O’Kellys (Freiburg): A welcoming Irish pub in the city center offering a cool vibe, great Guinness, and a friendly atmosphere. While not strictly a cocktail bar, it’s a social hub with a wide range of drinks.
Traube Tonbach Bar (Baiersbronn): An elegant bar and cigar lounge at the renowned Traube Tonbach Hotel in the northern part of the Central Black Forest. It offers first-class service and a diverse range of spirits and expertly crafted, elegant cocktails for a luxurious evening.
The Black Forest Bar (Freudenstadt – Inspired Concept): While some “Black Forest Bar” concepts are found outside the region (like in Hamburg), a visitor can find cocktail bars inspired by the region’s produce, often featuring local fruit brandies (Schwarzwald-Gin, Kirschwasser) in hotel bars throughout major towns like Freudenstadt or Offenburg.
Rooftop Bar Breuninger (Freiburg): This city-center location provides an elevated experience, perfect for enjoying cocktails or drinks with a view over Freiburg’s skyline.
Bar/Café Rondo (Baden-Baden): While Baden-Baden is slightly outside the core Central Black Forest, its luxury hotels offer sophisticated lounges. This bar often provides a stylish setting for evening drinks in the famous spa town.
Bar in Hotel Bareiss (Baiersbronn): Located in another one of the Black Forest’s top luxury hotels, this bar offers a high-end experience with a refined drink menu and elegant surroundings.
Whiskybar in der GenussWelt Rothaus (Grafenhausen): Located near the famous Rothaus brewery in the southern Black Forest, this spot is perfect for connoisseurs of fine spirits, offering a selection of whiskies in a cozy setting.
Schwarzwaldstuben (Freiburg): A popular restaurant and bar in Freiburg that provides a cozy, authentic Black Forest Stube atmosphere, serving local beers like Rothaus on tap and traditional drinks.
Theater Freiburg – TheaterBar (Freiburg): Located within the theater complex in the city center, this bar offers a cultural yet relaxed setting for pre-show or late-night drinks.
Enchilada Freiburg (Freiburg): A lively Mexican restaurant and bar near the city center that offers a wide array of margaritas and other classic cocktails with a festive atmosphere.
Markthalle (Freiburg): A vibrant food market and social hub near Martinstor that, while not a dedicated cocktail bar, has several stalls and bars where visitors can enjoy wine, beer, and simple mixed drinks in a lively, diverse setting.
AGAR Kneipe Club (Freiburg): A popular and inclusive spot known for its club nights and lively atmosphere. It’s centrally located and known for supporting different crowds and music styles.
La Luna Freiburg. Club (Freiburg): A premier disco club in the bustling heart of Freiburg, known for its dynamic atmosphere, energetic vibe, and colorful light shows. It’s a go-to spot for dancing until the early morning hours, typically featuring commercial hits and dance music.
Drifters Club (Freiburg): Located in Freiburg, this club is often associated with the electronic music scene, including techno and house. It’s a key venue for serious clubbers and often hosts regional and international DJs.
Beat Bar Butzemann (Freiburg): A small but fun spot in Freiburg, popular with students and the alternative crowd, where the party goes on as long as possible with a casual, high-energy atmosphere.
Jazzhaus Freiburg (Freiburg): While primarily a concert venue for jazz, rock, and world music, it often transforms into a club late at night, offering a unique venue for dancing with diverse music.
Fuchsenstüble (Freiburg): A popular and long-established club, often associated with student nightlife in Freiburg, known for themed parties and a relaxed atmosphere.
Waldsee (Freiburg): Located by the Waldsee lake just outside the city center, this venue serves as a restaurant, beer garden, and occasionally a club, especially in the summer, offering a scenic spot for a night out.
Schneewittchen (Freiburg): A nightclub and bar in Freiburg’s city center known for a diverse crowd and popular music hits, great for a fun, unpretentious night of dancing.
Kantine (Freiburg): Located in the cultural center E-Werk, this venue often hosts alternative music concerts and parties, providing a club experience for those looking for something outside the mainstream.
Klub KGB (Freiburg): A smaller, centrally located club in Freiburg known for its themed nights and diverse music genres, providing a cozy but intense party atmosphere.
Mensabar Freiburg (Freiburg): While a university cafeteria by day, it occasionally hosts student-run club nights and parties, which are known for being cheap and cheerful.
AGAR Kneipe Club (Freiburg): A popular spot known for its inclusive atmosphere and club nights, providing a mix of bar and club experience in the city.
Kamikaze (Offenburg): A well-known nightclub in the nearby city of Offenburg (just north of the Central Black Forest), offering a high-energy environment with mainstream and electronic music, drawing crowds from the wider region.