25 Best things to do in the Black Forest, Germany, in 5 days or more

Introduction

Guten tag! Welcome to Germany and the Black Forest, or “Schwarzwald“ in German. The Black Forest is one of Germany’s largest forested mountain ranges. It is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, in southwest Germany, and is bounded by the Rhine Valley, France, and Switzerland.

As we live in Strasbourg (France), the Black Forest is only 1h30min away, and we have been there many times for hiking, long weekends, or small holidays.

Our last visit there was in February 2025 for Tina’s birthday and the final gateway before Milo’s arrival. We spent 3 days near Feldberg, where we had an amazing time as it was still snowy there. But before that, we also spent a few days there in July 2023 while Tina was pregnant with our first son, Poppy.

In between, we have also been in the Black Forest for single-day hikes.

In this article, we have gathered all the best things to do in the Black Forest from all our times there. So, if you are considering visiting the Black Forest, then this article is for you.

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden

Getting there

As the Black Forest is located in southwest Germany, near the borders of France and Switzerland, it is easily accessible from Germany, France, and Switzerland.

To get there you can first fly or take a train to:

• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Stuttgart Airport (STR)
• EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)
• Strasbourg Airport (SXB)

From there, your best bet is to rent a car. Even if the Black Forest is well connected with trains and buses and you get a free Konus card (public transportation card) when staying in the Black Forest, you are somehow not as free as with a car.

From the airport, it takes approximately:

• Frankfurt – Black Forest: 2-3 hours
• Stuttgart – Black Forest: 1-2 hours
• Munich – Black Forest: 3-4 hours
• Strasbourg – Black Forest: 1-2 hours

Moving Around

The best way to move around the Black Forest is by car. Driving is the most flexible way to explore at your own pace. It allows you to visit remote villages, scenic roads, and hidden gems.

You can easily rent a car at the airports or any major cities: Freiburg, Baden-Baden, Offenburg, Stuttgart, or Strasbourg

If you prefer to avoid driving, then you public transportation is also an option/ Germany’s Deutsche Bahn (DB) network connects major towns and villages in the Black Forest. If you stay in any hotels or guesthouses, you should receive a Free Konus Card, allowing free public transportation on regional trains and buses throughout the Black Forest.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

The Black Forest is a year-round destination, offering different experiences each season. We have been there for each and all are beautiful:

• Spring (March-May): Best for Mild Weather & Fewer Crowds. Temperatures: 5°C – 18°C (41°F – 64°F). At that time nature comes alive with blooming flowers. It is the perfect time for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring villages without the summer crowds.
• Summer (June-August): Best for Outdoor Activities. Temperatures: 18°C – 30°C (64°F – 86°F). At that time, you can expect warm weather, long daylight hours, and lively festivals. It is the perfect time for hiking, cycling, swimming in lakes (like Titisee & Schluchsee), and wine tastings But it is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded spots.
• Autumn (September-November): Best for Fall Colors & Wine Season. Temperatures: 8°C – 22°C (46°F – 72°F).  The Black Forest turns into a stunning mix of red, orange, and gold. It is a great time for wine tasting on the Baden Wine Route, scenic train rides, and hiking. However, you will have cooler temperatures and shorter days.
• Winter (December-February): Best for Christmas Markets, Snow Sports, and slow days. Temperatures: -5°C – 5°C (23°F – 41°F). The Black Forest turns into a winter wonderland with cozy Christmas markets and snowy ski resorts. It is the perfect time for skiing (Feldberg), snowshoeing, thermal spas, and Christmas markets (Freiburg, Baden-Baden). However, not everything may be open.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

This will depend on when you are visiting and whether you are staying in one place or doing a road trip.

Our last visit there was in winter and we stayed 4 days in Feldberg, the highest place in the Black Forest and the perfect base to visit the south of the Black Forest including Feldberg mountain, Titisee, Schluchsee or even the Rhine Waterfalls located in Switzerland.

• (€): Schwarzwald-Hotel Kraeutle
• (€€): Köhlerei am See
• (€€€): SCHWARZENBACH – Apartments & Rooftop Pool
• Airbnb: Emma’s Apartment

For visiting the North of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden’s area is a great base:

• (€): Boutique Charme Apartment
• (€€): Hotel Rebenhof
• (€€€): Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa – an Oetker Collection Hotel

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden

What to Eat

The Black Forest is not only known for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich culinary traditions, from hearty German dishes to world-famous desserts. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

• Dumplings: Large stuffed pasta dumplings. For vegetarians and meat lovers.
• Spätzle: soft egg noodles typical in southern Germany, served as a side dish or with cheese (Käsespätzle).
• Black Forest Cake: The most famous dessert from the Black Forest.
• Black Forest Trout: Often served grilled, smoked, or pan-fried with butter, lemon, and herbs, and accompanied by potatoes or vegetables
• Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel): Though more commonly associated with Austria, apple strudel is also a popular dessert in the Black Forest.

Best things to do in the Black Forest

Fribourg-en-Brisgau

Freiburg, often called the gateway to the Black Forest, is a charming university town that we passed many times but never stopped until one day. And what a mistake it was not to stop.

We loved Freiburg’s Altstadt (Old Town), its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, colorful houses, stunning Gothic cathedral called Minster, and cozy parks.

Be sure to stroll around the old town, enjoy a delicious and healthy bowl at Mamahe with a local coffee, and don’t forget to step over the Bächle—the tiny water channels running through the streets.

Tip: Join this shared group walking tour to discover Freiburg’s old town.

Titisee Lake

Lake Titisee is one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in the Black Forest and was most probably the first place we visited years ago in the Black Forest.

Famous for its town (Titisee-Neustadt) and cozy mountain vibes, it is a place we like in the Black Forest. We would recommend making the 2h walks around the lake and end with a delicious meal at Hotel Treschers.

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden

Feldberg Mountain

At 1,493 meters, Feldberg is the highest mountain in the Black Forest and most probably the most beautiful part of the Black Forest. It is the perfect place to hike in summer and hike/ski in winter.

Be sure to hike from the Feldberg ski center to the Feldbergturm (Feldberg Tower) to get stunning panoramic views with the Alps in the background.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Schluchsee

Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest, so we won’t be hiking all around it unless you are feeling for a real adventure. But rest assured, you can also walk some part of it.

In 2023, we stay directly in Schulsee, at. Parkhotel Flora while Tina was pregnant with our first son Poppy. And it was a nice base as well. Walking around town, though quick, is pleasurable.

Windgfällweiher

Windgfällweiher is a small reservoir lake lying in a hollow formed by ice age glaciation. The circular trail going all around Windgfällweiher is nice for a leisurely walk of about 1h.

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden

Rhine Waterfalls (Switzerland)

Although not in the Black Forest itself, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is just a short drive away and is Europe’s largest waterfall. With a width of 150 meters and a drop of 23 meters, it’s an impressive natural wonder.

It is also the perfect day trip from the Black Forest. Once on-site, be sure to take a boat tour to get as close as possible to the waterfall. And later walk to Laufen Castle to see the falls from another perspective.

Tip: Here is the complete boat tour we did

Triberg and its waterfall

Triberg is another one of the most famous towns in the Black Forest. The town is known two things: its cuckoo clocks, and Germany’s highest waterfall.

The Triberg Waterfall drops 163 meters down several tiers. Multiple trails allow you to admire this natural wonder. Unfortunately, they are not all open in winter.

Triberg is also home to the House of 1,000 Clocks, an impressive shop where you can admire and buy traditional Black Forest cuckoo clocks.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Blackforestline (Suspension Bridge)

The Black Forest Line Suspension Bridge (Blackforestline Hängebrücke) is one of the newest attractions in the Black Forest. This cool suspension bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views over the treetops, valleys, and mountains.

Spanning over 450 meters, the Blackforestline Suspension Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Germany. It stands 120 meters above the ground.

Todtnauer Wasserfälle

The Todtnauer Wasserfälle is actually located at the same place as the Blackforestline. You even see it from the suspension bridge. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Black Forest, cascading 97 meters down rocky cliffs. You can access it via a short hiking trail.

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden

Europa Park & Rutlantica

Europa Park, located near Rust, is Germany’s largest and most famous theme park. It’s often ranked as one of the best amusement parks in the world and features roller coasters, water rides, and themed areas representing different European countries.

We have been there many times and on various occasions such as Halloween, a visit of Tina’s family (with young kids), or just with friends. It is a place for everyone.

Recently, Europe Park opened a new water park called Rulantica, with a total area of 450,000 m², and a maximum capacity of 5,000 visitors per day, it is one massive park-based theme after the Norwegian Sea island

Tip: Don’t forget your ticket for Europa Park

Badeparadies Schwarzwald

Now that we are talking about water parks, Badeparadies Schwarzwald, located near Titisee Lake, is one of the best spa and water parks in Germany. The park offers various settings to accommodate everyone.

• The Palmenoase (Palm Oasis) provides a tranquil atmosphere with heated mineral pools, jacuzzis, and pool bars where you can sip cocktails while floating in warm water.
• The WellnessOase offers a variety of saunas, steam baths, and thermal pools, perfect for a spa retreat.
• The Galaxy Schwarzwald features over 25 waterslides, including high-speed slides, wave pools, and a free-fall slide.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden, located in the north of the Black Forest is a historic spa town, famous for its thermal baths, elegant casinos, and luxurious hotels.

The Caracalla Spa and Friedrichsbad Roman-Irish Bath are amongst the best places to relax in mineral-rich thermal waters.

But that’s not all that Baden-Baden has to offer, it also has a charming old town and many beautiful hikes to get to.

Tip: We hike with Osprey backpacks and can’t recommend them enough — the Talon 44 and Tempest 40 are comfortable, durable, and great for any adventure.

Sasbachwalden

Sasbachwalden is a small, picturesque village known for its half-timbered houses, flower-filled streets, and excellent vineyards.

But that’s not why we like Sasbachwalden. For us, Sasbachwalden is the base of our favorite hike in the Black Forest: Alde Gott Panorama Trail. An amazing 11km loop that goes around Sasbachwalden and is Vineyard. We even have a dedicated article bout it.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Belchen

Now that we are talking about hiking, Belchen is one of the most scenic mountains we hiked in the Black Forest. Its summit offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views at 1,414-meter altitude.

On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Swiss Alps and the Vosges Mountains in France.

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden

Baiersbronn

Baiersbronn is a small town in the Murgtal Valley and is home to world-renowned chefs and offers some of the finest dining experiences in the country. However, we never tried them but instead hiked around town which was nice

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Source of the Breg

The Source of the Breg (Bregquelle) is the official and highest source of the Danube River, located in the Black Forest near Furtwangen. The Breg River is the longest headstream of the Danube, making this a significant historical and geographical site.

To be honest, we would have never known this place if it wasn’t for Tina’s brother who wanted to see it.

Donaueschingen

And to continue with the Danuble, Donaueschingen, a historic town in the Black Forest famous for being the official source of the Danube River and home to the Donauquelle (Danube Spring), a beautifully designed water basin where the Brigach and Breg rivers meet to form the Danube.

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden

More things to do in the Black Forest:

The places below are on our travel list. We haven’t been there yet but we believe you should consider them

Ravenna Gorge

The Ravennaschlucht (Ravenna Gorge) is a steep and rocky valley known for its picturesque stone viaduct and stunning natural scenery. The hiking trails in the area lead through dense forests, past waterfalls, and over wooden bridges, making it one of the most scenic spots in the Black Forest. In December, the Christmas Market under the viaduct is a magical experience.

Wutach Gorge

The Wutachschlucht (Wutach Gorge) is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Black Forest” due to its dramatic rock formations and deep valley. It’s one of the best hiking destinations in the region, with trails passing cascading waterfalls, cliffs, and wild forests. The main trail is about 13 km long and takes around 5 hours to complete.

Open Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof

The Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum is the perfect place to experience traditional Black Forest life. We are huge fans of Open air museum since visiting them in Latvia and Serbia.

The Black  Forest Museum features centuries-old farmhouses, barns, and mills, giving insight into how people lived and worked in the region long ago.

Treetop Walk Black Forest

The Treetop Walk (Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald) offers a spectacular view of the Black Forest from above. We did a similar one in Alsace and it was amazing. This one has a 1,250-meter-long wooden walkway that winds through the forest canopy, leading to a 40-meter-high observation tower with breathtaking panoramic views.

Hohenbaden Castle

The Hohenbaden Castle, also known as Altes Schloss, is a medieval fortress overlooking Baden-Baden. The ruins offer stunning views of the Rhine Valley and the surrounding Black Forest.

Geroldsau Waterfall

The Geroldsau Waterfall is a small but stunning waterfall near Baden-Baden. It’s an easy hike through a gorge. The trail is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

Staufen Castle

Perched on a hill above the charming town of Staufen, Staufen Castle (Burg Staufen) is a medieval fortress ruin offering panoramic views over the Black Forest and Rhine Valley. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle was originally built as a fortified stronghold for the Lords of Staufen.

Heidelberg and its Castle

Even if not in the Black Forest, Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, famous for its romantic Old Town, historic university, and the stunning Heidelberg Castle. And it is just a short drive away from the Black Foret.

Here are all your accommodation options in Feldberg, Titisee, Schluchsee and Baden-Baden