Germany
The Black Forest is the dark, hilly corner of south-west Germany where spruce woods climb from the Rhine plain to the open summit of the Feldberg, and where the cuckoo clock, the cherry cake and the thermal bath were all perfected.
This guide covers the sights worth planning a trip around: Freiburg's medieval old town and its lacework Münster, the Triberg waterfalls and the clock shops beside them, Lake Titisee, the Feldberg and the Schauinsland cable car, the Roman-Irish and modern baths of Baden-Baden, the Vogtsbauernhof farm museum and the rides of Europa-Park. Seasonal closures are stated plainly for November 2026, and the hotels run from a grand Baden-Baden address to a simple old town bed.
Triberg Waterfalls
Germany's highest waterfalls tumble 163 metres down seven rocky steps right beside the town of Triberg, with forest paths, red squirrels and an evening light show. It is a classic Black Forest stop that stays open all year.
Baden-Baden Thermal Baths: Caracalla Spa and Friedrichsbad
Baden-Baden has been a spa town since Roman times. Choose the modern Caracalla Spa for pools and saunas under a glass roof, or Friedrichsbad for a Victorian Roman-Irish bathing ritual. Both are open daily.
Lake Titisee
The Black Forest's best-known lake is a glacial basin ringed by spruce, with a lakeside promenade, boat trips, cuckoo clock shops and a lively village. It is easy to reach by rail from Freiburg and beautiful in every season.
Feldberg, the Black Forest Summit
At 1,493 metres, the Feldberg is the highest peak in the Black Forest and the region's winter sports centre. Cable car and tower views are the prize in summer, while the ski lifts normally open when snow arrives.
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Freiburg is the Black Forest's graceful university city: a compact medieval centre of cobbled lanes, gate towers and tiny water channels, crowned by a Gothic Münster whose lacework spire towers over the daily market.
Germany's highest waterfalls tumble 163 metres down seven rocky steps right beside the town of Triberg, with forest paths, red squirrels and an evening light show. It is a classic Black Forest stop that stays open all year.
FreeThe Black Forest's best-known lake is a glacial basin ringed by spruce, with a lakeside promenade, boat trips, cuckoo clock shops and a lively village. It is easy to reach by rail from Freiburg and beautiful in every season.
FreeAt 1,493 metres, the Feldberg is the highest peak in the Black Forest and the region's winter sports centre. Cable car and tower views are the prize in summer, while the ski lifts normally open when snow arrives.
Baden-Baden has been a spa town since Roman times. Choose the modern Caracalla Spa for pools and saunas under a glass roof, or Friedrichsbad for a Victorian Roman-Irish bathing ritual. Both are open daily.
The cuckoo clock is the Black Forest's most famous export, and Triberg is its heartland. The House of 1000 Clocks is a family-run shop with a huge range of clocks, free to browse, close to the waterfalls.
In the Gutach valley, a collection of centuries-old farmhouses, mills and workshops shows how Black Forest people lived and worked. It is a seasonal museum, so check winter and November opening before you go.
Germany's biggest theme park lies at the Rhine edge of the Black Forest, with themed European areas, big coasters and family rides. It is closed now and opens for its winter season on 28 November 2026.
From Freiburg's southern edge, Germany's longest circulating cable car glides to the 1,284 metre Schauinsland summit for panoramic views and forest walks. It is open now, but will close for maintenance from 16 November.
If you would rather not drive, a guided day tour links the Black Forest's headline stops. Freiburg, Titisee and Triberg are the usual stops, and tours start in Freiburg, Strasbourg, Basel and Zurich.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Lichtentaler Allee, Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden's grande dame stands beside the Lichtentaler Allee, a short stroll from the Caracalla Spa and the Kurhaus. Park views, a full spa and classic luxury make it the region's top splurge.
Check rates →Rotteckring, Freiburg
Freiburg's leading five-star hotel stands on the ring road at the edge of the old town, next to a small park. It combines refined rooms, a spa and fine dining with an easy walk to the Münster.
Check rates →Hinterzarten
In Hinterzarten, a short rail hop from Titisee, this long-established country hotel offers a spa, gardens and a Black Forest welcome. It is the best base for lakes, ski jumps and the Feldberg.
Check rates →Münsterplatz, Old Town
Right on Münsterplatz, a historic house with a few steps to the cathedral and the daily market. It is the most atmospheric mid-range base in Freiburg's old town.
Check rates →Weberstraße, Old Town
A straightforward, central hotel on Weberstraße in Freiburg's old town district, with simple rooms and easy walking to the Münster. It is the budget-friendly choice for travellers who want a bed in the middle of town.
Check rates →A practical first-timer plan for the Black Forest: what needs booking ahead, how to travel without a car, how many days to allow and where Freiburg, Titisee, Triberg and Baden-Baden fit.
A neighbourhood guide to choosing your Black Forest base: Freiburg's old town for city charm, Baden-Baden for spa luxury and Hinterzarten for lakes, skiing and quiet.
