Top things to do in the Black Forest

Explore the nature

The Black Forest is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The region is home to a network of hiking trails that wind through forests, valleys, and hills, offering breathtaking views of the landscape. Popular routes include the Westweg Trail, the Schwarzwaldhochstraße scenic road, and the Feldberg Mountain.

Take a Scenic Drive

The Black Forest is home to several scenic driving routes, as mentioned before. We took the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, also known as the B500, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The route starts in Baden Baden and ends in Freudenberg. The drive takes about 1,5 hour to complete, but we made several stops to enjoy the beauty the Black Forest has to offer. Great places to stop alongside this route are:

• Schwarzenbach Dam

• Mummelsee

• All Saints’ Abbey

• Lotharpfad

• Waterfalls of Triberg

• Aussichtsplattform Ellbachseeblick

Schwarzenbach Dam, Mummelsee and All Saints’ Abbey

One of our first stops was Schwarzenbach Dam. You can walk over the dam and you will have a nice view to the left and to the right.

After stopping at Schwarzenbach dam, we stopped at Mummelsee. This is a lake, not to be confused with a sea, in the middle of the Black Forest. A good place to stop for a snack or a coffee to consume at the edge of the lake.

The Black Forest is dotted with castle ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's medieval past. Popular castles include the Hohenzollern Castle, the Staufen Castle, and the Sausenburg Castle. You can explore the ruins on your own or join a guided tour. Most of these castles were too far away for our one day trip, so we decided to stop at All Saints Abbey, which is not exactly a castle, but a ruin. It does offer a good glimpse into the region’s medieval past though.

Our good buddy Ethan at Mummelsee

All Saints’ Abbey

Visit the Lotharpfad, Triberg Waterfalls, and Aussichtsplatform Ellbachseeblick

The Lotharpfad is a series of man made wooden paths through a more dune-ish part of the Black Forest, with some dense vegetation here and there. It is a welcome little spot to walk around, since most dense parts of the Black Forest aren’t that accessible.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Black Forest, the Triberg Waterfalls is a series of cascading waterfalls that tumble down a steep hillside. The highest waterfall in Germany, it's an impressive sight, especially after heavy rains. You can also visit the nearby Black Forest Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region.

The best viewing point of the Black Forest is perhaps the Aussichtsplatform Ellbachseeblick, which stands for viewing platform Ellbachsee(lake!)blick. It is higher than the trees are so it gives you a great view over the beautiful area.

Lotharpfad

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

The Black Forest is known for its hearty, flavorful cuisine, with dishes such as Black Forest ham, sausages, and the famous Black Forest cake. Be sure to sample some of the local specialties at traditional taverns or gasthofs (inns) throughout the region.

In conclusion, the Black Forest offers a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in nature, indulge in local cuisine, or explore the region's history and culture, the Black Forest has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Germany's most beautiful regions.