Last updated:: 9:00 PM ET, Thu March 20, 2025
The Black Forest region, nestled in the tri-border area of Germany, Switzerland and France, offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure and culinary excellence.?
This 2.7 million-acre vacation destination features 321 distinct towns and villages, making it Germany’s largest low mountain range.
Outdoor enthusiasts will discover more than 14,000 miles of trails crisscrossing the landscape, providing endless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.?
Mountain biking in Sasbachwalden (Photo Credit: Andreas Meyer/Schwarzwald Tourism)
The region boasts a variety of sunny vineyards, dense forests, rivers, gorges and sun-drenched peaks. Notable outdoor highlights include the 550-kilometer “Baiersbronn Wanderhimmel” trail network, the challenging Wutach Gorge (Germany’s largest canyon) and nine trekking camps for overnight wilderness experiences.
Water-lovers can explore Lake Schluchsee and Lake Titisee by boat or try stand-up paddleboarding.?
There is also the opportunity to take Rhine river cruises from Breisach harbor, or to experience Europe’s highest saltwater spa at Bad Dürrheim’s “Solemar.”?
The “Badeparadies Schwarzwald” in Titisee-Neustadt features 18 pools, 23 water slides and 12 themed saunas amidst hundreds of real palm trees.
The Black Forest has earned its reputation as “Germany’s finest spot for connoisseurs.”?
Straussenwirthschaft (Photo Credit: Schwarzwald Tourism)
More than 300 restaurants receive annual recommendations from gourmet guides, with an impressive 40 Michelin stars shining over the region—eight in Baiersbronn alone. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies, craft beers and exquisite Baden wines along the Baden Wine Route.
Cultural attractions abound in cities like Freiburg, Karlsruhe, and Baden-Baden. Winter sports enthusiasts will find Germany’s largest connected ski resort with over 140 ski-lifts, 150 miles of downhill slopes and 1,200 miles of cross-country ski-tracks.
The region offers excellent visitor amenities, including the Black Forest Card (providing free entry to more than 200 attractions), the HochschwarzwaldCard (access to 500-plus sites) and the KONUS guest card (free public transportation throughout the region).
Whether you’re cooling your feet in Freiburg’s old town streams during a “B?chlepicknick,” enjoying a “Schnabuliertour” in the Black Forest Highlands or relaxing at one of 17 thermal baths, the Black Forest promises an unforgettable combination of pristine nature, outdoor adventure, wellness experiences, and culinary excellence—all in one breathtaking destination.
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