Located in the southwestern part of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest is a mountainous massif famous for its legends, the variety of its landscapes and its rich heritage. Easily accessible from France as you only have to cross the border in Alsace to enter, the territory reveals from north to south steep roads bordering spruce forests, then wine valleys, pastures and hillsides, before reaching the high peaks punctuated with crystal clear lakes. The Black Forest can be visited in any season and is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts: walkers, cyclists and skiers. And then there are the lively towns, picturesque villages, heritage sites, thermal baths and gastronomy, all of which are reasons to plan a stay in one of the most fascinating regions of Germany.
The Black Forest and its enchanting nature
The name Black Forest conjures up images of thick, dark forests, a land of myths and legends. It is obvious that the Black Forest has mysterious forests where you can stroll and listen to the sounds of nature. On the way to Baiersbronn in the northern part of the territory, visitors will discover miles and miles of trails through the Black Forest National Park. Here, nature is preserved and one is always amazed to realize how wild the place has remained. For beautiful views, there is nothing like hiking in the Murg Valley, in the Schliffkopf nature reserve where you can take the Lothar Path, or to the Ellbachseeblick viewpoint where you can overlook a coniferous forest and admire the Ellbachsee lake. The northern part of the Black Forest is a great place for outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking and rafting.
The variety of landscapes is the strength of the Black Forest region. To vary the pleasures, one can continue the journey by going to the wine valley of Mullheim, nicknamed Markgräflerland. Here you will discover gentle rolling hills with hundreds of hectares of vineyards. There is nothing like the arrival of spring to get on a bike and ride through the vineyards, thinking of stopping at the producers. In this sun-drenched part of the Black Forest, the Gutedel Chasselas is the main grape variety of the region, and it gives life to a delicious white wine that is very reminiscent of those found in Alsace. In order to combine cycling and wine tourism, you should not hesitate to follow the Baden Wine Route. From Grenzach-Wyhlen to Laudenbach, you will discover no less than 300 wineries where wine merchants and winemakers await the cyclists. You can also stop in towns and villages and stay in hotels that make wine tours one of their main activities
In summer and winter, the southern part of the Black Forest is an area that is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The highest peaks in the region can be found here. The Feldberg and the Herzogenhorn are the two highest peaks, at 1,493 and 1,415 meters respectively. On sunny days, when the landscape is green, you can take a walk with your camera to photograph the hilly landscape. In winter, when the snow covers the ground and the peaks, the conditions are perfect for enjoying winter sports. The Feldberg area is the most important in the Upper Black Forest. Here you can put your luggage down in the eponymous resort and then take the lifts and ski down the slopes. For beginners, and especially families with children, the Schonach ski area is the ideal place, only 2 hours drive from Strasbourg. If you prefer cross-country skiing, the Seibelseckle ski resort near Seebach is the place to be. Nearby is also one of the most beautiful lakes in the Black Forest, Lake Mummel. It is a glacial lake at an altitude of 1,036 meters above sea level. The trail around the lake offers breathtaking scenery. The place is peaceful and even has a waterfront hotel for those who wish to enjoy it over several days.
Stops in towns, villages and at the foot of the Black Forest monuments
The Black Forest is not only a natural wonder, but also offers a number of places to visit with great tourist potential. Karlsruhe is a charming first stop. The city, whose incredible baroque castle with its yellow facade is a must-see, is also rich in museums, gardens and an atmosphere that invites you to stroll, shop and spend evenings in bars and restaurants. Freiburg is the largest city in the Black Forest and one of the greenest cities in Germany. You can take your time to visit the cathedral market before wandering through the medieval streets and along the waterways that evoke a small Venice. Art galleries, stores, friendly cafés, craftsmen, all the ingredients are gathered to spend a pleasant moment, in a city which remains on a human scale. It is hard to imagine a stay in the Black Forest without passing through the chic town of Baden-Baden. You can stroll through the alleys of the old town before visiting the Frieder Burda Museum of Contemporary Art and climbing the steps leading to the towers of Hohenbaden Castle. On another day, you can relax in one of the many spas, with a stop at the Caracalla Spa. Finally, the Kurgarten is another must-see in Baden-Baden, with its cafés, restaurants, stores and a concentration of some of the city's most beautiful monuments.
In the villages, Schiltach is one of the villages where you can see the colorful half-timbered buildings. Triberg im Schwarzwald is also a picture postcard village, with a beautiful natural environment that leads to beautiful waterfalls. The Black Forest is also home to some incredible castles that seem to watch over nature from the top of a hill or in the middle of a lush forest. The castle in Rastatt, for example, is a marvel of baroque architecture.
The Black Forest - a pleasure for the senses
The Black Forest, as an area where you can reconnect with nature, is a perfect place to take care of yourself and do yourself good. In Bad Dürrheim, for example, you can't afford not to spend some time at the Solemar health and wellness center. Swimming pools, saunas, a Dead Sea salt grotto and other water attractions use the elements of nature (salt, water...) and their virtues to relax and heal ailments. Another alternative to have a good time is to go to the water park called Badeparadies Schwarzwald, located in Titisee-Neustadt. Slides, wave pool, slide, swimming under the palm trees, wellness area, all conditions are met for a happy family time
The Black Forest is also a land of great gastronomy. Just stop by Baiersbronn to taste the inventive and delicate recipes of many star chefs. Freudenstadt is also a destination of choice for the Black Forest cake. This German specialty is made of a chocolate sponge cake soaked in kirsch and decorated with whipped cream, local cherries and chocolate shavings. Finally, we will enjoy moments of wine tourism by traveling the Baden wine route. This route crosses the vineyards of Baden's Bergstraße, Kraichgau, Ortenau, Kaiserstuhl, Tuniberg, Brisgau and Markgräflerland, and offers the opportunity to contemplate the wine landscapes, to stop in the villages and at the producers', who are always eager to let you taste their best beverages, both white and red wines
