Best Things To Do in the Black Forest Germany
If you’re planning a trip and wondering about things to do in the Black Forest, we’ve got you.
You’ll be surprised at how many diverse activities you’ll find in this region of Southwest Germany.
I really didn’t know what to expect, but we had so much fun! There are very different options for everyone in your group.
I had seen photos of the forest, but at the same time, I’d seen that decadent Black Forest Cake. What would you actually do if you spent the day in the village of the Black Forest?
Several years ago my family flew to Basel Switzerland to begin a river cruise with Viking Cruises.
My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary, and our daughters turned 18 and 21. We thought that was cause enough for a celebration!
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Why We Loved Sailing with Viking
We wanted to do a Viking Rhine River Cruise, and as my husband and I had sailed with Viking before.
As our girls really wanted to go to Europe, we knew a Viking Cruise would be a special trip for our family.
When you book a trip with Viking, you will be able to see the itinerary on their website.
Once you’ve booked, you can start planning excursions to see tourist attractions in the Rhine Valley. That’s really when the fun begins!
On this particular day, we chose the included Shore Excursion Black Forest Tour that lasted from 8:30 to 12:30.
This brought us back to the ship in time to have a wonderful lunch onboard before sailing. We were heading to the medieval village of Colmar for the afternoon.
Speaking of Colmar, we decided to see if we could get on that excursion pretty late, and only three spots were available. My husband suggested I take our girls for the day, and he would explore on his own.
It ended up that his exploration looked pretty fun, too! He went for a walk and ended up at Café Galerie Etoile and made a bunch of new friends from the ship!
When we arrived at the Black Forest we were greeted by tour guides wearing the traditional Bollenhut.
This headdress has been worn by Protestant women in the Black Forest since the 1700s as part of the time-honored costume.
We were ready to start exploring the Black Forest!
Bookmark this list of things to do so you won’t waste time wondering what to do!
Shop
Schiltach is the most popular spot for tourists, but it wasn’t crowded on the day we visited.
You’ll see right away this little village has quite a few options for shopping. Everyone wants to bring home at least one souvenir from the Black Forest.
If you always worry about having room in your suitcase for things like wine or souvenirs, I have an idea for you!
Pack a tote bag that folds up small that you can check or carry on in place of your suitcase.
This is the best way to ensure you don’t leave something you really wanted behind for lack of space!
By the way, I made a decision to carry on 95% of the time and this suitcase is a beast! I seriously can’t believe how much I can get inside this carry on!
This small town really did look just like I expected with the half-timbered houses and flowers overflowing from the windows.
It was definitely a tourist destination, but all the main attractions you’d think were in the Black Forest were there.
However, if you know me, you know I had to check out that fabulous cake! We had a little time before the cake decorating demonstration, so we headed over to see the cuckoo clocks.
See the Traditional Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks
I didn’t know that these beautiful time-keepers dated all the way back to 1630. I was about to get a short history lesson!
It’s said that a glass peddler returned home to the Black Forest after visiting the Bohemian Estates (now known as the Czech Republic) toting a wooden clock called a wood beam clock.
It had a piece of wood called a waag that moved back and forth above the dial instead of a typical pendulum.
If there was one thing the community had a lot of, it was timber. That timber would be put to use to create what we all now know and love as the cuckoo clock.
If you like cuckoo clocks, you will love this shop. I had no idea there were so many different styles and types of cuckoo clocks.
There was actually a school created in 1850 in Furtwangen just for clock making. This is why we see so many beautifully carved ornamental clocks there today.
I’m so glad it’s still part of the tradition in the Black Forest.
Many people think Black Forest Cake is the most popular icon of the area, but the cuckoo clock shop was full of shoppers.
Some of the clocks were extremely pricey, but we also found inexpensive souvenirs.
If you want to dive deeper into the history of cuckoo clocks, visit Eble Uhren-Park in Triberg-Schonach.
Here you’ll find the world’s largest cuckoo clock, built using the traditional methods of German clock making, but made 60 times the size!
Watch a Black Forest Cake Demonstration
The cake demonstration is scheduled a couple of times per day.
We were actually able to watch the cake being decorated from start to finish.
He may have used more Kirsch than typically recommended! It was an entertaining performance!
The baker gave us instructions along the way, and of course, we were able to purchase a slice.
After watching I did a little shopping for chocolate and Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser (known as Kirsch here in the States) so I can try my hand at a Black Forest Cake. Coming soon!
I don’t think mine will compare to the one I saw being made in the country where it was created.
If you love German food, check out these German Dishes you can make at home. Lots of delicious recipes there.
Watch a Glass Blowing Demonstration
The art of glass blowing in the Black Forest region of Germany has a rich and fascinating history dating back centuries.
The craft was introduced to the area in the late 17th century when skilled glassblowers migrated from Bohemia, bringing their expertise and techniques with them.
Nestled amidst the enchanting fairy tale landscapes of the Black Forest, these artisans found a perfect environment for their craft. There was no shortage of natural resources like timber and sand.
Over time, the glassblowing industry flourished. Small villages and towns within the Black Forest became renowned for their exquisite glass creations.
The region’s glass blowers mastered the delicate artistry of creating intricate glassware, ornaments, and sculptures.
Showcasing their incredible skill and creativity became an important part of that artistry.
Today, the Black Forest continues to be a hub of glassblowing excellence. Visitors from all over the world marvel at the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of these glass creations.
Make some time for this. You’ll find beautiful pieces (albeit pricey) for sale and the demonstration is good.
Black Forest Hiking Trails
One of the best things about visiting this area is that if you like to shop and have friends or family members who don’t, the Black Forest hiking trails are the perfect alternative.
My husband and oldest daughter were thrilled with the dense forests and waterfalls and had a blast.
I mean, Hansel and Gretel met that terrible wicked witch in that frightening place, and the big bad wolf was waiting for Little Red Riding Hood in the same woods.
Who decided these were appropriate stories for little children, anyway?!
Who knew they would find a waterfall? The winding rivers set against the lush foliage made for a gorgeous landscape.
The Triberg Waterfalls have a descent of 163 meters and are just beautiful.
Considered the heart of the Black Forest, it’s a popular spot for tourists from around the world.
You just never know what you’re going to discover when traveling, which is why we love it so much.
The Black Forest hiking trails ended up being one of my older daughter’s fondest memories of our trip.
So now you know you have options when visiting the Black Forest while on a Viking River Cruise.
The perfect day for me would be to have a slice of the freshly made Black Forest cake and then hit the hiking trail! Next time!
Explore the Old Spa Town of Baden-Baden
The spa town of Baden-Baden is one of the three spa towns in this area. It’s known for its thermal baths and natural hot springs, especially popular with self-care on everyone’s mind these days.
Baden Baden is an UNESCO World Heritage Site so there is a lot to see there.
You can also visit the Merkur Funicular Railway while in Baden-Baden. This is a great way to see the highest mountains in Germany’s Black Forest.
More Things to Do
There are more things to do in the picturesque villages of the Black Forest.
As we were on a cruise, we had to get back to the ship, but we hope to go back!
The northern Black Forest and surrounding area attract a lot of tourists in the winter months.
If you enjoy skiing and other winter activities, think about booking during those months. The quaint towns will be beautiful and have With so many outdoor activities.
Freiburg im Breisgau is a fun university town. The reconstructed old medieval town is worth visiting.
Just south of Freiburg is Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest and Germany, outside of the Alps.
Peaking at 4,898 feet, Feldberg is another great spot for hiking and is less than an hour from Baden Baden. Note: this is not a good hike for kids as it’s a bit more difficult.
If you’re staying in the area, visit the Black Forest Open Air Museum in Vogtsbauernhof, or the Black Forest Town Hall.
Bad Wildbad is another great place for a day trip. You’ll find more spas, another funicular, and Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzald, a 130 foot viewing tower.
If you’re up for a theme park, Europa Park has the largest of Europe’s roller coasters.
Steinwasenpark is also for adventure seekers, with the longest adventure rope bridge in the world. Both parks are not far from Freiburg
And if you are visiting over the holidays, the Christmas Markets are spectacular!
I love the way a river cruise allows me a taste of many different areas and cultures. It’s a great way to discover places you’d like to return to and spend more time.
Where to Stay in the Black Forest
If you are visiting the Black Forest on your own, you’ll need a place to stay. I’ve listed a few accommodations below with options I think will work for everyone.
⭐ Recommended Upscale Hotel
Aqua Aurelia Suitenhotel an den Therman is a 4-star hotel in old town Baden Baden. It’s rated 9.2 and the reviews are excellent. It’s just a 2-minute walk to Caracalla Thermal Baths.
⭐ Recommended Mid-Tier Hotel
Huber’s Hotel is family-run and mere steps from landmarks and attractions in Baden Baden.
⭐ Recommended Budget Hotel
Gasthaus Auerhahn is another family-run hotel that is a 10 minute drive from Baden-Baden’s center. They also have a beer garden which would make this one a win for me!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Black Forest is famous for Black Forest Cake, half-timbered houses, cuckoo clocks, dense forests, and picturesque villages.
Back in the Roman ages, people settled around the edges of the Black Forest. At that time, they were afraid to go deeper into the dense trees. They called it Silva Nigra, meaning forest in Black.
Summer and early fall is the best time of year to visit. The rain typically is over in August ad September and the temperatures are perfect.
Top Tips for Visiting the Black Forest
Plan your Itinerary in Advance
The Black Forest offers a wide range of attractions and activities, so it’s helpful to plan your itinerary in advance. Research the different areas you want to visit and create somewhat of a schedule. This will help you make the most of your time and help decide where you want to stay.
Explore the Natural Beauty of the Region
The Black Forest is known for its stunning natural beauty and extensive hiking trails. Make sure to dedicate time for hiking or cycling through the picturesque trails.
The Black Forest National Park and the Feldberg area offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities.
Sample the Local Cuisine
The Black Forest is famous for its delicious culinary traditions.
Indulge in regional specialties such as Black Forest ham and Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte).
Visit local restaurants and try traditional dishes like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels.
Don’t miss the local wineries and breweries to taste the region’s beverages.
Visit the Charming Towns and Villages
The Black Forest is peppered with charming towns and villages that are worth exploring.
Don’t miss the picturesque town of Triberg, known for its waterfalls and cuckoo clocks.
Try to see the quaint village of Sasbachwalden, famous for its half-timbered houses and wine production.
Have you thought about a Viking River Cruise? The Rhine Getaway is a great way to see the Black Forest in Germany.
And just an hour or so from the Black Forest, you could visit Alsace which is just beautiful. Check out this Alsace itinerary which is designed with no need for a car!
Looking for a more romantic vacation? You might want to check out our Budapest Itinerary while on the Romantic Danube cruise.
Regardless of where you’re heading, you’ll need these printable vacation packing lists to be sure you don’t forget anything. There’s one just for cruising!
Where are you planning to go on your next vacation? Share in the comments!
My cruise on Viking River was hosted. All thoughts are my own.
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This article first appeared on Food, Fun & Faraway Places on March 20, 2018, and was updated on July 14, 2023.
