Black Forest Highlights (Baden-Baden and Triberg)

Black Forest (or Schwarzwald in German) is a well-known tourist destination located in southwest Germany. This mountainous terrain is said to have got its name from the dark green colour of the spruce trees in this region. Read this post to find out about two of the most beautiful places to visit in Black Forest: Baden-Baden and Triberg. 

Destination 1: Baden-Baden

This fashionable European spa-town is the perfect place to enjoy some relaxing time away from our hectic daily schedule. When in Baden-Baden, don’t forget to pamper yourself at the famous spa centres such as Caracalla Baths or Friedrichsbad! 

Scratch the map:

Baden-Baden is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg in the Black Forest region. It is on the Oos River in the north-west part of Black Forest close to the French border.

Nearest airport: The nearest airport to Baden-Baden is Karlsruhe/Baden Baden (FKB) which is approximately 16 km from Baden-Baden city centre. 

Baden-Baden city centre

Baden-Baden

Our Tour Highlights:

  • Altes Schloss (Hohenbaden Old Castle): This castle was built as early as the 12th century and was home to the Margraves of Baden. Although, mostly ruins of the castle are left today, it offers panoramic views of Baden-Baden and the surrounding countryside from the top. You can also grab a bite at the restaurant just outside the castle. 
Entry to Altes Schloss

View from Altes Schloss
  • Mummelsee: This lake is a popular tourist spot at the foot of the Hornisgrinde mountain and 30 km away from Baden-Baden. If you are interested in water activities, take a pedal-boat ride in Mummelsee to enjoy the surroundings. 

  • Lichtentaler Allee: It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks that I have ever visited. Located in the city centre, this park has an abundance of trees and gorgeous bridges. It is a lovely place to go for a leisurely stroll along the river. 

Lichtentaler Allee

Fancy bridge in Lichtentaler Allee

Personal Recommendations:

  • Café Konig: This café in the city centre has  a variety of delicious cakes and desserts, and it goes without saying that one should definitely try the classic Schwarzwald Torte here. 
  • Accommodation: We stayed at Hotel Rebenhof about 7 km away from the main city of Baden-Baden (private parking available). Situated amidst vineyards and green meadows, this hotel provides scenic views of the vineyards from the rooms. I would highly recommend this hotel simply because of its awesome location. Moreover, watching the sun set over the vast horizon from our balcony every evening was an amazing experience- a view so rare to get from most of our homes nowadays in crowded cities packed with high buildings. You can also spend quality time in this region by exploring the walking trails or cycling in the nearby vineyards. If you are looking for a peaceful location to rejuvenate yourself, then your search ends here!
Hotel Rebenhof

Vineyards near Hotel Rebenhof

Beautiful sunset over the vineyards

View from the hotel balcony

Useful Tips:

  • Best time to visit: Summer is the best time to visit Black Forest if you wish to spend most of your day outside. However, keep in mind that daytime is quite warm during this period of the year. 
  • Number of days to spend: It is worth spending 2-3 nights in Baden-Baden to explore the city and surrounding areas. You can also use Baden-Baden as the base for touring other places in Black Forest.  
  • Travel by: We travelled from Friedrichshafen to Baden-Baden by car and the journey of 200 kms took us approximately 3 hours. If you are travelling from Frankfurt, you can take a train to Baden-Baden to cover the distance of 150 km in approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Parking: If you choose to drive, note that parking is available in the Altes Schloss as well as the city centre. 

Destination 2: Triberg

A trip to Black Forest will be incomplete without visiting Triberg which is home to the beautiful Triberg Waterfalls (the highest accessible waterfall in Germany) and the world famous cuckoo clocks. 

Scratch the map:

Triberg is approximately 100 kms away from Baden-Baden. It is located in the Schwarzwald-Baar district in Black Forest. You can also access it from Frankfurt via train in 3.5 hours.

Triberg

Our Tour Highlights:

  • Triberg Falls: Nestled away in a dense forest, this waterfall offers fantastic views as you climb all the way to the top. Originating from the river Gutach, water plunges almost 163 m down the mountain creating this natural spectacle. We visited the falls in the afternoon and spent about an hour in the forest. As we walked along the winding path in the forest, we often got close enough to the waterfalls to get a light spray of the water all over us!! 
Entry to Triberg Waterfalls

Walking trail: Triberg Waterfalls

Triberg Waterfalls
  • Black Forest Museum: If you are intrigued by cuckoo clocks, then definitely visit the Black Forest museum in Triberg which has a huge collection of cuckoo clocks. Apparently, it also has one of the largest collections of barrel organs of Europe. It's a great place to visit if you want to know about the history and culture of Black Forest. 

Black Forest Museum

Useful Tips:

  • Number of days to spend: Spend atleast 2 nights in Triberg to visit the popular tourist attractions in this area.
  • Accommodation: The Best Western Plus Schwarzwald Residenz is a perfect place for families to stay when visiting Triberg (private parking is available). They also provide customers with a visitor pass allowing free entry to the Triberg waterfalls.

Best Western Plus Schwarzwald

  • Shopping: There are many shops near the Triberg waterfalls where you can purchase souvenirs for your family and friends. You might also not be able to resist yourself from buying a beautiful cuckoo clock to later remind you of your lovely trip to Black Forest.

Goodbye notes: 

Although Black Forest has a lot more to offer, I hope this post has already aroused the traveler inside you!! Travel to this magical land to relive your memories of Brother Grimm’s fairytales, try the authentic black forest cake and don’t forget to take home the famous cuckoo clock of Black Forest.
Location: Black Forest, Germany

Comments

Nibedita Banerjee said…
Very vivid description. Superb photography. Though i visited Black Forest some years back, your description made me feel like visiting the place agsin.
Would love to try the SPA.
October 4, 2021 at 5:07 PM
Jolayne said…
The Black Forest always had such an ominous sound before I had a chance to visit it myself and see that it was beautiful and lush and green...much the same as your pictures.
April 13, 2022 at 12:52 PM
Jeanine said…
Fantastic description took me back we loved Triberg, too much water running to complete the falls sadly...beautifulmphotos
April 15, 2022 at 10:05 PM
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