Are you always on the lookout for new destinations? How about the Black Forest? The most beautiful destinations are often not far away. There are enough special experiences in nature or adventures with adrenaline kicks. Especially here in Baden-Württemberg.
Check out Travel Diaries for more travel tips.
The Black Forest has lured us with its variety of adventure, nature, and enjoyment since childhood. That’s why I recently kept my promise and set off with my campervan and nephew (almost 8 years old) for a weekend full of adventures and activities in the Black Forest.
Since we are regularly in the Black Forest, I have divided my trips into the Northern Black Forest and Southern Black Forest regions. So you can get inspired and plan your next trips.
The list is constantly being expanded and supplemented.
Northern Black Forest
Here you will find excursion tips for the northern Black Forest, which are also ideal for children. Boredom is guaranteed!
Black Forest High Road
A trip by car or motorbike is worth a trip along the Black Forest High Road from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt (60), Germany’s oldest panoramic road. There are numerous vantage points along the way that are worth stopping at.
In the Black Forest National Park, there are hiking trails from the Plätting car park to stretch your legs in between. I recommend the wilderness trail (4.5 km).
You will also pass the most famous and beautiful Schluchsee. It alone is worth a trip. Best in summer with a stand-up paddleboard.
Bad Wildbad, Sommerberg
The town of Bad Wildbad offers its guests thermal and medicinal baths. Among other things, the Palais Thermal, which is one of the oldest baths in Europe. The spa town has long attracted nobles.
But that’s not why we’re here. We take the Sommerbergbahn to the Sommerberg, an excellently developed natural area for local recreation. Here you have numerous opportunities for adventure, adrenaline and nature.
1. Black Forest treetop path with a spiral slide down
2. Adventure
forest 3. Wildline suspension bridge
4. Hiking trails
5. Bad Wildbad bike park
6. Summer mountain railway
I’ll tell you how we spent our day on the summer mountain.
1. Black Forest Treetop Walk
After a short ride on the summer mountain railway to the summit, we reach the treetop path in a few minutes. If you have not booked your ticket online in advance, you can do so here.
The Black Forest treetop path leads over a length of 1,250 meters to the height of the treetops of spruce, fir and beech. The learning and adventure stations on the way up are a little adventure in themselves, especially for children.
Small blocks of wood to balance across, audio commentary and a comic rally offer entertainment and knowledge for young and old visitors. The climax is reached on the 40 meter high lookout tower, which winds upwards in a circle. Also suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
The 360-degree view over the northern Black Forest is terrific. Especially in autumn, when the leaves and needles of the trees slowly change colour. The Black Forest is at your feet!
For Henry, the absolute highlight is the 55 meter slide down. For 2 euros, everyone can tackle the rapid descent.
Information and tickets:
- Opening times : Daily from 9.30 a.m., until 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. depending on the season. In winter only open until 4 p.m.
- Admission: 11 euros per person, children from 6 to 14 years: 9 euros. Children under 6 years are free. More information and book tickets online
2. Adventure Forest
As soon as we reached the bottom, Henry was gone straight away. He had discovered the adventure forest for children from above. A large forest playground with air trampoline, slides, sandpits, cable cars and climbing stations. Another paradise for children.
- Visitors aged 3 and over: €7
- Family ticket: (2 adults own children up to 14 years): 20 €
- If you visit the Baumwipfelpfad or Wildline on the same day, everyone gets a 1 euro discount.
- website
3. Hike to the Grünhütte
After Henry has let off steam in the forest playground, we go on a short hike for late lunch. On this fairly easy circular hike to the Grünhütte and back, you can really enjoy nature. The 11 km are feasible for everyone. We need about 2.5 hours for this.
The Grünhütte is a popular excursion destination, because the reputation of the blueberry pancakes precedes the hut. They are really delicious and just huge! Definitely try. After we are satisfied we hike back to the next highlight.
4. Wildline suspension bridge
The Wildline suspension bridge is 380 meters long and crosses the 60 meter deep Enztal of the Sommerberg. The construction is unusual, because for a suspension bridge it does not “hang” downwards, but arches upwards towards the middle!
The passage above is great, but probably not suitable for everyone. You should be free from giddiness and have no problems with this back and forth swaying “wildline”. The view over the treetops is also incredibly spectacular here.
You can look deep through the grating on the floor. But be careful, it sways quite a bit when a few visitors move across the bridge.
More information about the Wildline:
– Opening times: Daily from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., in winter until 4.30 p.m.
– Tickets at the respective entrances via machines for 9 euros (adults) and 6 euros (children 6 – 14 years).
– More information on the website
5. More action: Bad Wildbad bike park
During this visit we didn’t pay attention to the bike park! As big downhill fans we will definitely come back and test the bike park. Both beginners and professionals can race down the Black Forest on six different routes.
You can find more information on the website
6. Bad Wildbad summer cable car
At the end of the day we take the summer mountain railway down. The highest funicular in Baden-Württemberg is always an experience, especially for children.
Halfway there is a point where the two trains meet. An experience for children.
Alternative Black Forest Wolf and Bear Park in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach
The Alternative Black Forest Wolf and Bear Park attaches great importance to being neither a zoo nor an animal park. It is an animal protection project of a foundation that wants to offer wolves, bears and lynxes a natural habitat. Without fixed feeding times and places, with many information boards that report on the past and the abuse.
Above all, the park offers a species-appropriate home for bears that once lived in captivity. Here we learned, for example, that the first female bear, Jurka, was the mother of the “problem bear” Bruno, who was shot in 2006.
Due to Corona, the park can only be explored in one direction by circular route. But that’s not a problem. The facility is spacious and visitors are spread out, so we hardly met anyone exploring.
Even my nephew who is lazy to read (clearly as a 7-year-old) stops at the panels with the touching fates of the animals and reads with interest about the fates of the individual animals. He is moved and the topic occupies him for the rest of the evening.
information about the visit
- Opening times: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m
- website
- Tickets: adults: 9 euros, concessions: 8 euros, families (2 adults, max. 2 children): 25 euros, disabled people: 6 euros. View current prices on the website.
- Dogs only allowed on a leash
- Park address: Alternative Black Forest Wolf and Bear Park, Rippoldsauer Strasse 36/1, 77776 Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach
Accommodation: Schwarzwaldcamping Alisehof
The small campsite is family and idyllic. We felt very comfortable. Ideal starting point for visiting the alternative wolf and bear park as well as cycling and hiking in the region.
Maulbronn Monastery
One of the most beautiful monasteries of the Middle Ages is located in the northern Black Forest: Maulbronn. The monastery is only 30 minutes from Karlsruhe and Pforzheim. The Cistercian monastery has been a World Heritage Site since 1993.
The medieval monastery complex is considered to be one of the best preserved north of the Alps.
View information for guided tours and opening hours here
Europa Park and Rulantica
Whether old or young: everyone has fun here! More than 100 attractions attract a maximum of 15,000 visitors to the park every day during Corona times. Normally, three times as many visitors crowd into the popular amusement park.
Rulantica at the beginning
Next door is the Rulantica indoor water world. On 32,600 square meters you will find 26 exciting attractions. Including 17 water slides for every adrenaline level and age. A wave pool and the 250 m long lazy river, where you can just let yourself drift. We visit Rulantica to start our weekend together around 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon.
Nephew Henry and I had a blast. In the end I had to lure him out of the water paradise in the late evening after five hours. His highlights were: Wildwasser Vildstrøm, Trølldal for children with slides and water games, Hugin/Munin (both slides are parallel in double tires), the wave pool and Stormvind. The latter is particularly fun, as you suddenly find yourself in a circular whirlpool and circle a few laps before you continue downhill in a tube!
Rulantica offers highlights for all age groups. For older visitors, the Dugrob, the slide with a free fall at the beginning, is a real highlight. I gave up because I didn’t want to leave Henry alone (or maybe I wouldn’t have dared).
More information about Rulantica:
- Spontaneous visits are currently not possible. Tickets are strictly limited. Therefore, no tickets will be sold on site. You have to order them in advance online on the website or directly in the app.
- You don’t need any money in Rulantica, because thanks to the “watch” on your wrist, you can use it to pay for everything and lock and unlock your closet in the changing room for free.
- Mouth and nose protection is not mandatory inside Rulantica
- All loungers are spaced apart from each other.
Visit to Europa Park
Early on Saturday morning we went to the Europapark just in time for the opening. The park is divided into different themed areas or countries. Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Russia and many more offer the country’s typical flair. From the buildings to shows and the range of food, everything is designed in a way that is typical of the country.
While Henry’s most spectacular attraction, the Silver Star, is yet to be ridden (after all, Europe’s tallest, largest and fastest roller coaster), we explore many other attractions. Henry’s favorite here was the Voletarium. Here you embark on a virtual journey across Europe… Just like your aunt, a little world explorer. Arthur, Fjord Rafting, Piraten von Batavia, Alpenexpress Coastiality, Euro-Tower, Schweizer Bobbahn and the fairytale forest were also great.
Unfortunately, the queues for many attractions were then too long (1 hour) and the virtual queues were not or no longer available. But for a 7-year-old, these attractions and impressions are definitely enough for the first time. He was also able to test several slides, which in itself never gets boring.
More tips, tricks and information about Europa-Park:
- Be sure to download the Europapark app onto your cell phone before your visit. Scan your ticket so you can join virtual queues. This way you avoid the crowds and a lack of distance from other visitors. Get in line in the virtual queues first thing in the morning. After a short time, these were no longer available for us for the whole day.
- Virtual queues available for the following attractions: Arthur, Blue fire Megacoaster, Euro-Mir, Eurosat Can-Can Toaster, Pirates in Batavia, Wotan wooden coaster
- You can buy tickets in advance here
Accommodation in Europa Park
Camping at Europa Park
We came by campervan and stayed at Europa-Park Camping. The place is super designed. The sanitary facilities, restaurant and kiosk are in the saloon western style. If you don’t have your own mobile home, the Camp Resort is the perfect place with great tipi tents, covered wagons or log cabins.
Krønåsar Museum Hotel at Rulantica
The new Scandinavian-style hotel looks really stylish. Located directly opposite the entrance of Rulantica, ideal for water lovers.
Sauschwanzlebahn
The historic railway line connects the Blumberg-Zollhaus and Weizen railway stations from April to October. 25 km of railway track lead through six tunnels and over four bridges. It is particularly impressive when the old steam locomotive pulls into the station and is greeted by the station attendant.
Be sure to check the timetable for the Sauschwänzlebahn if you want to take the steam locomotive. There is also a historic diesel train. A ride on the steam locomotive costs 18 euros one-way, and 24 euros for a return trip. Children up to 4 years and dogs travel free of charge.
Incidentally, the Sauschwänzlebahn owes its name to the “Große Stockhalde” tunnel, where the tracks spiral upwards 15m. If you look at the track from above, it is reminiscent of a pig’s tail. For all hikers, a train ride can be combined with a hike along the Sauschwänzle trail.
Upper Black Forest
The highest mountain in the Black Forest is the Feldberg at 1493 metres.
Ravenna Gorge
Another attractive hiking destination is the Ravenna Gorge. It starts in Hinterzarten behind the railway bridge, where you will find the Loffeltalweg. The popular circular hiking trail leads past historic sawmills and mills in the Loffeltal Valley and on to the Ravenna Bridge, over which the Höllentalbahn runs. From there follow the path through the lower and upper Ravenna Gorge, where you can even experience rushing waterfalls, back to the starting point in Hinterzarten.
Tip for all photographers: At the Ravenna bridge, a small path leads up a hill, from there you have the best view of the Höllentalbahn.
Todtnau waterfall
Speaking of waterfalls. Another impressive example is very close by – the Todtnauer waterfall, the water masses of which plunge a total of 97 m into the depths. If you don’t want to miss this natural spectacle, you can choose between various hiking tours, all of which start in Todtnauberg .
It is only a few minutes walk from the parking lot to the waterfall itself. In summer you might be lucky and get one of the loungers directly under the waterfall and enjoy the view.
Incidentally, access to the waterfall costs 2 euros per person . The municipality of Todtnau wants to use the money to finance the maintenance of the hiking trails. At the entrance you will find a small box into which you can throw coins. A good cause that we are happy to support.
Schluchsee
The largest lake in the Black Forest is also one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Germany . The former glacial lake is now the bathing and water sports center of the Black Forest and is over 900 meters above sea level. If you want to have the lake to yourself, you should definitely get up early and enjoy the sunrise. The circuit around the lake is 17.7 km long and takes about 5-6 hours depending on walking speed.
In addition, nature lovers, recreational athletes and active holidaymakers have a wide range of different hiking, cycling and running routes to discover the region.
Black Forest Camp
Oh yes, there was something else. My personal highlight: camping. The absolute contrast to the hotel and guesthouse is the Black Forest Camp at Schluchsee. The experience is uniquely beautiful and a great place for the whole family for a weekend or longer.
Next to the local campsite, you can sleep in the forest. Without electricity, without light, pure nature. You don’t have to bring your own tent, you have the choice between a tipi, a tree tent, an old Bulli or a gondola.
In the Tipi Annele, however, it was surprisingly bearable. There were real beds, no sleeping mats. Annele stood on a solid platform and we had our own small fireplace in front of our tent. Nevertheless, for such an experience you should love nature. A flashlight for the night walk to the wash house is mandatory. But anyone who has survived it up to that point without having a heart attack can discover a starry sky above them that I have never seen before, including shooting stars. Pure romance.
Southern Black Forest
The Southern Black Forest stands for Bollenhuts, cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cake. I spent almost all my childhood vacations here. I wasn’t here for a long time. But now I love coming back here. I have many fond memories of these places.
Wutach Gorge
I can warmly recommend a tour through the 60 to 170 meter deep Wutach Gorge or the Gauchach Gorge in the southern Black Forest to the hikers among you . An impressive natural landscape awaits you, but it can be quite dangerous. Condition, alertness, sure-footedness and good shoes are therefore absolutely necessary!
Before you start, you should find out about the current conditions, for example from the Wutachranger. A bus runs regularly from Döggingen and Löffingen to the most important entry points. This allows you to plan your route very flexibly and get you back to your starting point without any problems.
The early bird catches the worm here. By 10 a.m., all parking spaces at Schattenmühle were already occupied. So if you decide to go hiking, you should start early enough or take the bus straight away.
Triberg Waterfalls
The small town of Triberg not only houses the largest cuckoo clock, but also the highest waterfalls in Germany.
With seven steps and a drop of 163 meters, they are among the highest waterfalls in Germany. Paths and bridges take you to several vantage points with a view of the rushing water of the Gutach.
Signs along the way provide information about plants, animals and special features of nature. Squirrels keep jumping along the paths. I’m not sure if these are attracted by tourist feedings though… Please don’t feed any animals.
- Tip: Park in town and walk to one of the two entrances to the falls.
- Eat in Triberg: Wirtshaus Alt-Tryberg. Good middle-class, Swabian. In the summer you can sit outside.
Sunrise on the Belchen
The Belchen in the southern Black Forest is considered the most beautiful mountain for great views . I don’t want to disagree. If you want to hike to the 1,414 m high peak at sunrise, you should have a headlamp with you.
Plan 1 – 1.5 hours walking time for the hike (depending on how fit you are). You can then take the gondola down to the valley station of the Belchen cable car or go down on foot. The route is about 4 km long.
Hiking with children
There is an easy 2.5 km long children ‘s hike between the valley station of the Belchen cable car and Hohtann . There are 12 stations on the tour where kids can try things. Fun is guaranteed.
PS: Have you ever heard of the Baden giant earthworm? Information is available here.
Wutach Gorge
The Wutach Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Baden-Württemberg. I was here as a child, the memories have faded.
Hike through the 60 to 170 meter deep Wutach Gorge or the Gauchach Gorge in the southern Black Forest . An impressive natural landscape awaits you, but it can be dangerous. Condition, alertness, sure-footedness and good shoes are therefore absolutely necessary!
Through the Höllental with the Sauschwänzlebahn
The historic railway line connects the Blumberg-Zollhaus and Weizen railway stations from April to October . 25 km of railway track lead through six tunnels and over four bridges. It is particularly impressive when the old steam locomotive pulls into the station and is greeted by the station attendant.
Be sure to check the timetable for the Sauschwänzlebahn if you want to take the steam locomotive. There is also a historic diesel train. A ride on the steam locomotive costs 18 euros one-way, and 24 euros for a return trip. Children up to 4 years and dogs travel free of charge.
Incidentally, the Sauschwänzlebahn owes its name to the “Große Stockhalde” tunnel, where the tracks spiral upwards 15 meters. If you look at the track from above, it reminds you of a pig’s tail. For all hikers, a train ride can be combined with a hike along the Sauschwänzle trail.
The interior of the Sauschwänzlebahn is still true to the original.
Little by little, we will be adding further excursion destinations for the Black Forest.
Other places that we both visited as part of other Black Forest trips:
- Feldberg
- Open-air museum Vogtsbauernhof Gutach
- Schluchsee
- Titisee
- Villingen-Schwenningen
- St. Peter, the gateway to the Upper Black Forest
- Schiltach
- Gengenbach
- Freiburg with Schauinsland
- and much more
