Black Forest
Discover Black Forest
The Black Forest (German: Schwarzwald) is in the south-west corner of Germany in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, which contains the namesake low, forested mountain range and warm, sunny lowlands at its foot. It is known as one of Germany's most beautiful and favourite destinations. There is both nature and history to be found, and thanks to unique climatic conditions in the middle of the European landmass, those can be enjoyed year-round with some of the warmest temperatures in Germany. This ancient forest is famous for its legends and the black fir trees that dot the landscape. While not particularly high, the mountains offer a wonderful place to go hiking or mountain biking. There are a few skiing resorts as well, offering average but crowded conditions. Better to head south to the Alps if you are a serious skier or boarder. The Black Forest is a mountainous terrain at about 200–1,500 m (660–4,920 ft) above sea level, the highest point being the Feldberg (the field mountain) at 1,493 m (4,898 ft). The region managed by the Black Forest Tourism Board extends beyond the mountains and includes attractions like the Europa-Park and the Kaiserstuhl hills in the Upper Rhine Plain, as well as the surrounding cities.
What to Experience in Black Forest
Taste of Black Forest...
The food tends to be wholesome, heavy dishes and lots of cakes, biscuits, meats and gravies. Perhaps the most internationally renowned is the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, the Black Forest gateau, a moist chocolate cake with fermented cherries and a hearty dose of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Eating out in nice restaurants can be expensive, with a meal for two cost ranging from €40 to €150 including drinks. Village inns tend to be cheaper than their counterparts in towns and cities. But bargains can be found, with many Kebab and Turkish-style pizzerias offering items under €5. Or shop at the local grocery store for fresh baguettes, meat, and cheese. Groceries are inexpensive, with a variety of fruit juices available at a reasonable price (there are cherry, apple, grape, orange, banana, even sauerkraut juice in nice tetrapak containers, a liter is under €1). In the south Schwarzwald, look for stores Lidl, Aldi, and Pennymarkt for the best food values. The Black Forest area has a number awarded restaurants with the small village of Baiersbronn having Germany's highest density of star rated restaurants. Other notable restaurants can be found in Bühl and Freiburg. Some of Germany's best beers and wines are produced in the region. Beer is one of Germany's top drinks and is spread widely in the Black Forest as well. Some of the most common beers are from Rothaus and Alpirsbacher.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe only airport with scheduled services in the Black Forest region is the Baden-Airpark (FKB) near Baden-Baden. Other airports in neighbouring regions include: The region is covered by regional trains and buses. As they can be infrequent, it is better to check the departure times in advance (e.g., through bahn.de or some public transport apps). If you stay in a guest house or a hotel, you will often be offered a free "Gästekarte" (guest card), called KONUS. It allows you to go around freely in many local trains and buses (which do not include the express trains "IC/EC" and the high speed trains "ICE"). It is valid during your whole stay, from you arrival and including the day of your check-in, so it allows visiting the region by going from one accommodation to another without paying any transportation ticket. It includes the following zones (a map is available through the link above): You will only need to show it with a photo ID to the driver or the train staff....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The region is covered by regional trains and buses. As they can be infrequent, it is better to check the departure times in advance (e.g., through bahn.de or some public transport apps). If you stay in a guest house or a hotel, you will often be offered a free "Gästekarte" (guest card), called KONUS. It allows you to go around freely in many local trains and buses (which do not include the express trains "IC/EC" and the high speed trains "ICE"). It is valid during your whole stay, from you arrival and including the day of your check-in, so it allows visiting the region by going from one accommodation to another without paying any transportation ticket. It includes the following zones (a map is available through the link above): You will only need to show it with a photo ID to the driver or the train staff. Most Germans have learned some English at school, so you should be able to get by.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the main tourist areas may be cheaper than many of the quaint smaller towns and villages. For a nice hut at a reasonable price, look for a privately-operated Gasthaus, which can be found in villages throughout the area. There are many pleasant surprises waiting, often with excellent home-cooked food and special service, often provided by the family living there for many generations. Ask at the local Tourist Bureau for a list, often with prices. Sometimes the Tourist office will even call to ask availability. Gasthaus rooms may be found for as low as €20 for one person, up to €70 for a double room/two persons. Reservations may be needed during festivals or summer near tourist locations. Mid-price Hotels begin at €50-100 a night per double room, with lots of availability in the mid and expensive categories. The Black Forest area has some of the best hiking options, with well-marked trails, and maps available from the tourist offices.
Money & Budget
Most Germans have learned some English at school, so you should be able to get by. Due to the closeness of France and the long-standing German-French treaty of friendship, French is widely taught in secondary schools, but outcomes vary widely. Tourism industry businesses like Europapark that attract significant numbers of French people will however cater to French speakers as best they can, including a Bastille Day parade. An advertisement campaign ("Wir können alles außer Hochdeutsch") poked fun at the propensity of Baden Württemberger to speak with a strong dialect, but standard German will be understood and is taught in schools. The food tends to be wholesome, heavy dishes and lots of cakes, biscuits, meats and gravies.
Language & Talk
Most Germans have learned some English at school, so you should be able to get by. Due to the closeness of France and the long-standing German-French treaty of friendship, French is widely taught in secondary schools, but outcomes vary widely. Tourism industry businesses like Europapark that attract significant numbers of French people will however cater to French speakers as best they can, including a Bastille Day parade. An advertisement campaign ("Wir können alles außer Hochdeutsch") poked fun at the propensity of Baden Württemberger to speak with a strong dialect, but standard German will be understood and is taught in schools. The food tends to be wholesome, heavy dishes and lots of cakes, biscuits, meats and gravies.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Black Forest
I was an my way to take a walk through the mountains as i saw a huge fogfront coming towards us.
green trees under blue sky during daytime
Part of the black forest
Fir-Trees at Night
Early morning in the Black Forest in Germany. Clouds are hanging low in the valleys and mist arises from the trees.
a forest filled with lots of trees covered in fog
The heart of the Southern Black Forest (Schwarzwald) regional park, Germany
a wooden bridge over a body of water
Germany, Black Forest (location next to Freiburg) Enjoy the view and this unique nature!
forest during daytime
I was an my way to take a walk through the mountains as i saw a huge fogfront coming towards us.
green trees under blue sky during daytime
Part of the black forest