The Black Forest
A land of dark wooded hills, cuckoo clocks and gateau - the fairytale forest of southwest Germany, of timbered farmhouses, spa towns and winding scenic roads.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The Black Forest is a land of dark, wooded hills in the southwest corner of Germany, its name from the dense evergreen forests that cloak the slopes. A region of steep timbered farmhouses, waterfalls, cuckoo clocks and the famous cherry gateau, of elegant spa towns like Baden-Baden and winding scenic roads, it is fairytale Germany, wonderful for driving, walking and cosy country stays.
What you actually see
- The forest drives - the scenic roads winding through the wooded hills.
- Triberg - the waterfalls and the home of the cuckoo clock.
- Baden-Baden - the elegant spa town of grand baths.
- The gateau and clocks - the Black Forest cherry cake and cuckoo clocks.
When to go
Late spring to autumn for walking, driving and the spa towns; autumn brings colour, and December the Christmas markets. It is a region best explored slowly by car over a few days.
Honest expectations
It is a broad region rather than a single sight, so a car and a few days do it justice; the cuckoo-clock and gateau side can feel touristy. The forest is dark and dense, more atmospheric than dramatic. Spa towns like Baden-Baden are a different, genteel experience.
Nearby
Freiburg and the Rhine plain are alongside; Strasbourg in France and Switzerland are close.
What to pack for The Black Forest
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
