Welcome to the enchanting world of the Black Forest, or Schwarzwald as the locals call it. Nestled in the southwest corner of Germany, this vast expanse forests and charming villages has been captivating visitors for centuries. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious spa retreat, an adventurous hiking expedition, or a family-friendly vacation, the Black Forest has something for everyone.
Our pick of the best hotels in Black Forest: 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection
- ✨ 5-Star: Aqua Aurelia Suitenhotel
- 🏨 4-Star: TRIBE Baden-Baden
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Waldcafe Hotel Restaurant
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Holiday Inn Express Baden-Baden, an IHG Hotel
- 🏢 Apartment: Self-check-in Ferienwohnungen & Apartments am Bergsee
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Action Forest Hotel - Kletterwald - Lasertag - nähe Badeparadies
- 🏩 For Couples: Alemannenhof - Boutique Hotel am Titisee
In this article, we’ll explore five of the best bases for your Black Forest adventure, each offering its own unique flavor of this iconic German landscape.
Quick Black Forest Area Guide: ☀️
- 🏙️ For City Life and Culture: Freiburg im Breisgau
- 💆♀️ For Luxury and Wellness: Baden-Baden
- 🕰️ For Traditional Black Forest Charm: Triberg
- 🏞️ For Lakeside Relaxation: Titisee
- ⛷️ For Winter Sports and Mountain Views: Feldberg
1. Freiburg im Breisgau – Gateway to the Black Forest 🏙️
🏛️ Historic heart: The heart of Freiburg is its historic old town, dominated by the magnificent Freiburg Cathedral. I recommend climbing the tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding forests and rolling hills. The daily market around the cathedral is a feast for the senses.
🍻 Local culture: For a taste of local culture, here are my top picks:
- Augustinerplatz: A lively square where students gather for impromptu picnics
- Schlossberg: Hike up for stunning views and a cold beer at the biergarten
- Bächle: Keep an eye out for these unique water-filled gutters running through the streets
- Alte Universität: Admire the beautiful facade of one of Germany’s oldest universities
🚋 Easy exploring: Getting around is easy with Freiburg’s excellent public transport. The Vauban district is particularly interesting – it’s one of Europe’s largest car-free, eco-friendly communities.
🍽️ Tasty eats: The Markthalle is my go-to for a quick lunch, offering everything from sushi to traditional cake. For dinner, I suggest trying local specialties like Flammkuchen or Spätzle at Zum Roten Bären, Germany’s oldest inn.
🌲 Nature nearby: The Black Forest is right on your doorstep. Take the Schauinsland cable car for hiking and breathtaking views. In winter, it’s a great starting point for skiing adventures.
💡 Money saver: Buy a Freiburg Welcome Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions.
Best hotels to stay in Freiburg: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Boutiquehotel am Stadtgarten – Charming boutique hotel offering stylish rooms with modern amenities. The hotel features a terrace and garden where guests can relax after exploring the city.
- Hotel Rappen am Münsterplatz – Traditional hotel with comfortable rooms featuring cable TV and private bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant serves modern and innovative dishes along with traditional Baden and international wines.
- Stadthotel Freiburg – Modern city hotel offering well-equipped rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel provides a daily breakfast buffet and has a bar where guests can enjoy drinks in the evening.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Central Hotel – Comfortable hotel with a range of room types to suit different needs, from standard rooms to suites. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet and has a 24-hour reception for guest convenience.
- Hampton by Hilton Freiburg – Modern hotel offering spacious rooms with comfortable beds and work desks. The hotel features a fitness center and provides a complimentary hot breakfast for guests.
- Alleehaus – Charming guesthouse offering cozy rooms with unique decor and modern amenities. The property features a garden where guests can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Premier Inn Freiburg City Süd – Contemporary hotel offering comfortable rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk and an on-site restaurant serving international cuisine.
- Mercure Hotel Freiburg am Münster – Modern hotel offering stylish rooms with air conditioning and satellite TV. The hotel features a sauna and fitness center, as well as a restaurant serving regional and international dishes.
- Lumi Hotel – Trendy hotel offering bright, modern rooms with comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi. The hotel provides a daily breakfast buffet and has a 24-hour reception for guest convenience.
2. Baden-Baden – Luxurious Spa Town 💆♀️
🧖♀️ Spa paradise: The spa town of Baden-Baden is famous for its thermal baths. I recommend starting your day at Caracalla Therme, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while gazing at the surrounding forest.
👙 Traditional soak: For those seeking a more traditional experience, Friedrichsbad is your best bet. This 19th-century Roman-Irish bath offers a unique 17-step bathing ritual that’ll leave you feeling like royalty. Just a heads up: it’s a nude spa, so leave your modesty at the door!
🎭 Town highlights: When you’re not pampering yourself, Baden-Baden has plenty to offer:
- Kurhaus: This stunning casino is the town’s social hub. Even if you’re not into gambling, it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone.
- Lichtentaler Allee: A beautiful park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
- Museum Frieder Burda: Home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Merkur Mountain: Take the funicular for breathtaking views of the Black Forest and beyond.
🍰 Culinary delights: Don’t leave without trying the iconic Black Forest cake and some local Black Forest ham. For a splurge, I suggest the Michelin-starred Brenners Park-Restaurant.
🚗 Exploring further: If you’re driving in Germany, Baden-Baden makes for a great base to explore other Black Forest towns and villages. It’s only a short drive to Triberg, home to Germany’s highest waterfalls, or the picturesque Lake Titisee.
⏱️ Quick visit: If you’re short on time, consider taking a guided tour. It’s an efficient way to see the town’s highlights and learn about its rich history.
Best hotels in Baden-Baden : 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection – Luxurious 5-star hotel offering world-class service and elegant rooms with modern amenities. The hotel features a spa and wellness center, fitness facilities, and a highly-rated restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.
- Aqua Aurelia Suitenhotel – Upscale suite hotel offering spacious accommodations with kitchenettes and living areas. The hotel boasts a spa area with indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center.
- Vienna House Batschari Baden-Baden – Modern hotel featuring stylish rooms with contemporary decor and amenities. The hotel offers a fitness center and a restaurant serving regional and international cuisine.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Hotel Rebenhof – Charming family-run hotel offering cozy rooms with traditional decor. The hotel features a restaurant serving local specialties and a terrace with beautiful views.
- Waldcafe Hotel Restaurant – Rustic hotel set in a picturesque forest location, offering comfortable rooms with balconies. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious regional cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Holiday Inn Express Baden-Baden, an IHG Hotel – Modern chain hotel offering clean and comfortable rooms with all necessary amenities. The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast buffet and has a 24-hour front desk.
🛏️ Best hostels
- TRIBE Baden-Baden – Contemporary hotel with stylish rooms featuring modern design and amenities. The hotel offers a fitness center and a highly-rated breakfast, making it a great choice for both leisure and business travelers.
- Hotel Athos – Charming hotel set in a 19th-century building, offering rooms with free minibar drinks and Wi-Fi. The hotel features a Greek restaurant with a terrace and provides free parking for guests.
- Gästehaus Schöneck – Cozy guesthouse offering comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere. The property provides a shared kitchen and lounge area for guests to use during their stay.
3. Triberg – Home of Cuckoo Clocks and Waterfalls 🕰️
🏞️ Unique cityscape: The city centre, just a short walk from the train station, is a maze of cobblestone streets and picturesque canals called Bächle. These tiny waterways once supplied water to fight fires but now add a unique charm to the city.
🏛️ Must-see spots: Here are some must-visit spots in Freiburg:
- Freiburg Minster: This Gothic masterpiece dominates the skyline. Climb the tower for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding Black Forest.
- Schlossberg: A short hike up this hill rewards you with panoramic vistas. It’s one of the best things to do in Freiburg, especially at sunset.
- Augustinerplatz: This lively square is perfect for people-watching and enjoying a local beer.
- Münsterplatz: Home to a daily market where you can sample local Black Forest ham and the iconic Black Forest cake.
Insider Tip: Look out for the tiny brass plates embedded in the sidewalks. These “Stolpersteine” (stumbling stones) commemorate victims of the Nazi regime.
🚆 Day trip hub: Freiburg is also a great base for day trips into the Black Forest. The Höllentalbahn (Hell Valley Railway) offers a scenic ride to Titisee, a beautiful lake that’s well worth visiting. Or rent a car and drive to Triberg, home to Germany’s highest waterfalls.
🍽️ Foodie paradise: Don’t miss trying Flammkuchen, a thin-crust pizza popular in the region. My favorite spot is Wolfshöhle, located near the Schwabentor gate. For a special treat, book a table at Zirbelstube, a Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases the best of Black Forest cuisine.
Best hotels to stay in Triberg: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Best Western Plus Schwarzwald Residenz – Modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and apartments with amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel features a restaurant, sauna, and indoor pool, as well as activities like cycling and hiking.
- Waldwerk am Wasserfall – Charming hotel located near the Triberg waterfalls, offering cozy rooms with rustic decor. The hotel features a restaurant serving regional cuisine and provides easy access to hiking trails.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Hotel Café Adler – Family-run hotel in the heart of Triberg, offering comfortable rooms with traditional Black Forest charm. The hotel’s café serves homemade cakes and local specialties, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- Hotel Restaurant Ketterer am Kurgarten – Cozy hotel featuring bright rooms with cable TV and private bathrooms. The hotel offers a sunny garden terrace and a restaurant serving regional dishes.
- Self-check-in Ferienwohnungen & Apartments am Bergsee – Family-friendly accommodation offering apartments with bright interiors, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. The property features a sun terrace, children’s playground, and a restaurant serving traditional regional cuisine.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Daheim Triberg – Comfortable guesthouse offering cozy rooms with modern amenities and a homely atmosphere. The property provides a shared kitchen and lounge area for guests to use during their stay.
- Apartment Scherer – Self-catering apartment offering a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living space. The apartment provides a great base for exploring Triberg and the surrounding Black Forest region.
4. Titisee – Where to Stay in Black Forest for Picturesque Lake and Resort Town 🏞️
🌊 Lake attraction: This charming town offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and tourist amenities. The lake itself is the star attraction, and for good reason. Crystal clear waters reflect the surrounding pine-covered hills, creating a postcard-perfect scene. I recommend renting a paddleboat or kayak to fully appreciate the lake’s beauty. Trust me, it’s worth every euro!
🥾 Scenic hike: For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, the 5.5 km hiking trail around the lake is a must-do. It’s an easy walk suitable for all fitness levels and offers stunning views at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – I spotted several rare bird species during my trek.
🚗 Nearby attractions: Titisee is also a great base for exploring other Black Forest attractions. Here are some nearby places worth visiting:
- Triberg: Home to Germany’s highest waterfalls, just a short drive away.
- Feldberg: The highest peak in the Black Forest, perfect for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
- St. Blasien: Don’t miss the impressive dome of the cathedral in this picturesque town.
- Freiburg: The vibrant university city is within easy reach for a day trip.
Insider Tip: Visit the Badeparadies Schwarzwald for a unique spa experience. This tropical-themed water park is a hit with both kids and adults!
🍰 Foodie delights: Titisee is home to some of the best Black Forest cake I’ve ever tasted. Head to Café Adler for a slice – the view of the lake is an added bonus. For a more substantial meal, try the trout at Bergsee, caught fresh from the lake.
⏱️ Quick tour: If you’re short on time, take a boat tour of the lake. It’s a great way to see the sights and learn about the area’s history in just an hour.
Best hotels to stay in Titisee: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Hotel Brugger am See – Charming lakeside hotel offering comfortable rooms with beautiful views of Lake Titisee. The hotel features a restaurant serving regional cuisine and provides easy access to water activities and hiking trails.
- Haus Waldesruh – Cozy guesthouse offering apartments with fully equipped kitchens and balconies overlooking the Black Forest. The property provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to outdoor activities in the surrounding nature.
- Hotel Zum Löwen - Unteres Wirtshaus – Traditional Black Forest hotel offering comfortable rooms with rustic decor. The hotel features a restaurant serving local specialties and provides a great base for exploring the Titisee area.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Action Forest Hotel - Kletterwald - Lasertag - nähe Badeparadies – Family-friendly hotel offering adventure activities like a climbing forest and laser tag. The hotel is located near Lake Titisee and provides comfortable rooms for a fun-filled stay in the Black Forest.
- coucou hotel & kuckucks-stube (Titisee) – Modern hotel featuring stylish rooms and a terrace with beautiful views. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property, making it a great choice for a comfortable stay in Titisee-Neustadt.
- Alemannenhof - Boutique Hotel am Titisee – Upscale boutique hotel located directly on Lake Titisee, offering elegant rooms with stunning lake views. The hotel features a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine and provides easy access to water activities and hiking trails in the surrounding Black Forest.
5. Feldberg – Best place to Stay in the Black Forest for Highest Peaks and Winter Sports Center ⛷️
❄️ Winter wonderland: In winter, Feldberg transforms into a winter sports paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, there’s a run for you here. I particularly love the Fahl-Muggenbrunn run for its challenging terrain and stunning vistas.
🥾 Hiking heaven: But Feldberg isn’t just about winter sports. In summer, it’s a hiker’s dream. The network of trails offers something for everyone, from easy walks to challenging treks. Here are some of my favorite hiking routes:
- Feldsee Circuit: An easy 5km loop around a picturesque glacial lake.
- Feldberg Summit Trail: A moderate 10km hike with panoramic views of the Black Forest.
- Zastler Gorge: A challenging 12km route through one of the most beautiful gorges in the area.
Insider Tip: The Feldbergbahn cable car operates year-round. If you’re not up for a hike, take the cable car to the summit for incredible views without breaking a sweat.
🏡 Charming base: Feldberg town, located at the foot of the mountain, is the perfect base for exploring the area. It’s a typical Black Forest village, with charming half-timbered houses and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of family-run hotels and guesthouses here, offering that perfect blend of comfort and local hospitality.
🍽️ Culinary delights: Don’t miss trying the local specialty, Schwarzwälder Schinken (Black Forest ham). My favorite spot for this is the Rößle restaurant in nearby Todtnau.
⏱️ Quick visit: If you’re short on time, take the Feldbergbahn to the summit, enjoy the views, and have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant. It’s a great way to experience the essence of Feldberg in just a few hours.
Best hotels to stay in Feldberg: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Boutique Hotel Kokoschinski – Stylish boutique hotel offering uniquely designed rooms with modern amenities. The hotel features a terrace with panoramic views of the Black Forest and provides a delicious breakfast to start your day.
- Pension Windgfäll – Cozy guesthouse offering comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere. The property provides a shared lounge and garden area for guests to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Bergoase Apart in Feldberg – Modern apartment complex offering well-equipped units with kitchenettes and balconies. The property provides easy access to skiing and hiking trails, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Berghotel Jägermatt – Charming mountain hotel offering comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel features a restaurant serving regional cuisine and provides a perfect base for exploring the Feldberg area.
- Fuchs und Has' Gästehaus – Quaint guesthouse offering cozy rooms with a traditional ambiance. The property provides a shared kitchen and lounge area, allowing guests to feel at home during their stay.
- Biber Lodge – Rustic lodge-style accommodation offering comfortable rooms and apartments in a natural setting. The property features a sauna and provides easy access to outdoor activities, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
FAQs about trips to Black Forest ❔
What is the best base for the Black Forest?
Freiburg is often considered the best base for exploring the Black Forest due to its excellent transport connections and proximity to many attractions. It offers a great mix of urban amenities and easy access to nature, making it ideal for day trips into the surrounding forest and mountains.
Which is nicer, Baden-Baden or Freiburg?
While both are charming, Freiburg tends to be favored by most visitors for its lively atmosphere, beautiful old town, and younger vibe as a university city. Baden-Baden is more upscale and known for its thermal spas and casino, so it comes down to personal preference between a bustling small city or a quieter spa town.
What is the closest town to the Black Forest?
Freiburg im Breisgau is considered the gateway to the Black Forest and one of the closest major towns to the forest itself. It’s located right on the western edge of the Black Forest, providing immediate access to hiking trails and forest attractions.
Where to stay in southern Black Forest?
Titisee is a popular choice for staying in the southern Black Forest, offering a picturesque lake setting and easy access to hiking trails. Feldberg is another good option, especially for winter sports enthusiasts, as it’s the highest peak in the Black Forest and a major ski resort.
What animals live in Black Forest?
The Black Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, foxes, and various bird species like woodpeckers and grouse. Some rarer animals that can be found in the forest include lynx, which have been reintroduced, and the endangered capercaillie, a large forest bird.
