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Northern Black Forest

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Forest
—°9
Northern Black Forest (Germany)

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The Northern Black Forest is a geographically distinct region in southwestern Germany, extending from Pforzheim in the north to the Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt line in the south. The area is characterized by deep valleys, dense fir forests, and prominent bunter sandstone high plateaus. A central feature is the Black Forest National Park, established in 2014 and covering over 10,000 hectares, where nature is allowed to develop without human interference. The region is also famous for its moors and glacial lakes, such as the Mummelsee along the scenic Black Forest High Road. Tourism-wise, the spa town of Baden-Baden plays a prominent role, alongside numerous hiking and skiing resorts. The Hornisgrinde is the highest peak in the Northern Black Forest, reaching 1163 meters. Historically and economically, the region was shaped by glassmaking traditions and forestry, while today sustainable tourism has become the primary focus.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C015914182019151051
Rain mm765864508672818158707083

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The northern sector is easily approached via the famous Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Black Forest High Road). Towns like Baden-Baden serve as excellent, well-connected gateways for arriving by car.
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Best season
Autumn is spectacular when the mists hang low in the valleys below the peaks. Summer is popular for hiking the cooler high trails, while winter brings snowy conditions convenient for snowshoeing.
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Terrain & paths
This area is known for its steep valleys, dark coniferous woods, and elevated moorlands. Trails often feature persistent ascents and rocky, root-covered sections that demand a moderate fitness level.
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What to bring
Robust, ankle-supporting hiking boots are essential due to the uneven and sometimes boggy ground. A waterproof layer and windbreaker are highly recommended on the exposed high-altitude moors.
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Parking
Scenic viewpoints and major trailheads along the High Road usually have dedicated parking lots. These can fill quickly during summer weekends or peak winter snow days, so arrive early.
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Safety
The weather on the elevated ridges can be unpredictable and windy. Stick to boardwalks where provided to protect fragile moorland, and be aware of potentially slippery boardwalks when wet.
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Time needed
A short scenic loop near a visitor center takes about one to two hours. A more immersive hike traversing the valleys and ridges usually requires a solid half-day or a fully dedicated hiking day.

Geography

Coordinates
48.80000, 8.40000

Facts

  • The Hornisgrinde is the region's highest peak at 1163 meters.
  • The Black Forest National Park was inaugurated on January 1, 2014.
  • The region covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers.
  • Mummelsee is a cirque lake dating back to the last ice age.
  • Baden-Baden became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
  • The Black Forest High Road is the oldest scenic drive in Germany.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Bad Herrenalb3 km · EExplore →
📍Gaggenau6 km · WExplore →
📍Gernsbach6 km · SWExplore →
📍Kuppenheim11 km · WExplore →
Bad WildbadBad Wildbad12 km · SEExplore →
Baden-BadenBaden-Baden13 km · WExplore →
📍Neuenbürg15 km · EExplore →
📍Ettlingen15 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Northern Black Forest (9)

Hohe Wanne

Mountain in Germany, a peak in the Northern Black Forest with views.

Mauzenberg

Mountain in Germany, a wooded hill in the Northern Black Forest.

Bernstein

Mountain in the Northern Black Forest, a popular hiking destination.

Ziegelmuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Germany, showcasing the history of brickmaking.

🕒 Apr-Dec: Su 14:00-17:00, May-Oct: We 14:30-17:00💶

Paradies

Vestibule of the monastery church, part of a historic monastic complex.

Kurhaus

Arts centre in the Northern Black Forest, venue for concerts and events.

Evangelische Kirche Bernbach

Church in Bernbach, built in 1782 by enlarging an earlier church from 1720.

Baumhaus

Demonstration object, not available for overnight stays.

Pfarrberg

Viewpoint in the Northern Black Forest overlooking the surroundings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Schwarzwaldhochstraße?
It is the oldest tourist road in the Northern Black Forest, running from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt with spectacular views.
Can you swim in the Mummelsee?
Swimming is not allowed, but you can rent paddle boats or walk around the glacial lake in about 15 minutes.
When is the best time for hiking?
From May to October the paths are snow-free. Autumn is especially beautiful due to the changing colors of the foliage.
What local specialty should I try?
You must try the Black Forest cherry gateau and the famous smoked Black Forest ham.
Are there skiing opportunities in winter?
Yes, around Mehliskopf and Kniebis there are downhill slopes and many cross-country skiing trails.
Northern Black Forest: where is it located?
Northern Black Forest is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Northern Black Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hohe Wanne, Mauzenberg, Bernstein.
Northern Black Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Northern Black Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Northern Black Forest is a geographically distinct region in southwestern Germany, extending from Pforzheim in the north to the Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt line in the south.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Stuttgart — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Stuttgart
Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is idyllically located in a valley basin surrounded by vineyards.
Mannheim — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Mannheim
Mannheim is called the city of squares.
Karlsruhe — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe has a fan-shaped city layout.
Heidelberg — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is considered the epitome of German Romanticism and charms with its picturesque location on the Neckar River.
Heilbronn — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Heilbronn
Heilbronn is known as the city of 'Käthchen'.
Pforzheim — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Pforzheim
Pforzheim is called the gold city.
Reutlingen — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Reutlingen
Reutlingen is located at the foot of the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg.
Esslingen — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Esslingen
Esslingen has one of the oldest half-timbered old towns.
Esslingen am Neckar — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Esslingen am Neckar
A former Free Imperial City featuring one of Germany's best-preserved medieval old towns and a prestigious sparkling wine tradition.
Tübingen — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Tübingen
Tübingen is a university city on the Neckar with a medieval flair, known for its scholars and the Tübingen punting boats.
Ludwigsburg — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Ludwigsburg
A magnificent baroque city north of Stuttgart, famous for its grand residential palace and the 'Blooming Baroque' gardens.
Sindelfingen — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Sindelfingen
Sindelfingen is an important location for the car industry.
Baden-Baden — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden is located in Baden-Württemberg near the Black Forest.
Waiblingen — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Waiblingen
A historic Staufer city in the Rems valley, known for its picturesque riverside old town and strong industrial base.
Lahr/Schwarzwald — Northern Black Forest (Germany)
Lahr/Schwarzwald
Lahr, at the edge of the Black Forest, is a flourishing garden city famous for the Chrysanthema festival and its military heritage.