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Schwarzwald

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Forest
—°9
Schwarzwald (Germany)

Weather…

The Black Forest in southwestern Germany is the country's highest and largest contiguous low mountain range, covering an area of approximately 6,009 square kilometers. It is bordered to the west and south by the Upper Rhine Plain and reaches its highest peak at the Feldberg, standing at 1,493 meters. Historically, the region is deeply connected to forestry, mining, and horology, with the famous cuckoo clock serving as a global symbol of local craftsmanship since the 18th century. Geologically, the mountains consist primarily of gneiss and granite, overlain by layers of Bunter sandstone. In 2014, the Black Forest National Park was established to protect the pristine nature across an area of about 10,000 hectares. The region also houses the sources of major rivers such as the Danube and the Neckar. Today, the Black Forest is a leading tourist destination, renowned for its spa towns like Baden-Baden, the Triberg Waterfalls, and an extensive network of hiking trails.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C015913171919141051
Rain mm846370589983928965817491

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The region is vast, typically accessed via scenic mountain roads or regional train lines connecting major hub towns like Freiburg. Having a car provides the greatest flexibility to reach remote spots.
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Best season
Summer is peak season for hiking in pleasant temperatures under the dense evergreen canopy. Winter turns the higher elevations into a popular destination for skiing and scenic snowy walks.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain varies immensely from deep forested valleys and dramatic waterfalls to sweeping, panoramic highland ridges. Trails range from wide, family-friendly gravel paths to steep, rocky climbs.
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What to bring
Quality hiking shoes and a versatile layering system are crucial, as weather can change rapidly with elevation. A physical map or GPS device is highly recommended given the sheer scale of the woods.
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Parking
Parking is widely available at trailhead lots, mountain passes, and near tourist attractions. However, at famous spots like the Triberg Waterfalls or Feldberg, lots can fill up by mid-morning.
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Safety
Always monitor the weather forecast carefully, as sudden thunderstorms can occur in the mountains. Keep to the signposted routes, as getting lost in such a massive and dense forest is a real risk.
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Time needed
Visitors can do anything from a one-hour viewpoint stop to a multi-week long-distance hike. Most casual tourists plan for half-day or full-day hikes to properly soak in the iconic atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
48.25000, 8.23000

Facts

  • Highest peak is the Feldberg with an elevation of 1,493 meters.
  • Total area is approximately 6,009 km² within Baden-Württemberg.
  • The Danube river originates here at the confluence of Brigach and Breg.
  • Black Forest National Park was officially established on January 1, 2014.
  • Triberg Waterfalls are among Germany's highest at 163 meters.
  • The world's largest cuckoo clock is located in Schonach, Black Forest.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Hausach5 km · NWExplore →
📍Wolfach6 km · NExplore →
📍Haslach im Kinzigtal11 km · WExplore →
📍Schramberg12 km · EExplore →
TribergTriberg13 km · SExplore →
📍Elzach14 km · SWExplore →
Triberg WaterfallsTriberg Waterfalls16 km · SExplore →
📍St. Georgen im Schwarzwald16 km · SEExplore →

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 Schwarzwald (9)

Moserstein

Viewpoint in the Black Forest.

Kapf

Hill near Kirnbach in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Schondelhöhe

Mountain in Germany.

Park with all senses

Attraction in the Black Forest.

Schloss Hornberg-Blick

Viewpoint in the Black Forest.

Bühlerstein

Mountain in Germany.

Sommerrodelbahn Gutach

Summer toboggan run in Gutach.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is a Black Forest Cherry Cake?
A cake with chocolate layers, whipped cream, cherries, and authentic Black Forest cherry schnapps.
Where can I find the highest waterfalls?
In Triberg. The waterfalls plunge down 163 meters in seven stages.
Where are cuckoo clocks made?
Throughout the Black Forest, especially around Schonach and Triberg, there are many traditional workshops.
What is the highest mountain in the Black Forest?
The Feldberg at 1,493 meters. It is a popular destination for hiking and skiing.
What is Titisee?
A famous mountain lake in the southern Black Forest, well-suited for boat trips and strolls along the promenade.
Schwarzwald: where is it located?
Schwarzwald is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Schwarzwald: what is there to see?
Highlights include Moserstein, Peterskirche, Museum Hasemann-Liebich.
Schwarzwald: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Schwarzwald: why is it worth visiting?
The Black Forest in southwestern Germany is the country's highest and largest contiguous low mountain range, covering an area of approximately 6,009 square kilometers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Stuttgart — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Stuttgart
Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is idyllically located in a valley basin surrounded by vineyards.
Karlsruhe — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe has a fan-shaped city layout.
Freiburg im Breisgau — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Freiburg im Breisgau
Freiburg im Breisgau is located in southwestern Baden-Württemberg and boasts of being the sunniest major city in Germany.
Pforzheim — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Pforzheim
Pforzheim is called the gold city.
Reutlingen — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Reutlingen
Reutlingen is located at the foot of the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg.
Tübingen — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Tübingen
Tübingen is a university city on the Neckar with a medieval flair, known for its scholars and the Tübingen punting boats.
Villingen-Schwenningen — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Villingen-Schwenningen
A dual city in the Black Forest that combines Baden tradition with Württemberg industrial history (watchmaking).
Constance — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Constance
Constance on Lake Constance is the southernmost city in Germany, known for the Council of Constance and its location at the crossing to t…
Sindelfingen — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Sindelfingen
Sindelfingen is an important location for the car industry.
Baden-Baden — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden is located in Baden-Württemberg near the Black Forest.
Lahr/Schwarzwald — Schwarzwald (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.
Leonberg — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Leonberg
Leonberg is a vibrant city near Stuttgart, famous for the historic Pomeranzengarten and the Leonberger dog breed.
Rastatt — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Rastatt
A Baroque residence city on the Upper Rhine, significant for German freedom history and the automotive industry.
Singen — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Singen
Singen, at the foot of the mighty Hohentwiel volcanic cone, is a major industrial city and transport hub in the Hegau region.
Lörrach — Schwarzwald (Germany)
Lörrach
A city in the three-country corner (DE, FR, CH), known for its cultural diversity, Rötteln Castle, and chocolate production.