a feast for the senses
Black Forest
Black forest gateau
nature's spa
into the wild
Step into the Black Forest
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Magic
The legendary Black
Forest Gateau
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Layers of stories
This tiered cake's origins are steeped in legend. It was created in 1915 by pastry chef Joseph Keller, and quickly became a beloved treat. Some say its design mirrors the traditional Bollenhut costume. The white cream represents the blouse, the chocolate shavings for the black of the dress, and bright red cherries for the distinctive woollen pom poms on the hat.
Over time, it became synonymous with this region of Germany. Today, Black Forest gateau graces bakery windows and dessert menus worldwide. But no matter how many imitations exist, nothing beats savouring a slice in the very place that inspired it.
A slice of decadence
No visit to the Black Forest is complete without a taste of its most famous creation: the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). This indulgent cherry and chocolate cake gets its distinctive flavour from the region's signature Kirsch—a cherry brandy distilled from locally grown fruit.
To experience this treat at its finest, visit a traditional bakery in the region. Café Schäfer in Triberg is where the original recipe is said to have been perfected over generations. And if you're inspired to try baking it yourself, don’t forget to pick up some authentic Black Forest Kirsch to take home. You can soak the cherries in the liquor overnight for an extra boozy kick.
If you like your hikes with a side of indulgence, the Genießerpfad (gourmet trails) offer the perfect blend of scenery and flavour. These leisurely footpaths let you stretch your legs while treating your taste buds. Stroll through lush forest, and discover a self-serve schnapps fountain. Add in fruit stations, and charming cultural stops, and you've got the ultimate slow-travel hike.
For the more hardy walkers, take a challenging trek on the famous Westweg. This long-distance route cuts through the heart of the Black Forest, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramas over the Rhine Valley and Vosges Mountains.
The region is also perfect for cycling, with rental bikes easy to find. The terrain varies so much in the region, with trails for a leisurely family cycle, a quad-burning mountain ascent, or a thrilling downhill race through dense woodland.
Following the trails
Lose yourself in nature
Into the wild
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Nature's spa
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In partnership with:
A forest sanctuary
But wellness in the Black Forest isn’t just about spas—it’s about connecting with nature. Forest bathing invites visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the woodland, a practice known for its calming effects. In Bad Wildbad, you can take it a step further by soaking in tree-trunk forest tubs, or go back to basics and simply lie on the forest floor, letting nature work its magic.
Scattered throughout the region are wellness hotels nestled in the forest, some with their own natural mountain springs and even Michelin-starred restaurants. You’ll also find lakeside saunas and natural swimming ponds. For a truly curated experience, seek out Wellness Stars-certified hotels and spas, carefully evaluated by experts to ensure the highest standards of relaxation.
Soak in tradition
If you're looking to unwind, the Black Forest is Germany's ultimate wellness destination, home to17 thermal baths. At its heart lies Baden-Baden, a renowned spa town with two thermal baths. Recognised as one of UNESCO's Great Spa Towns of Europe since 2021, it's been a place of healing since Roman times—when settlers first built bathing facilities to harness the restorative powers of these waters. Even today, visitors can sip the mineral-rich water from the Fettquelle fountain for a taste of ancient wellness.
For a luxurious soak, head to the Friedrichsbad, a Roman-Irish bathhouse, or indulge in the modern comforts of Caracalla Spa, where bubbling pools and soothing saunas await. Further afield, Solemar in Bad Dürrheim stands as Europe’s highest brine bath, offering 13,500 square meters of pure wellness, from saltwater lagoons to relaxation areas designed for deep rejuvenation.
Raise a glass
The Black Forest is a rural idyll for food lovers, with bountiful farmland stretching for miles. This rich culinary landscape has earned the region over 30 Michelin stars, with Baiersbronn alone home to eight of them.
Restaurants, rustic inns, and mountain cabins embrace seasonal, locally sourced produce, ensuring sustainability while preserving the area’s traditional way of life. By supporting regional farmers, these establishments help maintain the open meadows and time-honoured agricultural practices of the Black Forest.
Dishes are created from Baden, Alsatian, Swabian, and Swiss influences. Signature specialities include the famed Black Forest ham, rich venison, and artisanal cheese from local farms. Freiburg's Zum Roten Bären, Germany’s oldest inn (over 900 years old), is a must-visit for history and gastronomy lovers alike.
Tradition meets fine dining
A feast for the senses
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Nestled in southwest Germany, the Black Forest is a region straight out of a fairytale. Think pine-clad hills, charming farmsteads, mouthwatering food, and soothing wellness retreats. Whether you crave foodie delights, epic outdoor adventures, or simple relaxation, the Black Forest delivers.
Travelling from the UK is quick and hassle-free. Direct flights from London, Manchester, and other major cities land at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and Baden-Baden and Stuttgart airports. From there, a short drive or train ride will bring you into the heart of the region.
Here’s why this enchanting region should be next on your travel list.
Beer lovers can explore small traditional breweries that use fresh mountain spring water to craft rich, flavourful brews. Some beers are only available in the region, making the journey there worthwhile to savour that sip. Gin, brandy, and schnapps distilleries offer unique spirits infused with local botanicals.
For wine enthusiasts, the Baden Wine Route, Germany's longest wine trail, winds through 500km of rolling hills and sun-soaked vineyards. It offers up a taste of the region’s outstanding Pinot Noir, Gutedel, Riesling, and Müller-Thurgau. There are also plenty of cultural sights to visit along the way.
Twice a year, winemakers open their rustic taverns, inviting visitors to sample fresh wines and regional delicacies in a cosy, homely atmosphere. Traditionally, they indicate they’re open with a bunch of flowers (Strauss) or colourfully decorated broom at their entrance.
The Black Forest is a paradise for nature lovers, with 24,000km of hiking trails weaving through pine-scented forests, open meadows, and deep, picturesque valleys. With 75% of the Black Forest covered in trees—equivalent to 660,000 football pitches—the sense of immersion in nature is unparalleled.
There are two sprawling nature reserves (naturparks) to explore, as well as a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve. This area preserves its natural landscape by utilising traditional farming practises and creating a mosaic of maintained pastures and mountain forests. Much of it is protected, but not cultivated, meaning biodiversity and untouched nature thrive.
It's also home to Feldberg—a 1,493-metre high mountain—the highest in Germany outside of the Alps. Get whisked to the summit via cable car and enjoy stunning views over the Vosges and Alps.
Winter wonders
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Holiday spirit
If winter sports aren't your thing, the Black Forest’s Christmas markets are a must-see. These festive hubs, set against picturesque lakesides and charming village squares, are full of twinkling lights, handmade gifts, and sweet seasonal treats. With over 150 markets to explore, each offers its own unique atmosphere. Don’t miss Waldkirch's singing Christmas tree, shopping beneath the illuminated Ravenna viaduct, or seeing the world’s largest Advent calendar house in Gengenbach.
When February hits, the region kicks into high gear with lively carnival celebrations, including the colorful "Fasnacht" festivities. Locals come together in clown masks and jester costumes, and dazzling parades hit the streets.
Many ways to winter
When winter rolls in, the Black Forest turns into a magical, snowy wonderland. The region’s crown jewel, Feldberg, stands tall as Germany’s highest mountain outside the Alps, offering fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities. For cross-country enthusiasts, there are over 2,000km of trails to explore, along with well-maintained toboggan slopes and winding runs through the forest.
But it's not just about skiing—there's something for everyone. For those looking for a slower pace, the area offers peaceful snowshoe trails. Winter hikes take you deep into the serene, snow-dusted forest to soak in the still beauty of nature. For a bit of seated excitement, well-groomed toboggan slopes are perfect for a thrilling ride through the pines.
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winter wonders
Visit taverns in Freiburg
Sample wines on the Baden Wine Route
Black Forest distillery
Sample local cured meats
Sip on locally-produced wines
Restaurants serve fresh, seasonal produce
German wine is world renowned
Cherries used to make Kirsch
Black forest gateau
Traditional Bollenhut costume
75% of the Black Forest is covered in trees
Freiburg
Freiburg market
A slice of Black Forest gateau
View from Hochfirst peak
The hiking scenery is breathtaking
Explore the sprawling nature reserves
Enjoy refreshing pit stops along the gourmet trails
There are 24,000km of hiking trails
Hiking along the Herzogenhorn
Soak in the healing thermal water
Kurhaus Baden Baden
Get pampered at one of the region's spa resorts
Try snow shoeing
Choose from wellness hotels, lakeside saunas, and natural swimming ponds
Forest bathing is a popular wellness activity in the Black Forest
Explore the cross-country skiing trails
Tabogganing is popular
There is a wide array of winter sports to try
The world's largest advent calendar in Gengenbach
Fastnacht festival
The cake is toped with sweet cream and cherries
Adventure made simple
Make the most of your Black Forest adventure with the KONUS Guest Card. If you're staying in a participating town or city, you can hop on local buses and trains for free. That means effortless travel to your hiking trail, a scenic town, or wherever your day takes you.
Pack even more into your trip with the SchwarzwaldCard. It gives you access to over 200 attractions for three days of your choice—from thermal baths to mountain railways, fun culinary experiences, and more. It's the perfect way to stretch your holiday budget while experiencing the best of the region.
Download the Ask SchwarzwaldMarie app. This handy travel assistant suggests great places to eat, exciting tours, and local events happening within 25 kilometers of your location. Plus, it keeps you updated on real-time transport information.
Local market in Freiburg
View over Mummelsee lake
Cherries used to make Kirsch
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