7 epic and unusual things to do in the Black Forest in Germany

If you’re researching Black Forest things to do, you’re in the right place. The Black Forest is best known for being the place where many of the Brothers Grimm fairytales were based, so it’s an area that has long been associated with folklore, fairytale and magic. It’s also a place of incredibly natural beauty, filled with spectacular waterfalls, expansive lakes, dense forest and mountains. For the outdoorsy, there are endless things to do in the Black Forest. If you’re looking for an active and crowd-free holiday in Europe, The Black Forest is an outdoor playground. Based on my own trip to the Black Forest with The German Tourist Office , here are 7 unusual things to do in The Black Forest.

Amazing Things to do in the Black Forest

7 Best Unusual Things to do in the Black Forest – Travel Blog

1. Explore The Charming City of Freiburg

Before venturing deep into the Black Forest, a stop at the quaint and colourful town of Freiburg is a must for anyone visiting the area. Spend a day strolling through the pretty medieval old town with its waterways and cobbled streets. Start your visit to Freiburg at the Munsterplatz, which is home to the city’s cathedral and a daily farmers market selling everything from locally grown fruit, veg, flowers and other foodie produce. For a great al-fresco lunch option in the Munsterplatz, head to Oberkirch Restaurant and have a drink at the stylish SKAJO rooftop bar for some great views over the city.

Freiburg The Travelista | Things to do in the Black Forest

Freiburg Munsterplatz | Things to do in the Black Forest

2. Visit the Triberg Waterfalls

Nestled in the forrest just beyond the tiny town of Triberg is Germany’s tallest waterfalls. They’re easily the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen and trump everything I have seen in Thailand, Vietnam and The Philippines. For a small entry fee you can climb from the foot to the top of the waterfalls on a winding path through the forest. Two bridges means you can also walk across the waterfalls and look down at the cascading water below. The Triberg waterfalls are totally enchanting and are definitely one of the best things to do in the Black Forest.

Triberg Waterfalls | Things to do in the Black Forest

Triberg Waterfalls | Things to do in the Black Forest

3. Try Delicious Local Food and Michelin Starred Fine Dining

When it comes to food, the region is becoming known for much more than its famous Black Forest Gateaux. The locally grown white asparagus is a delicacy in the region that you’ll see on almost every menu and fruit and veg stall. Then comes the small town of Baiersbronn, which is possibly the most unexpected restaurant capital of the world. With a population of only 16,000, Baiersbronn is home to a total of 8 Michelin stars; one two-star restaurant and two three-star restaurants). If you’ve got a passion for fine dining and locally sourced, organic produce, The Black Forest is likely to exceed your expectations.

Fine Dining in Black Forest | Things to do in the Black Forest

White Asparagus Germany | Things to do in the Black Forest

4. Go Boating on Lake Titisee

A visit to Lake Titisee is one of the more typical things to do in The Black Forest. It’s touristy, but for good reason. This spectacular lake is surrounded by a rugged vista of hills, mountains and trees and looks picture perfect from every angle. A wide boulevard of boutiques, cafes and gelato shops slope down towards the banks of the lake, where you can hire rowing boats, pedalos or hop on a larger passenger boat for a gentle lake cruise. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also do similar activities on the smaller and lesser-known Schluchsee Lake.

Rowing boat Lake Titisee| Things to do in the Black Forest

Lake Titisee| Things to do in the Black Forest

5. Experience Luxury at Brenners Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden

The Black Forest is also home to a scattering of spa-towns, with Baden-Baden being one of the most famous. Wellness lovers flock to these towns and can spend a week or two touring the many different spa hotels, hydro-pools and massage treatments. But for the ultimate Black Forest spa experience, head to Brenners Park Hotel and Spa. I checked in here for 1 night of my trip in the Black Forest and it was a real highlight. This grand-dame hotel exudes timeless style and their newly-renovated Villa Stephanie spa is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Stay tuned for a full review on Brenners Park.

Brenners Park Hotel and Spa Pool | Things to do in the Black Forest

Brenners Park Hotel and Spa | Things to do in the Black Forest

6. Walk to the Hidden Lake Feldsee

Lake Feldsee feels like a special find as you can only get there on foot. But if you’re willing to put in the physical work, you’ll be rewarded by this pretty little lake which is almost perfectly round, with a diameter of 350m. The lake is surrounded by tall alpine trees which reflect perfectly against the still water. Be sure to follow the trail that goes all around the lake to see it from every angle. Without cars or crowds, Lake Feldsee feels like a little enchanted haven. The lake is close to the town of Feldsee and the nearest car parks are 3-4km away so expect to be walking for around an hour.

Feldsee Lake with Bridge | Things to do in the Black Forest

Feldsee Lake | Things to do in the Black Forest

7. Hike to the Ravenna Gorge

Known in German as the Ravennaschlucht, this impressive railway viaduct is a must-see in the Black Forest. At the foot of the Ravennaschlucht there is a hub of facilities including a few restaurants, a glass-blowing shop and a cuckoo-clock shop. The closest town is Hinterzarten, where you can begin this trail which is 8km long. However, if you’re travelling by car and want to skip the hike, there is also a car park about 5 minutes walk from the Ravennaschlucht. If you’re visiting the area in December, be sure to visit the wonderful Ravennaschlucht Christmas market.

Ravennaschlucht | Ravenna Gorge | Things to do in the Black Forest

Ravennaschlucht | Ravenna Gorge | Things to do in the Black Forest

These 7 unusual things to do in the Black Forest only scratch the surface of this special region in Germany. There is so much natural beauty to discover and you’re likely to feel like you’ve got it all to yourself. 

Watch my Black Forest YouTube Video

Want to read more of my posts from The Black Forest? Check out;

To inspire your travels and help you find more things to do in the Black Forest, the German Tourist Office have put together a series of suggested routes. If you’re planning your own trip be sure to check out;

  • The Black Forest Panoramic Route
  • The Black Forest Spa Route 
  • The Southern Black Forest Cycle Route 

What did you think to these 7 unusual things to do in the Black Forest? Do you know the Black Forest well and can add to our suggestions? Feel free to add recommendations in the comments.

This is a sponsored blog post that has been created in collaboration with the German Tourist Office.

Jessica Ruth Gibson is the Founder and Editor of Travelista and an award-winning travel content creator of 10 years. She lives in York, UK with her son and has travelled to over 50 countries; her favourites being Italy, Canada and Vietnam.

14 Comments

  • Dear Jess,
    Thank you for the cool things to do in the black forest writeup! Okay, I’m writing a short story set in the Black Forest. I’m using either the Shiltach or the Kinzig river in the story. Question! Do you know if either of these rivers pours into one of the lakes? Lake Titisee? Lake Mummelsee? Lake Feldsee?
    Many thanks for your reply,
    Yours,
    Chris.

  • Dear Jess,
    Thank you for the cool things to do in the black forest writeup! Okay, I’m writing a short story set in the Black Forest. I’m using either the Shiltach or the Kinzig river in the story. Question! Do you know if either of these rivers pours into one of the lakes? Lake Titisee? Lake Mummelsee? Lake Feldsee?
    Many thanks for your reply,
    Yours,
    Chris.

  • Madison Dawson

    Looks like such an epic vacation! I’m curious if you stayed in Freiburg the whole time and did day trips or if you stayed at a different hotel each night? I’ll be in BF for the same amount of days and we’re deciding where to commute from the same city via train or if we should rent a car and stay at a new location each night (not sure how hotels accept cars), but would love your advice!

  • Madison Dawson

    Thank you for sharing! This looked like an epic vacation and right around the same amount of time we’re spending in the Black Forest. I’m curious if you stayed in Freiburg the whole time and did day trips or if you did a road trip and stayed at a different hotel each night? Would you mind explaining how you went about commuting and where you stayed each night? That would be so helpful! Thank you

  • Your photos are super amazing. It really got me excited while planning for my trip to black forest! Thanks!

  • Oh my goodness, the Black Forest looks so beautiful!

  • Such a beautiful place! Looks like you got to see and do lots of different things!

    • Thank you Laura! I can’t believe how much we crammed into 4 days. It was hectic but really fun. I would definitely recommend that people spread out what we did over 7 days as doing it in 4 would be a bit intense for a holiday. x

  • What a hidden gem!! It looks like such a beautiful place!

    • It did really feel like a hidden gem Angie! Hope you get to visit one day. You’d love all the michelin star restaurants in Baiersbronn x

  • I’ve been to the Black Forest before and this has brought back some amazing memories and not just of the famous Gateau! Such and understated part of Europe yet so pretty and so much to do. Great post as always Jess.

    • Thanks so much Bejal! I really regret not trying any of the famous gateau during our trip but honestly I didn’t see it for sale in one single restaurant or cafe. Maybe I just wasn’t looking out for it though. You’ve hit the nail on the head, its a very understated yet beautiful part of Europe. xx

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