Northern Black Forest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Baden-Baden which includes a bridge
Baden-Baden which includes a bridge
Caracalla Spa showing heritage architecture and interior views
Baden-Baden which includes a garden
Baden-Baden which includes food

Stay in charming towns with luxurious spa facilities, enjoy scenic drives along forested mountains and see ancient monasteries in this beautiful German region.

The Northern Black Forest is a region and large mountain range in southwestern Germany. The region is known for its stunning evergreen forests, imposing mountains and winding scenic roads. Hike to a glacial lake or visit many historic villages for wellness spas and local markets.

The Black Forest inspired the famous Grimms' Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm. With dense native forests and endless moors, it is a place of enchanting natural beauty. Stop at a nature park for hiking, mountain biking, swimming, bird watching and more outdoor activities. The Northern Black Forest also features secluded 12th-century monastic ruins and numerous award-winning restaurants.

Allerheiligen Monastery is located in an isolated Black Forest valley. The ruins date to the 12th century and show signs of a 17th-century Baroque restoration. Admire the nearby Büttenstein Waterfall or watch an open-air theater performance at Allerheiligen Monastery during the summer. The monastery is an excellent place to stop and relax when hiking the surrounding forest areas.

Hornisgrinde is one of the highest mountains in the Northern Black Forest region. Take a long-distance footpath across the forest ridge to the summit plateau. The mountain features spectacular views of the surrounding moor landscape. It also has a 107-foot-tall (32.5-meter) observation tower, called Hornisgrinde Tower.

Mummelsee is a pretty lake on the southern mountainside of Hornisgrinde. The lake features exceptional views and a luxurious alpine-style hotel. Enjoy delicious cuisine at the hotel restaurant or take a paddleboat around the lake. Mummelsee is also near miles of hiking trails through picturesque forest areas.

The Northern Black Forest is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany. Take the Schwarzwald-Bäderstraße (Black Forest Spa Route) through scenic valleys to historic villages and resort towns. The Northern Black Forest also features peaceful spa towns, such as Bad Wildbad and Baden-BadenOpens in a new window. Alternatively, stay in Pforzheim, a large city at the Black Forest’s northern entrance.

Dine in a Michelin Star-decorated restaurant between exploring many vast natural areas in the Northern Black Forest.

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Where to stay in Northern Black Forest

Trinkhalle featuring a park

Baden Baden Old Town

5/5(3 area reviews)

Baden Baden Old Town is popular for its relaxing spas, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Friedrichsbad or Faberge Museum.

Baden Baden Old Town
Karlsruher Schloss

Karlsruhe City Centre

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The museums and gardens are just a few things visitors like about Karlsruhe City Centre. Marketplace Square and Karlsruhe Palace are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Ettlinger Tor U-Bahn or Ettlinger Tor Tram Stop to get around the larger area.

Karlsruhe City Centre
Karlsruher Schloss

Innenstadt-West

Get to know Innenstadt-West and its many features like its museums and gardens. You might want to explore sights like Karlsruhe Palace and Prince Max Palace, and you can jump on the metro at Marktplatz (Kaiserstraße U) Tram Stop or Karlstor/Bundesgerichtshof Tram Stop to get around the city.

Innenstadt-West
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Geroldsau

While there might not be top attractions in Geroldsau, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Geroldsau Waterfall and Cistercienserinnen-Abtei Lichtenthal.

Geroldsau
Hotel Watthalden

Hotel Watthalden

Pforzheimer Strasse 67a Ettlingen BW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$127 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
AU$127
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ettlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Buhlsche Mühle and Albgaubad Outdoor Pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (466 reviews)
Friendly. Clean. Great breakfast

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Hotel Watthalden
Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

4 out of 5
Am Hardtwald 10 Ettlingen BW
The price is AU$125 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
AU$125
20 Mar - 21 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Ettlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (743 reviews)
Great spacious rooms. Clean. Comfy bed. Great shower

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe
Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels

Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels

5 out of 5
Schillerstraße 4/6 Baden-Baden
The price is AU$726 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$726
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Baden-Baden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Caracalla Spa and Baden Baden City ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (117 reviews)
Wonderful hotel, we had a 3 night stay and the hotel and facilities were superb. We made good use of the spa, pool and bar; everywhere was spotlessly clean and the staff very attentive. Would highly recommend.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful, cozy holiday apartment in the heart of the Black Forest

Beautiful, cozy holiday apartment in the heart of the Black Forest

Bad Peterstal-Griesbach BW
Stay at this apartment in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions West Trail and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
Great
Every thing was good at the house. It would have been great if heating would have been faster. We were feeling cold when we entered the house. Other than that every thing was really good.

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2024

Beautiful, cozy holiday apartment in the heart of the Black Forest
Vacation apartment in idyllic forester's lodge, family-friendly, dogs welcome

Vacation apartment in idyllic forester's lodge, family-friendly, dogs welcome

Forbach BW
Stay at this apartment in Forbach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna and a garden. Popular attractions Black Forest National Park and Mehliskopf are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
Visitors from Oregon
What a magical spot! So comfortable, with lots of room, very well-supplied, very thoughtful and receptive hosts and fabulous views!

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Vacation apartment in idyllic forester's lodge, family-friendly, dogs welcome
Haugstetter Black Forest House

Haugstetter Black Forest House

Neubulach BW
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Neubulach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Silberbergwerk Neubulach and Kurpark ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Wonderful place for a family group
Our group of 11 adults stayed 3 nights. This house was perfect for us. Plenty of bedroom options, with lots of space and comfortable beds. The kitchen was adequate, washer and dryer were so nice to have. The chance to gather together in the large room was the biggest need for us, and we spent a lot ...

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

Haugstetter Black Forest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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