Northern Black Forest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
Baden-Baden which includes hiking or walking

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.

Where to stay in Northern Black Forest

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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 Casino Baden-Baden.

Baden Baden Old Town
Karlsruhe which includes art and interior views

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
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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 Kaiserstraße, 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 Lichtentaler Allee Park.

Geroldsau
Hotel Watthalden

Hotel Watthalden

Pforzheimer Strasse 67a, Ettlingen, BW
The price is AU$176 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$176
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ettlingen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Buhlsche Mühle and Albgaubad ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (446 reviews)
Great stay
"The only improvement i can think of are better pillows, the are too soft for me"

Reviewed on 16 July 2025

Hotel Watthalden
Parkhotel Pforzheim

Parkhotel Pforzheim

4.5 out of 5
Deimlingstrasse 32-36, Pforzheim, BW
The price is AU$144 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$144
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Pforzheim. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Theatre Pforzheim and Pforzheim ...
9/10 Wonderful! (506 reviews)
"Very clean and staff was very helpful and nice"

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2025

Parkhotel Pforzheim
Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection

Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection

5 out of 5
Werderstr. 1, Baden-Baden, BW
The price is AU$437 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
AU$437
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Baden-Baden. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (774 reviews)
Excellent hotel and location
"Very nice and welcoming hotel , the spa is good and the service was excellent. Room was very good . Overall the stay was very good ."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection
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.
ADORO Aparthotel

ADORO Aparthotel

Henri-Dunant-Platz 1a, Bühl, BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Bühl. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Windeck Castle and Old Wine Cellar are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"All is good except the heavy duty winter duvets still in use. Too hot under, too cold without. Didn't sleep too well."

Reviewed on 29 May 2024

ADORO Aparthotel
Naturnahe Ferienwohnung mit Außenbereich. Haustierfreundlich!

Naturnahe Ferienwohnung mit Außenbereich. Haustierfreundlich!

Bad Peterstal-Griesbach
Stay at this apartment in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions West Trail and Burg ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
cozy apartment close to nature
"Comfortable apartment with everything you need, including a massage chair! The host family is very friendly and helpful. We also got to meet their sheep in the back of their property! A covered outdoor area is also provided with comfortable seating!For dinner we drove up into the hills to the Renchtalhuette! ..."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Naturnahe Ferienwohnung mit Außenbereich. Haustierfreundlich!
Charming vacation apartment Landhaus Wahr in the Black Forest, Baiersbronn (BW)

Charming vacation apartment Landhaus Wahr in the Black Forest, Baiersbronn (BW)

Baiersbronn
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Baiersbronn. Enjoy balconies, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Hauff's ...
"Nous avons séjourné à 5 à Baiersbronn, région magnifique et appartement au top"

Reviewed on 19 July 2025

Charming vacation apartment Landhaus Wahr in the Black Forest, Baiersbronn (BW)
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Black Forest

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