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 Prince Max Palace and Karlsruhe 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
Parkhotel Pforzheim

Parkhotel Pforzheim

4.5 out of 5
Deimlingstrasse 32-36 Pforzheim BW
The price is AU$140 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$140
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Pforzheim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Theatre Pforzheim and Pforzheim Schmuckwelten ...
9/10 Wonderful! (552 reviews)
the midnight reception guy is terrible even at checkout in the morning

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Parkhotel Pforzheim
Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

4 out of 5
Am Hardtwald 10 Ettlingen BW
The price is AU$126 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$126
22 Mar - 23 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (751 reviews)
Great spacious rooms. Clean. Comfy bed. Great shower

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe
B&B HOTEL Rastatt

B&B HOTEL Rastatt

Karlsruher Strasse 29 Rastatt BW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$102 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$102
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Rastatt. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Schloss Rastatt and Rathaus Rastatt are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (434 reviews)
Anonymous room, but modern, spacious, and very clean. The same goes for the bathroom. Parking was available for a reasonable fee, but this was not mentioned anywhere at the time of booking. The receptionist was not exactly very friendly, although and he could barely speak and understand English. ...

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

B&B HOTEL Rastatt
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Windeck Castle and Old Wine Cellar are located ...
ADORO Aparthotel
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.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (73 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
Naturnahe Ferienwohnung mit Außenbereich. Haustierfreundlich!

Naturnahe Ferienwohnung mit Außenbereich. Haustierfreundlich!

Bad Peterstal-Griesbach BW
Stay at this apartment in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions West Trail and Burg ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 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!
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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