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Germany · Baden-Württemberg

Black Forest travel guide

Pine forests, cuckoo clocks and spa towns

Black Forest hills and farmhouses. Photo: MWolf89, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 30mflight from London
BSLnearest main airport
17° in Julwarmest month
-2° in Jancoolest month

The Black Forest is a hilly region of dense pine woods, waterfalls and old farmhouses in Germany's south-west corner, made for walking, cycling and scenic drives.

Freiburg is the lively, sunny gateway city, and Baden-Baden is a grand old spa town. Fly to Basel or Stuttgart.

Good forWalkingScenerySpasFood

What Black Forest is known for

  • Cuckoo clocks

    Made here for 300 years.

  • Black Forest gateau

    Chocolate, cherries and kirsch.

  • Triberg Falls

    Germany's highest waterfalls.

  • Spa towns

    Baden-Baden's thermal baths.

Top things to do in Black Forest

  1. 1

    Triberg Waterfalls

    Wooded falls and wild red squirrels.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Freiburg old town

    Cathedral, market and little streams.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Baden-Baden

    Thermal baths and a famous casino.

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  4. 4

    Lake Titisee

    Pedalos and walks around the lake.

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See all tours and tickets in Black Forest

Where to stay in Black Forest

Find a hotel in Black Forest

Best time to visit Black Forest

Best value: Apr, Sep–Oct. May to October for walking; December for snow and markets.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-1.5 C-2°J-1 C-1°F3 C3°M7.6 C8°A11.7 C12°M15.6 C16°J17 C17°J16.6 C17°A12.6 C13°S8.5 C8°O3.4 C3°N-0.5 C-0°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Black Forest, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 30m from London to BSL, and flights from most UK airports.

A car is best. Many hotels give a free KONUS guest card for local buses and trains.

Find flights to Black Forest (BSL)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Europa-Park, Germany's biggest theme park, is nearby.
  • Bring layers: hills are cooler.
  • Basel airport is closest to Freiburg.
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Black Forest FAQ

How do I get there?

Fly to Basel, Stuttgart or Strasbourg.

How long to stay?

Three to five days.

More places in Germany

Back to the Germany travel guide + Add Black Forest to your bucket list