10 Must-Visit Small Towns in The Black Forest
Head Out of Stuttgart on a Road Trip to the Small Towns of the Black Forest
The Black Forest is a famous German region most widely known as the inspiration for the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, but you can explore several fun small towns here, too. The region’s mountains and trees are packed full of adventure that will have you enjoying a fairy tale of your own, happy ending and all.
Local small towns here are all laid-back and welcoming, yet they each have a unique and charming personality that sets them apart from the rest. Take a look at some of the most prominent must-visit small towns in the Black Forest.
10 must-visit small towns in The Black Forest
- Baden-Baden
- Heidelberg
- Calw
- Bad Wildbad
- Titisee-Neustadt
- Schiltach
- Badenweiler
- Freiburg
- Gengenbach
- Donaueschingen
1. Baden-Baden
A lovely spa town
Categorías: Parejas, Aventuras
Baden-Baden is located by the river and boasts several spa facilities, historic buildings, and a reputation for being one of the best spa towns in all of Europe. Many of the local spas cater to travelers looking to relax and enjoy luxurious treatments in the countryside.
Located just southwest of Karlsruhe, near the French border, Baden-Baden offers more than just spa experiences. Visitors can enjoy various sports, including tennis and golf. If you’re looking for some adventure in between the spa sessions, explore the many opportunities for hiking and mountain climbing.
Baden-Baden
2. Heidelberg
A romantic town straight from a story book
Categorías: Parejas, Historia
Heidelberg is a loveable, romantic city where you can explore historic buildings, the old bridge, and castle ruins in the forest’s foothills. They tower nearly 230 feet (70 meters) above the river and date back seven centuries, with many of the surrounding buildings in the town being fairly old as well. Don’t miss the German Apothecary Museum inside the castle for a glimpse at the use of nature in the Middle Ages.
With its bustling, intellectual culture, Heidelberg has grown into both an academic hub and a historical destination all can enjoy. Don’t miss this charming romantic gem, located just southeast of Mannheim and south of Frankfurt.
Heidelberg
3. Calw
Home to beautiful sparkling fountains
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Historia
Calw is a downright lovely town best known for its market square and the two fountains contained within, surrounded by half-timbered houses. Located due west of Stuttgart and south of Pforzheim, most of the town’s houses date back to the 18th century and are characterized by their distinctive sharp gables.
Nothing here ever seems to feel rushed or too busy, making it a great town for relaxing while visiting the Black Forest. The Saturday market here has some delicious food available, so be sure to sample the locally made cheese, honey, and pastries.
Calw
4. Bad Wildbad
A quintessential Black Forest town
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Aventuras
Bad Wildbad, filled with spas, culture, food, and adventure, is the kind of town most people imagine when picturing a Black Forest town. Spas here offer everything from traditional experiences to thermal baths with stunning viewpoints. Conveniently located about halfway between Baden-Baden and Calw, Bad Wildbad caters to all types of visitors.
Just about everyone can find fun here, as there’s plenty to do for both adrenaline seekers and those looking to relax. In addition to the rejuvenating spas, check out the numerous sporting opportunities, including treetop adventures and scenic hiking trails, for an unforgettable experience.
Bad Wildbad
5. Titisee-Neustadt
A lakeside town with character
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Aventuras
Titisee-Neustadt is a spa town along the edge of Lake Titisee with plenty of food options and fun things to do year-round. Most travelers simply take time to enjoy the impressive views via the network of well-marked walking paths throughout the town and around the gorgeous lake. Located several miles southwest of Stuttgart, near the borders of France and Switzerland, Titisee-Neustadt is also conveniently close to Zurich.
Explore the Märklin World Titisee rail museum, embark on a scenic boat tour, or simply enjoy a relaxing swim in the lake. If you’re visiting in the winter, take advantage of the excellent skiing opportunities at the resorts surrounding Titisee-Neustadt.
Titisee-Neustadt
6. Schiltach
A town with a medieval heart
Categorías: Historia, Poco común
Schiltach is a historic town that’s remarkably well-preserved, allowing travelers to feel as if they’re stepping back into the past. Located several miles southwest of Stuttgart, the city appears as if it’s frozen in time, yet it still offers all the modern conveniences of the 21st century.
The town center is under an official preservation order, so it still looks as it did centuries ago. As you wander the narrow streets, discover four museums that offer fascinating insights into the lives of those who lived here long ago.
Schiltach
7. Badenweiler
Soaking in relaxing, therapeutic hot springs
Categorías: Parejas, Fotos
Badenweiler is a spa town near the French border north of Lorrach, best known for its natural hot springs warmed by the heat hidden beneath the Black Forest’s rocky layers. It’s easy to relax, sit back, and take in stunning views while the warm water lightens your health and mood.
Explore the ruins of Baden Castle for views across the Rhine Valley, discover the remarkably preserved Roman bath ruins, and wander through the landscaped gardens. For a museum dedicated to writer Anton Chekhov, who spent his final days here, visit the Tschechow Salon.
Badenweiler
8. Freiburg
Basking in the sun in one of Germany’s warmest cities
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
Freiburg, in southwest Germany, is a remarkably warm and popular Black Forest town, especially for travelers looking for sunny days, as it gets about 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Freiburg dates back almost 1,000 years to its founding in 1120, and many of its historic cobbled streets and medieval houses are still present to explore today.
Explore the compact Old Town with its Gothic Münster, lively market square, and the city’s famous Bächle, the small water channels. For panoramic views, head up the Schlossberg overlooking the city, then spend time browsing the cafés, shops, and medieval lanes that give Freiburg its relaxed Black Forest character.
Freiburg
9. Gengenbach
One of the Kinzig Valley jewels
Categorías: Aventuras, Historia, Fotos
Gengenbach is a lovely historic town dating back to Roman times and is often used as a convenient gateway to the picturesque Kinzig Valley. It’s located near Offenburg, just a few miles across the Rhine from the French city of Strasbourg.
Spend time exploring the historic center, where colorful half-timbered houses, medieval towers, and the former Benedictine abbey surround the market square. Beyond town, enjoy Kinzig Valley’s scenic walking and cycling routes through forested hills, vineyard-covered slopes, and more traditional Black Forest villages.
Gengenbach
10. Donaueschingen
The source of the Danube
Categorías: Parejas, Historia
Donaueschingen is a convenient base for exploring the southern Black Forest, located a few miles east of Freiburg and due north of Zurich. Visit the famous Danube spring, stroll through the grounds of the Fürstenberg Palace, and admire the town’s elegant Art Nouveau architecture.
Cultural highlights include Museum Art.Plus, known for its contemporary art exhibitions, and Museum Biedermann, which showcases the history of the Fürstenberg family. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, take advantage of the walking and cycling routes that provide easy access to the forests, river valleys, and rolling countryside surrounding the town.
Donaueschingen
En este artículo se incluyen las opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Los autores de este tipo de artículos reciben una compensación por parte de Hoteles.com, que puede abarcar desde viajes hasta cualquier otro tipo de costes.