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The Black Forest combines mountain landscapes, wine routes, hiking trails and spa towns in a single trip. In less than six hours you can drive from Utrecht to an area where you can combine scenic hikes, mountain bike trails and relaxation in thermal baths. This is exactly what makes a driving holiday in the mountains so complete. Discover which routes offer the most and which stops along the way are worth your time.
The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse as the base for your road trip
The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse is Germany’s oldest panoramic road and runs for 60 kilometres between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt. This route winds over the mountain tops at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 metres. You pass beautiful viewpoints, mountain lakes and ancient forests without having to make long detours. The route is suitable for cars, campervans and motorbikes and forms a perfect base for a road trip through the Black Forest.
Along the way you will find car parks right by the road at the main points of interest. Many hikes start close to the route, so you do not need to drive for hours for a walk. The road is winding and regularly demands acceleration and braking, but it is well maintained and easy to drive.
‘ The route ends in Freudenstadt, a town with the largest market square in Germany. ’
Main stops along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse
Start your road trip in Baden-Baden, a historic town with thermal baths and 19th-century architecture. From here you drive onto the B500 heading south. After about 25 kilometres, take the exit west towards the Schwarzenbach reservoir. This is a quiet spot for a short walk and to take photos of the water between the pine forests.
Further on you reach the Mummelsee, one of the best-known mountain lakes in the Black Forest. You can park directly by the lake, but bear in mind that it gets busy at weekends. Go early in the morning or choose a weekday. A walking path circles the lake, with statues of mythical figures from local folklore along the way. The walk takes half an hour and is suitable for all ages.
The route continues over the Schliffkopf and Kniebis, two mountain tops with wide views over the Rhine Plain. In clear weather you can see all the way to the Vosges in France. On the way you pass places such as Zuflucht and Alexanderschanze, where you can stop for a walk or to visit a traditional mountain hotel.
The route ends in Freudenstadt, a town with the largest market square in Germany. This is a good place to stay the night or to continue on to other parts of the Black Forest.
Lake route for those who like variety
In addition to the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse you can follow a lake route that passes six beautiful mountain lakes. The route links the Mummelsee with the Glaswaldsee, Kirnbergsee, Titisee, Schluchsee and Feldsee. These lakes are scattered across the region and require more time and kilometres, but each has its own character.
The Titisee is the largest and most visited lake. Here you will find hiking trails, pedal-boat hire and restaurants on the shore. The lake is part of the Mittelweg, a 223-kilometre-long hiking trail through the entire Black Forest. Even without walking the full route you can do beautiful day hikes here.
The Schluchsee lies slightly further south and is quieter than the Titisee. The water is clean and suitable for swimming. The Feldsee is hidden in a valley and can only be reached on foot via a walk of about an hour.
Hiking through gorges and tree tops
If you like rugged nature, the Wutachschlucht and Ravennaschlucht are two places you should not miss. The Wutachschlucht is the longest gorge in the area and has several side gorges. You walk here along the water between high rock walls. The route varies in length. You can opt for a short walk of two hours or spend an entire day in the gorge.
The Ravennaschlucht is known for the railway viaduct that spans the ravine. This viaduct is impressive to see and marks the starting point of the walk. In December a large Christmas market is held here under the viaduct.
Another special walk can be found at the Baumkronenweg in Waldkirch. First you walk 800 metres uphill to the top of a hill. You then follow a path 23 metres above the ground between the tree tops. The path offers views over the valley and the town of Waldkirch. The walk is suitable for families and takes about an hour and a half.
‘ The spa route forms a circular route between Baden-Baden, Pforzheim and Freudenstadt. ’
Wine routes and spa towns in the lower valleys
The Black Forest is not just mountains. In the lower-lying areas you will find wine regions and spa towns. The spa route forms a circular route between Baden-Baden, Pforzheim and Freudenstadt. This route links several places with thermal baths and spas. Baden-Baden is the best known, but towns such as Bad Liebenzell and Bad Wildbad also offer spa facilities.
The wine region is mainly in the western part of the Black Forest, towards the Rhine Plain. Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) are particularly common here. You can drive past vineyards and stop at wineries for a tasting. The routes are well signposted and combine nicely with a visit to villages such as Gengenbach and Sasbachwalden.
Mountain biking on demanding trails
The Black Forest offers mountain bike trails for different levels. The routes run through forests, over mountain tops and along lakes. Many trails are well marked and have indicated difficulty levels. For advanced mountain bikers there are technical trails (with difficult surfaces, steep descents and sharp bends).
A popular MTB route runs from Freudenstadt to Triberg and partly follows the old railway line. This route combines technical sections with beautiful views. Another route starts at the Titisee and runs over the Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest. This route is tough but offers spectacular vistas.
You can hire mountain bikes in various places, including Freudenstadt, Triberg and Todtnau. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bike hire and information on routes.
Longer routes for a multi-day trip
If you have more time, you can plan a longer route that links several parts of the Black Forest. A good option is the route from Baden-Baden via the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse to Freudenstadt, then on to Titisee and Feldberg and finally to Freiburg. This route covers about 200 kilometres and requires at least three days if you want to stop en route for hikes and village visits.
Another option is the route from Freudenstadt to Rottweil, Schluchsee, Todtnauberg and Freiburg. This route takes you past medieval towns, high mountain tops and deep gorges. You can spend four to five days on this.
For those leaving from the Netherlands, it is sensible to plan a stop on the way. From Utrecht it is about a six-hour drive to Baden-Baden. On the way you can stop in Mannheim or Karlsruhe for a break and a walk through the city centre. On the way back you can take a different route via the Vosges in France, which adds extra variety to your road trip.
‘ The Black Forest is larger than it looks on the map, and the winding roads take more time than straight motorways. ’
Practical tips for your Black Forest road trip
Decide in advance which places you want to visit and how much time you want to spend at each stop. The Black Forest is larger than it looks on the map, and the winding roads take more time than straight motorways. Allow for an average of 50 kilometres per hour on the smaller mountain roads.
Popular places such as the Mummelsee are busy at weekends. Go early in the morning or choose a weekday. Many car parks are free, but at the most famous lakes you pay a small fee.
For hiking you need good walking shoes. Some paths are steep and rocky. Take enough water and snacks with you, as there are not facilities everywhere. In summer it can get warm, but in the mountains the weather can change quickly, so bring a waterproof jacket.
Navigation works best with a combination of GPS and paper maps. Mobile coverage is not equally good everywhere. At tourist information offices you can pick up free maps with hiking routes.
When is the best time to visit the Black Forest?
The best period for a road trip through the Black Forest is from May to October. In these months the roads are easily passable and all facilities are open. July and August are the busiest, especially at the well-known spots. For those seeking peace and quiet, May, June and September are better choices.
In winter there is snow in the higher areas and some roads are closed. If you are mountain biking, winter is not suitable. Hiking is possible, but you will need winter gear. The Christmas markets in December attract many visitors, especially the market under the viaduct at the Ravennaschlucht.
Spring offers the advantages of fewer crowds and nature in bloom. The waterfalls carry plenty of water then and the gorges are particularly impressive. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the forests, especially in October.
Discover more about road trips and car journeys
A Black Forest road trip combines mountains, nature, culture and relaxation, all within a short distance of the Netherlands. On the Traveler Tips website you will find more tips on routes, preparation and destinations for your next trip. Browse the other articles and discover where else you can go by car.
Frequently asked questions
Choose the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (B500) from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt for a short route with varied mountain scenery, lakes such as the Mummelsee and viewpoints such as Schliffkopf and Kniebis, combined with culture in Baden-Baden and on the market square in Freudenstadt. For more variety, extend via Titisee, Schluchsee and the Feldberg to Freiburg, possibly with detours to the Wutachschlucht or Ravennaschlucht for rugged nature. Plan your days around clear stages (e.g. Baden-Baden–Mummelsee–Freudenstadt–Titisee–Freiburg), and each time combine a panoramic drive with one short walk or cultural stop. Avoid the crowds at hotspots such as Mummelsee by going early or travelling on weekdays, and use the many car parks at viewpoints as starting points for short walks.
The most suitable period for a road trip through the Black Forest is from late spring to early autumn (roughly May to September), when roads, mountain passes and hiking trails are easily accessible and the weather is more stable. If you are looking for peace and quiet, it is better to travel on weekdays outside school holidays to avoid the crowds at places such as the Mummelsee. Off the beaten track you will find comfortable mountain hotels and guesthouses around, among others, Mummelsee, Schliffkopf, Titisee and Schluchsee, often directly on hiking routes or with views over valley and forest. In smaller villages along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse and around Freudenstadt you will also find small-scale guesthouses and farm stays (Ferienhöfe) that offer plenty of comfort but are much quieter than the well-known tourist spots.
Besides the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, quiet walks through lesser-known gorges such as the side ravines of the Wutachschlucht or peaceful stretches along the Nagold are ideal for an authentic nature experience. Visit small villages around Freudenstadt or Waldkirch, where you can sample traditional dishes in local Gasthöfe and meet local residents. The Baumkronenweg near Waldkirch offers a special experience among the tree tops, away from the crowds. In the evening, small village festivals, regional markets and spas along the spa route provide a relaxed glimpse into local life.
Plan your route along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (B500) between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt and combine it with a lake route (e.g. Mummelsee – Titisee – Schluchsee – Feldsee) so that driving distances remain short and you have time each day for walks. Book accommodation in smaller villages rather than in the most popular places to save costs while still sleeping comfortably, and avoid weekends at busy hotspots such as the Mummelsee. Set a daily budget for fuel, tolls/parking, food and activities, and take a well-stocked cool box and snacks so you are less dependent on expensive food stops. Plan regular breaks at viewpoints and short walks directly along the route, and drive as much as possible outside rush hour and weekend peaks for a relaxed, efficient road trip.
