Holiday in Black Forest National Park

National park in Germany — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇩🇪

Country

Germany

Type

National park

Best time to travel

May–October

Budget/day

55–90 €

Getting there from Germany

The national park is located on the B500 (Black Forest High Road) and is accessible from Baden-Baden (30 min), Freudenstadt (20 min), and Stuttgart (1.5h).

What makes Black Forest National Park special as a destination?

The Black Forest National Park was established in 2014 as the first national park in Baden-Württemberg and protects around 10,000 hectares of wild mountain forests and moor landscapes in the northern Black Forest between the Black Forest High Road and the Rhine Valley. Here, nature is allowed to unfold freely, and the forest can return to a primeval ecosystem. The landscape is characterized by dense spruce and fir forests, mystical cirque lakes — glacial mountain lakes like the Wild Lake and the Huzenbacher Lake — as well as open grinden, the treeless high plateaus with blueberries and dwarf pines. The national park is located at altitudes between 500 and 1,164 meters and offers spectacular views over the Rhine plain to the Vosges. The National Park Center Ruhestein is architecturally award-winning and offers interactive exhibitions on the topics of wilderness and forest ecology. Numerous ranger tours and themed hikes start from here. The Lynx Trail and the Wilderness Trail make the national park an experience for families with children. Over 80 kilometers of hiking trails lead through untouched nature. The national park is home to rare species such as capercaillie, three-toed woodpecker, and lynx. In the streams, crayfish and fire salamanders live. In autumn, the forests transform into a sea of vibrant colors, and in winter, snowshoe hikes and winter walking paths invite quiet nature experiences.

Nature
100
Adventure
100
Safety
95
Families
70
Romance
45

What are the top highlights in Black Forest National Park?

The top highlights in Black Forest National Park include Lothar Path, Wilderness Path, National Park Center Ruhestein, Black Forest High Road, Grinden Areas.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Lothar Path

The experience path leads through the storm-felled area of the Lothar hurricane from 1999 and shows how nature regenerates itself.

2

Wilderness Path

The adventurous path leads over fallen trees and through wild terrain – pure nature without maintained paths.

3

National Park Center Ruhestein

The architecturally award-winning visitor center offers an interactive exhibition about the developing primeval forest.

4

Black Forest High Road

The panoramic road runs directly past the national park and offers wonderful views of the Black Forest peaks.

5

Grinden Areas

The bare mountain ridges with heather and dwarf pines offer wide views and a unique plant world.

Hotels in Black Forest National Park

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Black Forest National Park?

The best time to visit Black Forest National Park is May–October. Cool to mild, 15–22 °C, fresh at higher altitudes In winter: Cold, -6–2 °C, lots of snow

Recommended travel time

May–October

Summer

Cool to mild, 15–22 °C, fresh at higher altitudes

Winter

Cold, -6–2 °C, lots of snow

How much does a holiday in Black Forest National Park cost?

Budget travellers: 30–45 €/day, mid-range: 55–90 €/day, luxury: 120–200 €/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

30–45 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

55–90 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

120–200 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Black Forest National Park?

The national park is located on the B500 (Black Forest High Road) and is accessible from Baden-Baden (30 min), Freudenstadt (20 min), and Stuttgart (1.5h).

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What travel tips are there for Black Forest National Park?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The National Park Center Ruhestein is architecturally impressive and the ideal starting point.

The Lothar Path is short (800 m) and informative – ideal for families with older children.

The Wilderness Path is not suitable for strollers – sturdy footwear is required.

Ranger tours provide deep insights into the return of wilderness and are free of charge.

In winter, snowshoe hikes offer a special experience in the snowy national park.

What should you eat in Black Forest National Park?

Typical specialities in Black Forest National Park: Black Forest Cherry Cake, Black Forest Ham, Bibbeliskäs, Schäufele, Black Forest Trout, Flammkuchen.

These specialties you must try!

Black Forest Cherry Cake
Black Forest Ham
Bibbeliskäs
Schäufele
Black Forest Trout
Flammkuchen
Suitable for:National ParkPrimeval ForestBlack ForestHikingWilderness

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