Northern Black Forest

Travel Guide

Baden-Baden which includes a bridge
Baden-Baden which includes a bridge
Caracalla Spa which includes heritage architecture and interior views
Baden-Baden showing a park
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.

Where to stay in Northern Black Forest

Trinkhalle featuring a park

Baden Baden Old Town

5/5(54 area reviews)

Baden Baden Old Town is known for its relaxing spas, and you can plan a trip to Friedrichsbad and Faberge Museum while you're in town.

Baden Baden Old Town
Karlsruher Schloss

Karlsruhe City Centre

4/5(28 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
Hotel Watthalden

Hotel Watthalden

Pforzheimer Strasse 67a Ettlingen BW
The price is ¥13,524 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
¥13,524
¥14,470 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ettlingen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Buhlsche Mühle and Albgaubad Outdoor Pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (469 reviews)
Friendly. Clean. Great breakfast

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

Hotel Watthalden
Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

4 out of 5
Am Hardtwald 10 Ettlingen BW
The price is ¥12,807 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
¥12,807
¥13,704 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Ettlingen. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (747 reviews)
Great spacious rooms. Clean. Comfy bed. Great shower

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe
Parkhotel Pforzheim

Parkhotel Pforzheim

4.5 out of 5
Deimlingstrasse 32-36 Pforzheim BW
The price is ¥14,438 per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
¥14,438
¥15,449 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Pforzheim. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Theatre Pforzheim and Pforzheim ...
9/10 Wonderful! (548 reviews)
the midnight reception guy is terrible even at checkout in the morning

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026

Parkhotel Pforzheim
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.
Beautiful, cozy holiday apartment in the heart of the Black Forest

Beautiful, cozy holiday apartment in the heart of the Black Forest

Bad Peterstal-Griesbach BW
Stay at this apartment in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions West Trail and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
Great
Every thing was good at the house. It would have been great if heating would have been faster. We were feeling cold when we entered the house. Other than that every thing was really good.

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024

Beautiful, cozy holiday apartment in the heart of the Black Forest
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 WiFi, 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 Apr 24, 2024

Vacation apartment in idyllic forester's lodge, family-friendly, dogs welcome
Old half-timbered residence

Old half-timbered residence

Bad Herrenalb Baden-Württemberg
Stay at this apartment in Bad Herrenalb. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Siebentäler Thermal Baths and West Trail are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Very helpful host in a beautiful town.
This was our first stop on a trip all around Germany and was the perfect place to stay as we explored the Black Forest region. Thomas, our host, was very helpful in answering questions as we prepared for our trip even before arrival. The home was beautiful, clean and the perfect size for us. It is ...

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

Old half-timbered residence
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