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 Casino Baden-Baden 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 Lichtentaler Allee Park.

Geroldsau
Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels

Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels

5 out of 5
Schillerstraße 4/6 Baden-Baden
The price is ¥69,335 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
¥69,335
¥75,858 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Baden-Baden. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Caracalla Spa and Baden ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
Great amenities and impeccable service!

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025

Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels
Hotel Watthalden

Hotel Watthalden

Pforzheimer Strasse 67a Ettlingen BW
The price is ¥13,638 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
¥13,638
¥14,593 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (460 reviews)
All ok

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2025

Hotel Watthalden
Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection

Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection

5 out of 5
Werderstr. 1 Baden-Baden BW
The price is ¥38,845 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
¥38,845
¥43,233 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Baden-Baden. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (801 reviews)
Beautiful hotel and the staff are incredible. Some of the best service we’ve ever had. The breakfast is amazing as well

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2025

Maison Messmer - ein Mitglied der Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (67 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
ADORO Aparthotel

ADORO Aparthotel

Henri-Dunant-Platz 1a Bühl BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Bühl. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Windeck Castle and Old Wine Cellar are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
All is good except the heavy duty winter duvets still in use. Too hot under, too cold without. Didn't sleep too well.

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

ADORO Aparthotel
Forsthaus | Grillplätze | Sauna | Zaun | Multifunktionsraum

Forsthaus | Grillplätze | Sauna | Zaun | Multifunktionsraum

Forbach Baden-Württemberg
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Forbach. Enjoy a sauna, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Schwarzenbach Dam and Holzbruecke ...
Forsthaus | Grillplätze | Sauna | Zaun | Multifunktionsraum
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