7 Beautiful Towns & Charming Villages in the Black Forest

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The Black Forest is a place where you could spend days and still not see everything!

It’s got amazing views and tons of unique things to check out. You can even see the world’s biggest cuckoo clock! There’s a park where you can feel like you’re traveling all over Europe, and the towns and villages look like they’re straight out of a fairytale. It makes sense that some of the most famous fairy tales were born here!

Today, I’m going to talk about these awesome towns and villages in the Black Forest. I’ve picked seven of them, and I think you’ll also find them incredible! (listed in alphabetical order)

Baden-Baden

The Black Forest is a huge area in southern Germany. No surprise, it has tons of places to see!

While famous for its beautiful nature and storybook towns, the Black Forest also has a town that’s totally different. This town, Baden-Baden, is known for its amazing hot springs. It’s on the northwest side of the Black Forest, offering a mix of relaxation and luxury.

Did you know that Baden-Baden was super popular during the ‘belle époque’ and was even called the ‘Summer Capital of Europe’? You absolutely have to check out the hot springs in this town!

While you’re in Baden-Baden, don’t miss the Kurhaus. It’s an incredibly elegant spa-resort and it even has a casino inside. For something a bit more different, try to catch the International Horse Races – it’s a major attraction and an awesome experience, just as its name suggests!

And for the best views ever, climb up to the Hohenbaden castle ruins. You’ll enjoy stunning panoramas of the city, the countryside, and even the Black Forest mountains in the distance.

Baiersbronn

Located in the northern Black Forest, Baiersbronn is a quiet destination for travelers. It consists of nine villages, each offering its own unique vibe and quality accommodations.

What really makes Baiersbronn stand out, though, is its incredible food scene. With eight Michelin stars shared among three restaurants, it’s a dream destination for food lovers. Whether you visit Bareiss, Schlossberg, or Schwarzwaldstube, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable dining experience.

Actually, Baiersbronn is a wonderful mix of stunning nature and amazing food. The nearby national park is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, golfing, and horseback riding. Make sure to check out the scenic hiking trails that take you through beautiful forests, peaceful valleys, and spots with incredible views.

If you’re up for a change of pace, try exploring Baiersbronn by bike. You can rent one and ride through the quaint villages, past classic half-timbered houses, and across the lovely countryside.

Calw

Located on the eastern edge of the Black Forest, Calw is one of the Swabian region’s highlights. This historic town is full of architectural charm, with landmarks like Castle Waldeck and Hirsau Monastery showcasing its rich past.

Calw is famous as the birthplace of Hermann Hesse, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, which has turned it into a popular spot for literature fans. Today, Hermann Hesse’s birthplace, converted to a museum honoring the famous writer, is Calw’s top tourist spot. A visit here gives you a chance to explore Hesse’s life and work up close.

The real charm of the town, though, is its beautiful market square. With two sparkling fountains and 18th-century half-timber houses topped with sharp gables, it’s a picture-perfect scene. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or some people-watching, especially when the market is in full swing.

For something different, check out the old jail in the tower called “Der Lange.” It’s a fascinating look into the town’s history and adds a unique touch to your trip.

Gengenbach

Gengenbach, tucked away in the lower Kinzig Valley in the heart of the Black Forest, is a place where history meets beauty. Just southeast of Offenburg, this charming town is famous for its traditional Alemannic “Fasnacht,” a historic carnival celebration that draws visitors from near and far.

Walking around Gengenbach feels like you’ve traveled back in time. The streets are paved with cobblestones and lined with these amazing half-timbered houses, each one telling a story of the town’s long history.

The medieval buildings, along with the stunning views of the vineyards and hills, make it a photographer’s dream! This beautiful architecture is a reminder of how wealthy the town was when it was an important city in the Holy Roman Empire.

The Oberstadt (Upper Town) is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful houses, built between the 16th and 18th centuries.

There’s tons to do in Gengenbach if you have a day to spare. You could check out the old abbey, climb the ancient town walls, enjoy some delicious local food and wine, or go for a hike in the nearby Black Forest. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot, don’t miss the Jakobus Kapelle – it’s super tranquil.

And get this – Gengenbach has the world’s largest Advent calendar! Every year, the 24 windows of the 18th-century town hall turn into the “windows” of an Advent calendar, bringing holiday cheer to the whole town.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, a super charming city on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, is a great place to visit. It’s not actually in the Black Forest, but it’s a fantastic starting point for exploring it.

Basically, Heidelberg is known for its academics. It’s home to Heidelberg University, one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded way back in 1386. It’s also a big deal for research, with places like the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and four Max Planck Institutes.

Yes — Heidelberg has a rich literary history, which is why UNESCO named it a “City of Literature.” But what really makes it special is its romantic vibe, captivating past, and the mix of medieval to Nazi-era architecture.

The city also has the world’s largest wine barrel, the Heidelberg Tun, stored in the cellar of Heidelberg Castle. What’s even more impressive is that it was mostly untouched by Allied bombings during World War II.

When you visit, take a walk through the charming old town, cross the bridge, and enjoy the views from Philosophers’ Way and Heiligenberg. Be sure to check out Heidelberg Castle, a beautiful example of German Renaissance architecture. For something different, stop by the Heidelberg University Geological Museum to see a human jaw that’s believed to be millions of years old.

For the best views of Heidelberg, climb the 208 stairs to the top of the tower at the city’s famous church, or take in the amazing sights from the bridge over the Neckar River.

Schiltach

Schiltach, located in the upper Kinzig valley, is one of the most scenic towns in the heart of the Black Forest. The town center, known as ‘Städtle’ by locals, feels like a living museum with its well-preserved medieval timber-framed houses.

Did you know that the buildings still show signs of Schiltach’s history as a key center for rafting and tanning? This is why the town is called “the city of half-timbering, raftsmen, and tanners.” Since the 13th century, Schiltach has been home to skilled craftsmen and tanners, and it was also an important stop along trade routes through the Black Forest.

While you’re there, take a relaxed walk through the old town and enjoy the history and charm of the timber-framed medieval houses. You’ll also want to check out the murals on some of the houses, which show scenes from the town’s past.

For a deeper dive into Schiltach’s history, visit the Schüttesäge Museum and the Apothekenmuseum. If you’re into nature, the hiking trails in the nearby nature reserve are definitely worth exploring. And don’t forget to visit the ruins of Schiltach, which were once part of a defense line in the Schiltach valley.

Triberg

If you want the ultimate Black Forest experience, Triberg is the place to be. It’s known for its deep connection to cuckoo clocks, one of the region’s most famous traditions. Some even call Triberg the Cuckoo Clock Capital of the Black Forest.

The highlight of Triberg is the world’s largest cuckoo clock, and guess what? You can actually go inside it!

Here’s something cool to try: Bring your watch or digital timer, step inside, and watch the giant clock mechanism move perfectly in sync with your own timepiece. Afterward, don’t forget to check out the gift shop for some unique souvenirs.

In Triberg, besides the giant cuckoo clock, you’ll find two of the best and most famous cuckoo clockmakers: Oli’s Schnitzstube and the House of 1000 Clocks. They handcraft their cuckoo clocks with amazing attention to detail!

While you’re there, be sure to visit the Black Forest Museum. It has a fascinating exhibit featuring cuckoo clocks, local items, traditional costumes, and much more that showcase the region’s culture. You can even play some old mechanical musical instruments by inserting a euro or two!

Finally, from the town center, you can take a trail to the Triberg Falls, the tallest waterfall in the Black Forest. In just 20 minutes, you’ll reach the falls and can explore the wooden boardwalk to get a closer look at this natural wonder from different viewpoints.

Don’t Miss Out!

These towns showed you right away why the Black Forest is such a unique place in Europe, right? If you’re curious to learn more about why the Black Forest is special, check out these 5 things that make the Black Forest unique. And if you’re already planning a trip, I’ve got you covered with this list of must-do activities in the Black Forest.

Planning a trip? From great hotel deals to skip-the-line tickets and affordable eSim to cheap rentals, check out the travel resources I recommend and use for a smooth and memorable trip. Click here for the best hotel deals and more travel discounts.

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