Northern Black Forest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Baden-Baden which includes a bridge
Baden-Baden which includes a bridge
Caracalla Spa showing heritage architecture and interior views
Baden-Baden showing a garden
Baden-Baden showing 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(10 area reviews)

Baden Baden Old Town is popular for its relaxing spas, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Friedrichsbad or Faberge Museum.

Baden Baden Old Town
Karlsruher Schloss

Karlsruhe City Centre

4/5(11 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 Karlsruhe Palace and Prince Max 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 Rp1.667.157 per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
Rp1.667.157
Rp1.783.858 total
7 Feb - 8 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ettlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Buhlsche Mühle and Albgaubad Outdoor Pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (462 reviews)
Alles sehr gut

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Hotel Watthalden
Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels

Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels

5 out of 5
Schillerstraße 4/6 Baden-Baden
The price is Rp7.409.553 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
Rp7.409.553
Rp8.106.645 total
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Baden-Baden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Caracalla Spa and Baden Baden City ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (115 reviews)
Great amenities and impeccable service!

Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025

Brenners Park - Hotel & Spa, Oetker Hotels
Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

4 out of 5
Am Hardtwald 10 Ettlingen BW
The price is Rp1.352.250 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
Rp1.352.250
Rp1.446.907 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Ettlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (728 reviews)
Clean room, nice spa, very nice staff! I was especially thankful for the General Manager who was so kind to us. We tried to pay for parking on the way out and she was taking care of the front desk while her employee was somewhere else. She could not ring us up and just gave us a ticket to get out. ...

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe
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.
ADORO Aparthotel

ADORO Aparthotel

Henri-Dunant-Platz 1a Bühl BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Bühl. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 29 May 2024

ADORO Aparthotel
Boutique Charme Apartments 5

Boutique Charme Apartments 5

Büttenstraße 5 Baden-Baden
Stay at this apartment in Baden-Baden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions Caracalla Spa and Stiftskirche are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
This stylish and comfortable apartment was even nicer than the photos. We were very pleased with the location as it was close to so many shops, restaurants amd public transportation. Would stay here again.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

Boutique Charme Apartments 5
Boutique Charme Apartments 10

Boutique Charme Apartments 10

Küferstraße 10 Baden-Baden
Stay at this apartment in Baden-Baden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Caracalla Spa and Stiftskirche are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
Super nice place, everything was in great order, comfortable bed, lovely shower, and very responsive host.

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Boutique Charme Apartments 10
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