Vacation in the Black Forest
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Northern Black Forest - Discover, Experience and Relax

The Northern Black Forest is an impressive holiday region in Baden-Württemberg.
The region is among the nine certified “Quality Regions Hiking in Germany” This stands for first-class hiking opportunities, excellently signposted trails, and high-quality service. Overall, guests have access to... over 1.400 kilometers of excellent hiking and themed trails are available to support you.

A particular natural highlight is the Kaltenbronnthe Germany's largest raised bog, with well-known tourist destinations such as the Wildsee and the HohlohmoorThe offer is complemented by five renowned thermal baths, including this Palais Thermal in Bad Wildbad and the Paracelsus Thermal Baths in Bad Liebenzell, which are among the highest quality thermal baths in the Black Forest.

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The region stands for unique and unspoiled nature , high-quality tourist offers and a special mix of active holidays, relaxation and living tradition.

As one of only nine certified quality regions of "Wanderbares Deutschland" ( Hiking in Germany ), the Northern Black Forest belongs to the premier league of hiking in Germany . Guests have access to over 1.400 kilometers of excellent and uniformly signposted hiking trails – from scenic high-altitude trails to leisurely and themed hikes, as well as natural paths through forests, gorges and moors.

One outstanding natural highlight is the Kaltenbronnthe Germany's largest raised bog, with well-known tourist destinations such as the Wildsee and the HohlohmoorThe nature experience is complemented by a strong health and wellness offering: five renowned thermal baths, including this Moorish-historical Palais Thermal in Bad Wildbad as well as those 5-star Paracelsus thermal baths in Bad Liebenzell, are among the most important thermal baths in the Black Forest.

The Northern Black Forest also impresses with its culinary offerings, featuring Michelin-starred chefs, top-notch regional cuisine, and the Nature Park hosts who stand for authentic regional flavors. Traditional festivals such as the Shepherds' Run and the Raftsmen's Festival have shaped the cultural identity for centuries, making the Northern Black Forest a holiday destination with character.

Quality Region Hiking Germany

Hiking gives you plenty of time to experience our nature and take a deep breath! It's an excellent hiking area! Our region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024. Certificate “Quality Region Hiking Germany” Excellent. As a holiday region, we are dedicated to hiking and will lead you to wonderful natural treasures. Over 1400 kilometers of varied and marked hiking trails await you. And now we're sending you into the Northern Black Forest – time to hike!

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Regions

Discover our valleys and heights

Altensteig

The beautiful half-timbered town Altensteig You can find it in the upper section. NagoldThe valley, characterized by its historic old town and the only remaining castle in the Northern Black Forest, invites visitors to stroll and...

Bad Herrenalb

Discover Bad Herrenalb in the Black Forest In the smallest valley of the Northern Black Forest, the Alb Valley, lies Bad HerrenalbAs a health resort and spa town, you can find complete relaxation here...

Bad Liebenzell

The spa town Bad Liebenzell lies nestled between the slopes of the Northern Black Forest in NagoldA stroll along the shallow river and through the spa gardens invites you to linger...

Bad Teinach-Zavelstein

Bad Teinach – the ideal starting point for hikes in the Northern Black Forest. Those who set off on their hiking tours from here will experience the diversity of this region. Among the many local...

Bad Wildbad

In this spa town, once frequented by kings, not only those seeking relaxation will find the perfect holiday destination, but also active travelers will never be bored. The Palais Thermal is known for...

Calw

The half-timbered town Calw With its beautiful pedestrian zone and charming market square, it invites visitors to stroll, linger, and shop. Also the CalwThe weekly market on Saturdays, with regional vendors...

Dobel

Your place in the sun! The sunny spot lies on the plateau between the Enz and Alb valleys. DobelFrom here you have a perfect view of the peaks of the Northern Black Forest. The valleys disappear below...

Enzklösterle

The health resort Enzklösterle Nestled amidst dense fir forests in the beautiful Enz Valley, you'll find unspoiled nature and authentic Black Forest culture and traditions. Once you venture out...

Höfen an der Enz

A hidden gem for all Black Forest visitors. Away from the hustle and bustle, you can experience the idyllic Northern Black Forest for yourself. Nestled between wooded slopes and the gently sloping...

Nagold

The lively little town Nagold With its boutiques, cafes, and shops, it invites you to linger. Among half-timbered houses, you can enjoy urban Black Forest flair, stroll around, and...

Neubulach

The medieval-looking Neubulach The area is characterized by half-timbered houses and the charm of bygone mining days. There's plenty to discover for young and old in the visitor mine. Underground...

Neuweiler

On the plateau between the Enz valley and NagoldThe rural valley lies NeuweilerBathed in sunshine and brimming with charm and tranquility, it invites you to linger amidst unspoiled nature. When the days in...

Schömberg

In the certified health resort between the valleys of the Enz and the Nagold You can choose from a wide range of activities. You'll find your personal treasures while geocaching. Explore the...

Wildberg

In the middle of NagoldThe city lies in the valley, on the slopes of the Northern Black Forest and the Heckengäu region. WildbergKnown for its shepherding tradition, it is still called the Shepherd Town today. All...

We are true Black Foresters, through and through. Rooted in our nature, we are sometimes considered eccentric, which really just means we are authentic characters. Black Foresters and the Black Forest continue to write unique stories worldwide . We are the land of invention par excellence and are always coming up with new ideas for our guests. We want you to feel right at home here. Except that here, we pamper you! We achieve this with our natural surroundings, genuine regional cuisine, and our unmistakable charm.

Our Black Forest cherry cake, with its thick cream filling and homemade cherry brandy, is known worldwide. In the Northern Black Forest, we stack these cakes up to 25 cm high. A real treat! Food is important to us Black Foresters, and with so much good soil and water, we harvest only the best for our guests. Homegrown produce can be found in our hotel kitchens, and Black Forest trout and Black Forest ham come directly from the farm next door. The best pastry chefs and cooks ensure your culinary well-being. Guests can still experience colorful traditional costumes in the Northern Black Forest today at the traditional Shepherds' Run and the traditional Raftsmen's Festival.

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Vacation in the Black Forest

Vacation in the Black Forest

Magnificent nature, almost endless possibilities: The Black Forest is the ideal destination for your vacation! Whether alone, as a couple , or as a family , whether for young or old: The Northern Black Forest impresses with its unique scenery and countless activities. Guests from near and far find relaxation and adventure here in equal measure. How about a mountain bike tour through the fields, meadows, and forests? Or a hike to the most beautiful spots in our incomparable low mountain range? Afterwards, some wellness and spa treatments…? A vacation for body, heart, and soul: A holiday in the Northern Black Forest can be anything you want it to be.

For a hiking holiday in the Black Forest

Nowhere else in Germany will you find such beautiful scenery as in the Northern Black Forest. Here, rugged valleys and craggy gorges combine with steep mountains, but also (unlike in the High Black Forest) gentle hills and charming trails: ideal conditions for tourism. The Northern Black Forest is especially perfect for hiking , and that's true in every season – Visitblackforest is the message. Our guests' reviews show that what's on offer here is among the best Germany has to offer. Our tip: Book your hiking holiday in the Black Forest now!

Black Forest holiday for the whole family

Summer, sun, sunshine, plus forest and fields – Family vacation in the Black Forest It couldn't be more beautiful. Whether in a hotel, guesthouse, holiday apartment or house, one of our bed and breakfasts, or on a camping holiday: Families always have a wonderful time in the Northern Black Forest. HolidayThere are countless opportunities for hiking, skiing in winter, outdoor swimming pools, indoor swimming pools and thermal baths, plus exciting attractions like the treetop walkway or the WildLine suspension bridge in [location missing]. Bad Wildbad and much more. Or simply spending time together: A family holiday in the Northern Black Forest is always worthwhile.

The Black Forest is on holiday

How do you envision your perfect holiday? Completely relaxing, with wellness and spa treatments ? Then our wellness hotels and thermal baths might be just what you're looking for. Or perhaps you prefer a bit more excitement and adventure ? The Northern Black Forest offers countless options for that too. Holidays in the Northern Black Forest are truly unforgettable. You can book your stay in a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast, or holiday apartment either directly here on the Northern Black Forest Tourism GmbH website or directly on the websites of our hosts. We look forward to welcoming you!

Frequently asked questions about holidays in the Black Forest

The Black Forest is one of Germany's most popular holiday regions. Part of the low mountain range, it is known for its clean air, extensive hiking trails, thermal springs, and a wealth of culinary delights. Black Forest cherry cake is a particular highlight. With its regional specialties and commitment to sustainability, the Northern Black Forest is one of the most beautiful holiday regions in the Black Forest.

The Black Forest is divided into three major geographical units. The Northern Black Forest belongs to the Northern Black Forest and is considered a region for exploration. It boasts abundant nature, pristine forests, and gorges. A unique selection of hiking tours is available, along with the highest density of thermal baths in the Black Forest. Highlights include the Monbach Gorge, the Bärlochkar protected forest, and Germany's largest raised bog, the Kaltenbronn. 

The Northern Black Forest offers a wide range of accommodation options, including seven wellness hotels, hiker-friendly hosts, bed and bike accommodations, and adventurous options such as tiny houses, treehouses, or camping barrels. The best accommodation deals can be found here under "Accommodations in the Black Forest" and at "Power Places."

Over 1.400 kilometers of hiking trails with excellent signage. The Black Forest's "Genießerpfade" (Gourmet Trails) are particularly noteworthy. The Teinacher Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Black Forest. The circular routes offer narrow paths, scenic hiking experiences, and inviting places to stop for refreshments. The Northern Black Forest also boasts linear routes that combine hiking and transportation. The "Stiefelreisen" (Boot Tours) in the Northern Black Forest are especially appealing – multi-day hikes off the beaten track.

The Northern Black Forest tourism region is located in Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany.

Together with the Southern Black Forest, the High Black Forest and the Central Black Forest, it forms the most visited excursion destination among the German low mountain ranges: the Black Forest, the home of the cuckoo clock and Black Forest cherry cake.

From Basel and Lörrach , the route to the Northern Black Forest leads through the High Black Forest, past Schluchsee and Feldberg, towards Freudenstadt. The Northern Black Forest begins roughly at Alpirsbach. The motorway offers a significantly faster route to the Northern Black Forest, but is naturally less scenic – Horb is the ideal starting point.

Coming from Stuttgart, Pforzheim is the gateway to the Northern Black Forest. Its proximity to the Swabian metropolis makes the Northern Black Forest a popular destination for day trips, even in winter.
Looking at a map of Baden-Württemberg, these cities roughly outline the northern Black Forest:
Calw, Baden-Baden, Pforzheim

The region's charm lies in the middle ground: dense forests, countless mountains and valleys, villages that seem frozen in time. Picturesque towns like Nagold, Bad Wildbad or AltensteigThe exciting combination of untouched nature and fascinating history, of literature and agriculture, of mining and spa culture.

Spring, which begins with the blooming of crocuses in the Teinach Valley, marks the start of outdoor season in the Black Forest. Temperatures are mild at this time, ranging from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. April marks the start of the hiking season, and the trails are easily accessible.

Summer in the Black Forest typically sees temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. On hot days, the thermometer can climb above 30 degrees. Then it's time for a coolcation. Cool, shady forests, streams, and small lakes offer welcome relief. 

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Black Forest. The mixed forests are now ablaze with color, reminiscent of Indian summer scenes. There's still plenty of sunshine, making the time spent outdoors all the more enjoyable. 

Winter temperatures range from 8 to -5 degrees Celsius, inviting visitors to explore the thermal baths of the Black Forest. Winter hiking is also possible. With appropriate clothing, nature can now be discovered from a completely different and captivating perspective.

Always the latest news from the region

With the Black Forest newsletter, you will regularly receive free news and holiday offers from the Northern Black Forest.

As a free gift with your registration, you will receive our free e-book "Insider Tips from the Northern Black Forest" with hiking tips from experts, delicious recipes and lots more insider knowledge!

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