Northern Black Forest

Travel Guide

Baden-Baden which includes a bridge
Caracalla Spa showing heritage architecture and interior views
Baden-Baden featuring a garden
Baden-Baden which includes food
Baden-Baden showing hiking or walking

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

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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 Casino Baden-Baden.

Baden Baden Old Town
Karlsruhe which includes interior views and art

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
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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 Kaiserstraße, 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
Parkhotel Pforzheim

Parkhotel Pforzheim

4.5 out of 5
Deimlingstrasse 32-36 Pforzheim BW
The price is RM379 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
RM379
RM406 total
18 Dec - 19 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Pforzheim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Theatre Pforzheim and Pforzheim Schmuckwelten ...
9/10 Wonderful! (522 reviews)
Excellent hotel! It is clean, amazing atmosphere, the staff was genuinely interested in making our stay top notch. I give it a 5 star clean rating and really enjoyed the spa. We will definitely be back!

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Parkhotel Pforzheim
Hotel Watthalden

Hotel Watthalden

Pforzheimer Strasse 67a Ettlingen BW
The price is RM495 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
RM495
RM530 total
7 Dec - 8 Dec
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! (453 reviews)
All ok

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

Hotel Watthalden
Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe

4 out of 5
Am Hardtwald 10 Ettlingen BW
The price is RM342 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
RM342
RM366 total
7 Dec - 8 Dec
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! (709 reviews)
👍

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

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
Adler Apartments Sasbachwalden

Adler Apartments Sasbachwalden

Kirchweg 1 Sasbachwalden
Stay at this aparthotel in Sasbachwalden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an on-site winery. Popular attractions Gaisholl Waterfall and Richard Vierthaler ...
Adler Apartments Sasbachwalden
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! (7 reviews)
Really liked the property and will stay again when we come back to Baden Baden

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

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.

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