10 Scenic Drives to Take in the Black Forest
The Black Forest region in southwestern Germany is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and excellent food. One of the best ways to explore the region is to take a leisurely drive through its picturesque roads, winding through lush forests, quaint hamlets, and panoramic vistas. Here are ten of the most scenic drives in the Black Forest that should be on every road tripper’s itinerary:
1. Baden-Baden to Triberg
This 50 km drive will take you from the posh spa town of Baden-Baden to the charming village of Triberg, famous for its cuckoo clocks and waterfalls. The route passes through the scenic Kinzigtal valley, with its lush meadows and forests, and along the way, you’ll also get to see the medieval town of Gengenbach and the Romanesque abbey of Alpirsbach.
2. Freiburg to Titisee
This 45 km drive will take you from the vibrant university town of Freiburg to the tranquil waters of Lake Titisee. The route passes through the stunningly beautiful Höllental valley, with its steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls, and along the way, you can also visit the historic town of Staufen and the picturesque hamlet of Hinterzarten.
3. Offenburg to Schiltach
This 55 km drive will take you from the bustling town of Offenburg to the idyllic village of Schiltach, passing through some of the most scenic parts of the Black Forest. The route follows the meandering Kinzig river, with its charming half-timbered houses and ancient farms, and along the way, you can explore the historic town of Gengenbach and the picturesque hamlet of Wolfach.
4. Calw to Nagold
This 60 km drive will take you from the birthplace of Hermann Hesse, the famous author, to the charming town of Nagold, known for its medieval castle and half-timbered houses. The route passes through the scenic Nagoldtal valley, with its wooded hills and verdant meadows, and along the way, you can also visit the historic town of Wildberg and the picturesque village of Altensteig.
5. Rastatt to Baden-Baden
This 35 km drive will take you from the Baroque town of Rastatt to the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, passing through some of the most scenic parts of the northern Black Forest. The route follows the meandering Murg river, with its charming half-timbered houses and medieval castles, and along the way, you can also visit the historic town of Gernsbach and the picturesque village of Weisenbach.
6. Lahr to Gutach
This 45 km drive will take you from the bustling town of Lahr to the charming village of Gutach, known for its open-air museum showcasing traditional Black Forest life. The route passes through the lovely Kinzigtal valley, with its rolling hills and ancient farms, and along the way, you can also visit the historic town of Wolfach and the spa town of Schönwald.
7. Gengenbach to Zell am Harmersbach
This 25 km drive will take you from the fairytale town of Gengenbach to the historic town of Zell am Harmersbach, passing through some of the most charming parts of the Black Forest. The route winds through verdant meadows and dense forests, with glimpses of the picturesque Kinzig river and the medieval castle of Ortenberg, and along the way, you can also visit the scenic hamlet of Biberach.
8. Donaueschingen to St. Blasien
This 50 km drive will take you from the source of the Danube river, in the town of Donaueschingen, to the Benedictine abbey of St. Blasien, famous for its Baroque architecture and stunning frescoes. The route follows the meandering B 31 road, with its breathtaking views of the Black Forest mountains and the rolling hills of the high plateau, and along the way, you can also visit the picturesque hamlet of Hüfingen.
9. Baden-Baden to Sasbachwalden
This 25 km drive will take you from the opulent spa town of Baden-Baden to the quaint wine village of Sasbachwalden, known for its outstanding Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes. The route winds through the lush foothills of the Scharzwald valley, with glimpses of the picturesque Rhine river and the medieval ruins of Alt-Eberstein, and along the way, you can also visit the romantic town of Gernsbach.
10. Triberg to Schaffhausen
This 60 km drive will take you from the stunning waterfalls of Triberg to the scenic town of Schaffhausen, in Switzerland, famous for its medieval architecture and lively cafes. The route follows the meandering river Rhine, with its historic bridges and imposing castles, and along the way, you can also visit the picturesque town of Waldshut and the scenic hamlet of Tiengen.
Conclusion
No matter which scenic drive you choose in the Black Forest, you’re in for a treat of breathtaking vistas and awe-inspiring natural beauty. These are just ten of the many possibilities for driving tours in the region, and each has its unique allure and charm. So, pack up your car and hit the road in the Black Forest for an unforgettable adventure.
