Central Black Forest

Travel Guide

Gengenbach
Villingen-Schwenningen
Triberg im Schwarzwald which includes signage
Triberg im Schwarzwald featuring street scenes
Triberg im Schwarzwald which includes a park and a bridge

Find long-held traditions, quaint towns and vistas of spectacular natural beauty in the heart of Germany’s fairy-tale forest.

The Central Black Forest region contains all the charming culture and stunning wilderness that makes the wider Black Forest area such a popular destination. Discover its combination of time-honored craftsmanship, hilltop walks and idyllic towns. Although it is relatively small, Central Black Forest packs in so many museums, heritage sites and hiking trails that you never need to leave the region during your visit to southwestern Germany.

Start your exploration in the Black Forest Open Air Museum. Here, centuries of culture are preserved in a series of farmhouses and cottages that show how local families and communities used to live. Watch costumed actors, often wearing the bobble-covered Bollenhut hat, demonstrate traditional handicrafts.

Head to one of the towns to see half-timbered houses and medieval churches. Wander the old town of GengenbachOpens in a new window to soak up a typical Black Forest atmosphere. Look for the symmetrical pink façade of the Town Hall, which turns into a building-sized advent calendar in December.

Tour the other towns in the region. Shop for local produce in the markets of busy OffenburgOpens in a new window and buy a cuckoo clock in Triberg im SchwarzwaldOpens in a new window. In Villingen-SchwenningenOpens in a new window, the Black Forest’s proud history meets Germany’s more modern side. Find trendy shopping venues and cool cafés across the city.

No trip to Central Black Forest is complete without spending time in the countryside. Experience the magic of the Triberg Waterfalls and explore the ruins of Hochburg Castle. Trek along walking routes leading up Kandel, an accessible mountain summit, and through the fields of the Kinzig Valley.

Rent a car for the most convenient way to explore the compact region. Offenburg and Freudenstadt in the north and Waldkirch and Villingen-Schwenningen in the south are the most convenient towns to use as gateways.

Central Black Forest can be visited at any time of year, with peak season in the summer months of July and August. Visit in winter, when the town squares are lit up with the festive twinkling lights of Christmas markets.

Where to stay in Central Black Forest

Gengenbach Old Town

While visiting Gengenbach Old Town, you might make a stop by sights like Gengenbach Town Hall and Upper Gate Tower.

Gengenbach Old Town
Novotel Freiburg am Konzerthaus

Novotel Freiburg am Konzerthaus

4 out of 5
Konrad Adenauer Platz 2, Freiburg im Breisgau, BW
The price is €108 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€108
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Freiburg im Breisgau. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Our family of 5 was very comfortable, and we enjoyed the pool so much after a long day of walking! The breakfast was wonderful!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Novotel Freiburg am Konzerthaus
MOXY Rust

MOXY Rust

3.5 out of 5
Jakob-Schneider-Strasse 2, Rust
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €101 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€101
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rust. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (771 reviews)
"Perfect stay; a great, clean hotel walkable to Europa park."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

MOXY Rust
Holiday Inn Express Ringsheim by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Ringsheim by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Herbolzheimer Straße 5, Ringsheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg
Fully refundable
The price is €94 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€94
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Ringsheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (941 reviews)
"Excellent clean property, staff were very helpful. Transport to Europa-Park is very easy, bus stop is right outside the hotel. Train station is only 10 minutes walk away for travel further afield. We will definitely be staying here again."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express Ringsheim by IHG
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.
Ferienwohnung Misita

Ferienwohnung Misita

Fischerstr. 16, Rust, BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Rust. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Europa-Park and Rulantica are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)
"A great place to stay which was easily within walking distance to Europa Park, nearby supermarkets and excellent public transport. A microwave would’ve been nice but not essential as we managed nicely with the electric hobs. The beds were very comfortable and everything was lovely and clean. Thank ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Ferienwohnung Misita
Carpediem Apartments

Carpediem Apartments

Richard-Wagner-Str. 11, Schoenwald, Baden-Württemberg
Book a stay at this spa apartment in Schoenwald. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Triberg Waterfall and Source of the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
"Lots of trails and cuckoo clock shops"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Carpediem Apartments
Ferienwohnungen LaVaTe

Ferienwohnungen LaVaTe

Schubertstr. 10, Kappel-Grafenhausen
Stay at this apartment in Kappel-Grafenhausen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hiking/biking on site. Popular attractions Europa-Park and Rulantica are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
"Nice property."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Ferienwohnungen LaVaTe
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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