Perched on the border of Germany and France, Black Forest is a wonderland of lush evergreen trees, deep valleys, shimmering lakes and postcard-perfect villages. Nature lovers shouldn't miss Black Forest National Park, where scenic trails take you past heather-strewn meadows, wooden farmhouses and tumbling waterfalls.
Freiburg is the region's largest town with a magnificent 11th-century cathedral. The town is famous for its cuckoo clocks, which have been produced in Black Forest since the 1700s. In the spa town of Baden-Baden, you can stroll along cobbled lanes, relax at open-air cafes and admire the historic architecture.
In Gutach, Schwarzwalder Freilichtmuseum is built around a cluster of 17th-century farmhouses. The museum offers a glimpse of centuries-old farming traditions. Black Forest is also home to Germany's largest waterfall, Triberger Wasserfalle. It cascades more than 160 metres down seven tiers and is illuminated with spotlights at night.
Getting there
Black Forest stretches for 160 kilometres along the German border. A car is the easiest way to explore the Black Forest, though the region is also easy to access on foot and by bicycle. Popular airports include Konstanz, Karlsruhe and Strasburg in Germany, as well as Basel in Switzerland.