Hi, I'm Becky, Head of Travel Design at Finest Journeys, and last week I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to Germany's beautiful Black Forest by one of our trusted local suppliers. The purpose of my visit was to experience first-hand the region, meet our wonderful local partners and discover the activities, excursions and unique experiences we can offer our valued clients.
And I can honestly say, this trip did not disappoint!
From beginning to end, I was treated like royalty. From our airport transfer partners, arriving immaculately presented in a beautiful Mercedes V-Class, to the exceptional hospitality shown by everyone I met along the way, every detail was thoughtfully taken care of. It was a truly special experience, and one I will remember for a lifetime.
There is something particularly magical about the Black Forest in autumn. An extraordinary palette of oranges, reds and golden yellows stretches for miles, contrasting beautifully against clear blue skies. The temperatures were wonderfully mild too – perhaps I was simply lucky with the weather! This is, of course, the one thing Finest Journeys cannot guarantee (although we are working on it!).
The scenery is simply breathtaking. Rolling hills, dense woodland, abundant wildlife, cascading waterfalls and traditional Black Forest houses are scattered throughout quaint, peaceful villages. Everywhere you look, there is something beautiful to discover. It is the sort of place where you find yourself constantly reaching for your camera, only to realise that no photograph quite captures the beauty of what is in front of you.
To see how you could combine a visit to the Black Forest with Munich's famous Oktoberfest celebrations, download our eight-day sample itinerary Oktoberfest & the Black Forest
Day 1 - A Taste of the Black Forest
My first day began with something rather special: a traditional Maultaschen cooking workshop.
For anyone unfamiliar with Maultaschen, they are essentially German pasta parcels, often described as Swabian ravioli, and are a much-loved speciality of southern Germany.
Under the guidance of a professional chef, I learnt how to prepare the delicate pasta dough, create delicious fillings and carefully assemble my own little parcels. Once the workshop was complete, the chef took my finished creations and beautifully prepared and plated them for lunch. I have to say, they were delicious!
But we weren't finished with the food just yet...
Next came a Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) workshop. This iconic dessert is one of Germany's most famous culinary creations and a true symbol of the region.
With the help of an expert pastry chef, I discovered how to create this beautiful cake from scratch, layering light chocolate sponge with delicious cherries and wonderfully smooth whipped cream. There was plenty of skill involved, but also plenty of fun.
Once finished, I was invited back to the restaurant to enjoy a slice of my very own creation. After all, pudding is always the best part of any meal, isn't it? And I can confirm that this one certainly did not disappoint!
These hands-on experiences are a wonderful way for our clients to immerse themselves in local culture, discover regional traditions and, of course, enjoy some delicious food along the way.
Day 2 – Woodland Walks, Waterfalls and Cuckoo Clocks
Day two began with a meeting with a wonderful local guide specialising in biology and nature. Together, we headed out for a gentle hike through Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht).
The gorge is famous for its dramatic scenery, lush woodland, flowing streams and cascading waterfalls. Following the winding woodland paths, I crossed charming little bridges, wandered alongside bubbling mountain streams and discovered some wonderful viewpoints along the way.
The sound of rushing water, birdsong and the gentle rustle of the trees created the most peaceful atmosphere. Having a specialist nature guide made the experience even more rewarding, offering fascinating insights into the wildlife, plant life and natural environment that make this region so special. It was a lovely reminder that the Black Forest isn't just somewhere to admire beautiful scenery; it is somewhere to truly experience nature.
After our walk, I headed to Hinterzarten, a charming village that is perhaps best known as a ski destination, but has so much more to offer. Sitting at approximately 900 metres above sea level, Hinterzarten is surrounded by beautiful woodland, rolling hills and open mountain scenery. It has a wonderfully traditional feel, with pretty houses, flower-filled balconies, independent shops and welcoming cafés. It is the perfect place to slow down, wander around and soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Black Forest village. I learned that the air in Hinterzarten is scientifically monitored and proven to possess therapeutic benefits for the mind and body.
Later that afternoon, I visited one of the largest cuckoo clock shops in the world. The Black Forest is synonymous with cuckoo clocks, and I was lucky enough to take part in a fascinating demonstration exploring their history, craftsmanship and production.
I discovered how these intricate clocks are made and learnt more about the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
It was genuinely fascinating, and a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the skill and heritage behind one of Germany's most recognisable souvenirs.
Day 3 – Lake Titisee and the Beautiful City of Freiburg
Day three brought one of my personal highlights: a visit to Lake Titisee - WOW! What a beautiful place.
Lake Titisee is a natural glacial lake, formed during the last Ice Age, and is one of the largest natural lakes in the Black Forest.
Famous for its remarkably clear water and peaceful surroundings, it is an idyllic spot with a lovely lakeside promenade and wonderful views across the surrounding mountains and woodland.
I had the opportunity to cruise across the lake aboard the Titus, a rather unusual boat resembling an old pirate ship. This replica of a Roman galley takes its name from the Roman commander Titus Flavius Vespasianus. According to local legend, during a campaign in Germania in 41 AD, he camped with his army beside the lake.
It certainly makes for an interesting story while enjoying the scenery!
After the boat trip, I spent some time exploring the beautiful lakeside area. There are charming shops, cafés, restaurants and pretty traditional buildings to wander around, making it a lovely place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Later, I took the train from Hinterzarten to Freiburg, and this journey deserves a special mention in its own right.
The Höllentalbahn is particularly special, as it is considered Germany's steepest railway line. Rather than simply being a means of getting from A to B, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. The train winds its way through the spectacular Höllental Valley, passing dense woodland, pretty villages, mountain scenery and dramatic valley landscapes. It is an incredibly scenic route and one I would absolutely recommend including in an itinerary.
Arriving in Freiburg, I was met by a local guide who took me straight into the historic old town. Freiburg is one of southern Germany's most charming and characterful cities. Known for its beautiful medieval old town, historic buildings, lively market squares and wonderful café culture, it has an atmosphere quite different from the peaceful villages of the Black Forest.
I was immediately captivated by its colourful architecture, charming streets and beautiful surroundings. The city is steeped in history, and having a knowledgeable local guide really brings it to life. For our clients, I would highly recommend including a guided experience here, as there is so much to discover that you might otherwise walk straight past.
I returned to Hinterzarten by train in the early evening, just in time to watch the sunset over the forest. The colours across the landscape were unbelievable, and it was one of those moments when you simply stop, take it all in and appreciate where you are.
Day 4 – Relaxing in a Bavarian Spa
After several days of early starts, late finishes and making the most of every opportunity, day four offered a little time at leisure. Not that I was complaining about the busy schedule – I would much rather see everything than miss out on something wonderful! But a little downtime was very welcome.
A quick Google search led me to a fantastic local spa, which offered six vitality pools, 12 themed saunas and an impressive 6,000-square-metre wellness area. The pools were beautifully warm, between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, and surrounded by lush palm trees and fruit trees. There was even a swim-up bar serving delicious cocktails (I may have enjoyed one or two too many!), along with an outdoor swimming and sunbathing area.
It was the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and reflect on the wonderful experiences I had enjoyed over the previous few days. More importantly, it gave me time to think about how I could bring these experiences to our Finest Journeys clients. Because for me, travel is about so much more than visiting a destination. It is about the people you meet, the things you learn, the experiences you share and those little unexpected moments that stay with you long after you return home.
The following day, it was sadly time to say goodbye. I left with wonderful memories, a camera full of photographs, a newfound appreciation for German traditions and, quite possibly, a few extra pounds from all the delicious food! (this is sadly true!).
My biggest hope is that I can now recreate the same exceptional experiences for our clients. Having visited the region, met the people behind the experiences and explored the destinations first-hand, I feel even more confident in recommending the Black Forest as somewhere truly special.
It is a destination that deserves to be discovered, and one I genuinely believe should not be missed.
If the Black Forest has captured your imagination, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. I would love to tell you more about this extraordinary part of Germany and help create a journey that brings together its beautiful scenery, fascinating traditions, wonderful food and unforgettable experiences.
At Finest Journeys, we believe the best travel experiences come from knowing a destination personally, and I would love to help you discover the Black Forest just as I did.
By Becky Springer, Head of Travel Design at Finest Journeys
Browse through a selection of Finest Journeys articles which you may also find of interest:
ETIAS Rules for US Citizens: Your Comprehensive Guide
A Toast to Tradition: Oktoberfest in Munich
12 Months, 12 Places: Where to Go in Europe in 2027
Tracing German Ancestry Through Regional Traditions and Craftsmanship
FAQs
The Black Forest in southwestern Germany is famous for its densely wooded mountains, traditional cuckoo clocks, Black Forest Cake and smoked Black Forest ham. The region is known for its picturesque villages, historic farmhouses, waterfalls and scenic lakes. It also has a long tradition of woodworking, clockmaking and spa tourism, particularly in Baden-Baden.
May through October is the best period for hiking, sightseeing and outdoor activities, with generally pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours. September and October are especially attractive for autumn foliage and wine harvests. December is popular for Christmas markets, and January through March is the main period for winter sports around Feldberg, depending on snow conditions.
Highlights include visiting Triberg Waterfalls, hiking around Feldberg, exploring Lake Titisee and touring the historic spa town of Baden-Baden. The Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum introduces traditional rural life, and Freiburg is known for its medieval architecture. Other popular activities include scenic drives, cycling, wine tasting and exploring the region’s picturesque towns and villages.
Black Forest Cake, made with chocolate sponge, cherries, whipped cream and Kirsch, is the region’s best-known dessert. Black Forest ham is traditionally cured and smoked, giving it a distinctive flavor. Other regional specialties include trout, Spätzle (soft egg noodles), Brägele (fried potatoes) and Bibbeleskäs, a seasoned fresh cheese spread. Local fruit brandies and Baden wines are popular accompaniments.
Four to five days is a good introduction to the Black Forest, allowing time for Freiburg, Lake Titisee, Triberg Waterfalls and several traditional villages. A week gives you greater flexibility to explore the northern and southern parts of the region, visit Baden-Baden, enjoy longer hikes and discover historic towns such as Gengenbach and Schiltach.