| Southern Black Forest (Südschwarzwald) | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Germany |
|---|---|
| Region | Southern germany |
| Location | |
 47 ° 47 ′ 24 ″ N 8 ° 6 ′ 0 ″ E | |
the Southern Black Forest is the southern part of the region of Black Forest, southwest ofGermany. It lies to the east ofAlsace and north of cantons of Basel and Aargau in Swiss.
Understand
Composed of low mountain landscape covered with forests, it is a good way to find nature, especially for hiking enthusiasts.
Since the region has only small towns, only the most interesting attractions and hikes are listed on this page.
To go
By plane
The nearest airports are: Friedrichshafen, Baden-Airpark near Karlsruhe, Basel (Switzerland / France), Stuttgart, Zurich (Switzerland), or Frankfurt. From there take the train (excellent) or rent a car.
By train
From France, the best is to go to Freiburg im Breisgau which, in addition to being a pleasant little town to visit, will make a good starting point for the region. Since Strasbourg, take the train to Offenburg then change to Friborg (1 h 10/28 € with an ICE, 1 h 30/20 € by express train). Since Colmar, bus to Breisach am Rhein Bahnhof and then train Friborg (1 h 15). Since Mulhouse, train to Müllheim, then change to Friborg (1 h, 13 €).
Circulate
The region is served by a network of regional buses and trains. As they are not necessarily very frequent, it is better to check the departure time in advance.
If you are staying in a guesthouse or hotel, you will often be given a “Gästekarte” (guest card) free of charge. This allows unlimited travel on many local trains and buses (not “IC” express trains and “ICE” high-speed trains). It is valid during your stay (from your arrival, including the day of your departure), which allows you to visit the region from accommodation to accommodation without paying for transport. This includes the following pricing zones:
- Tarifverbund Ortenau
- Regio-Verkehrsverbund Freiburg
- Regio-Verkehrsverbund Lörrach
- Waldshuter Tarifverbund
- Verkehrsverbund Schwarzwald-Baar
- Verkehrsverbund Rottweil
- Verkehrsgemeinschaft Freudenstadt
- Verkehrsgesellschaft Bäderkreis Calw
- Teile des Karlsruher Verkehrsverbundes
You will just need to show it with some ID to the driver or the controller.
To see
- 1 Schluchsee lake (Schluchsee) – This long lake (7,5 km/1,4 km) is less overrun with hordes of tourists than that of Titisee, the other important lake in the Black Forest, and is therefore probably more authentic. The market town of Schluchsee on the northeast coast offers many guest houses. Look at their locations on the map and try your luck. The small station is on the "three lakes railway" (Dreiseenbahn), and at certain times a tourist steam train passes there. A pleasant path goes around it.
- 2 Saint-Blaise Abbey (to Sankt Blasien) – The dome of this church, inside immaculate in white, is the 3e largest in Europe.
- 3 Lake Titisee – The other lake in the Black Forest, more touristic and richer in souvenir shops. Tours of the lake by boat are available.
Do
The region offers many hiking trails.
- 1 Feldberg – This hill, with its 1 493 m altitude, is the summit of Baden-Württemberg. In winter, it is a small ski resort with 21 ski lifts and 50 km of downhill ski slopes. In summer, you can make a nice hike of a day or less in the surroundings. The cable car saves the 200 m of elevation (and keep your strength for the rest). The summit offers a very nice view of the surroundings. From there you can loop down through the forest to the small Feldsee lake visible from the summit. Along the way, you can stop for a meal and a drink at the “Baldenweger Hütte” thatched cottage. Once back at the station, if you have the strength and the time, you can reach the Schluchsee lake on foot (13 km, 3-4 h). The last portion of the hike, which follows the northern edge of the lake on 4 km, is wonderful.
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To buy
Eat
Have a drink / Go out
Housing
Around
- Freiburg im Breisgau (Freiburg im Breisgau) (in the east of the region, not far from the Franco-German border) – The most important town in the area, with a number of well-preserved old buildings.
- Black Forest Center (in the north of the region) – With attractions like the Triberg Waterfalls or the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum showing old farmhouses.
