Thickly wooded and for centuries secluded and mysterious, the Black Forest region is today a favourite rural retreat for Germans and Swiss. Situated in Baden-Württemberg in the south west of Germany, the Black Forest is an area of remote villages and farmsteads; tranquil lakes, waterfalls and rivers; and mountainsides teeming with pines and firs. Steeped in tradition, locals in the Black Forest still speak in regional dialects and the hearty cuisine reflects its pastoral history. Whether you prefer wandering in the fresh air under dappled sunlight filtering through leaves or strolling down cobbled lanes and daydreaming beneath gingerbread houses, the Black Forest is a delight. European charm is often best discovered in Europe’s quaint and picturesque villages, and Black Forest is chock full of them. A fantastic destination for a family retreat, we highly recommend renting a car to make the most of your rustic adventure.
Renting holiday accommodation in Black Forest
To really get the best idea of how Black Forest locals live, you can’t do much better than staying in a holiday rental. Black Forest holiday cottages are an excellent way to experience a slice of local, pastoral life. From town-centre apartments to a cabin in the woods or a luxurious house by a picturesque stretch of mountainside; HouseTrip rentals let your accommodation become part of the experience instead of just a soulless hotel room to return to after a day of open spaces and freedom.
Where to stay in Black Forest
Staufen is an ideal small town base from which to explore the southern branch of the Black Forest. This attractive town has excellent nooks and crannies to explore, while providing easy access to a large chunk of the surrounding woodland. Dittishausen or Freiburg (the jewel of the Black Forest), are both larger towns yet still small enough to have not lost any of the old-world charm that Black Forest is renowned for. And with over 20 Michelin Star restaurants in the region, wherever you choose to stay you’re guaranteed delicious food and memorable meals. Make sure to visit a local food market though to pick up fresh local and of course organic ingredients for a delicious meal prepared in the kitchen of your holiday home.
Black Forest with the family
Whether you’re planning on hiking, mountain biking, skiing or water sports; Black Forest is packed with outdoor adventures for the kids. Don’t forget a more relaxing road trip though. Pack a picnic, get in a car and drive the scenic Schwarzwaldhochstraße for beautiful photos. If you are visiting in winter, visit Titisee Lake with your kids. Oftentimes it freezes over and people can walk over it, surrounded by snow laden hillocks and pristine, beautifully white treelines as far as the eye can see. Holiday cottages are an especially great way for families to travel, as being able to spend time together as a family is the entire reason for going away together. After a relaxing day in the freedom of the forest, enjoy a home cooked meal with Black Forest ham; and of course – purely because of where you are no other reason – a chunky, chocolaty slice of Black Forest gateau for dessert.