Guten Tag and welcome to Germany's enchanting Black Forest! With this carefully crafted motorhome itinerary, you’ll get to discover charming villages, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes as you travel at your own pace. From exploring historic towns like Freiburg and Triberg to enjoying outdoor adventures on Feldberg’s peaks, this 5-day Black Forest road trip offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this itinerary contains the best things to do in the Black Forest.
Practical tips
Before setting off on your road trip, it's essential to be prepared with a few practical tips. Germany has toll roads, so check your route beforehand and make sure to pay your fees on time. There are designated environmental zones in Germany, and while this route won’t cross any, keep this in mind if you’re extending your trip. Several places on the German Autobahn allow you to drive as fast as you’d like — or at least as fast as your motorhome can handle. Always ensure that safety is a priority and don’t forget to drive on the right.
As for getting to the starting point of this road trip, there is a small airport in Baden-Baden, but you might otherwise need to fly to Strausberg or Stuttgart. If you’re driving over from the UK, we recommend taking the Eurotunnel and then driving south through France until you cross the border to Baden-Baden. Make sure to avoid Paris as otherwise, you’ll find yourself in traffic for hours. If you prefer taking the ferry, you can take the Hull line to Hoek van Holland and then drive down the Netherlands to Germany, and keep heading south to the Black Forest. Now it’s time to start driving and tackling all the great things to do in the Black Forest.
Day 1 — Baden-Baden
The first day of your Black Forest road trip begins in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, which is known for its thermal baths, magnificent parks and gardens, and housing Germany’s largest opera house. It’s home to many cultural venues and festivals, as well as being a popular destination for foodies. This is intended as a gentle start to your road trip, with plenty to keep you busy here. However, if you’re tired from the trip over, feel free to blow it all off and head to the spa. When a place is renowned for its incredible spa, you’re actually exploring the destination just by soaking in the thermal pools and lying in a sauna! Your best options are the famous Caracalla Spa or the historic Friedrichsbad.
Things to do in Baden-Baden:
-Well, we’ve already mentioned the great spa, so we won’t go into more detail about it. Instead, we’ll recommend simply strolling through Baden-Baden. You can walk through the luscious Kurpark, visit the Trinkhalle, and walk along the Lichtentaler Allee.
-Enjoy a traditional German meal at one of the town’s fine restaurants. Restaurant Der Kleine Prinz offers a cosy and elegant atmosphere, making it perfect for a special dining experience. The menu focuses on classic Baden cuisine with a modern twist, featuring seasonal ingredients and local specialities. Gasthaus Löwenbräu is a traditional Bavarian-style inn with a focus on Bavarian and Baden cuisine.
-If you’re not travelling with little ones, consider heading out after dinner to try your luck at the famous Baden-Baden Casino. Even if you’re not keen on playing, you can take a guided tour of this luxurious casino, which draws visitors from across Europe.
Staying at: Campingplatz Baden-Baden
Located in the heart of Baden-Baden, this motorhome stopover offers all your essential amenities, including electricity, fresh water, and waste disposal for motorhomes. Campingplatz Baden-Baden is within walking distance of the city's main attractions. A simple site, it’s the ideal place to sleep after a busy first day of your road trip.
Hubertusstraße 2, 76532 Baden-Baden, Germany
48.782303, 8.203777
Day 2 — Freudenstadt via Mummelsee
Good morning! We hope that you had a great sleep on the first night of your Black Forest road trip. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then prepare for the drive ahead. Head south on the Schwarzwaldhochstraße (B500), one of the most scenic drives in the Black Forest. Stop at Mummelsee. The roads tend to be well-maintained, but make sure you don’t get too distracted by the incredible views along the way. You should reach Mummelsee within forty minutes of driving.
Mummelsee is a picturesque lake surrounded by forest. We recommend parking here to take a short walk around the lake or hike up to Hornisgrinde, the highest peak in the northern Black Forest, for panoramic views. If you’re doing this around midday, make sure to bring plenty of water, as shade isn’t guaranteed along the entire route.
Then head on to Freudenstadt, known for having the largest market square in Germany. Spend your afternoon wandering around said market, visit local shops, and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Staying at: Camping Langenwald
Located in the heart of the Black Forest, just a few kilometres from Freudenstadt, Camping Lagenwald is a stunning rustic campsite. This campsite offers amenities like electricity hookups, sanitary facilities, and a small shop. It's known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the nearby forest trails.
Straßburger Str. 167, 72250 Freudenstadt, Germany
48.458557, 8.373137
Day 3 — Triberg
Ready to leave Freudenstadt? We won’t judge if you decide to add another day here, it's known as the jewel in the Black Forest’s crown for a reason. If you’re ready to go, pack up your motorhome, load up on some driving snacks, and head on to Triberg. This drive should take about an hour and fifteen minutes, but take your time with it.
Things to do in Triberg:
-Visit the Triberg Waterfalls, among Germany’s highest. There are several walking paths around the falls. We recommend a waterproof jacket, as with a breeze, it can get a little wet!
-You likely haven’t seen cuckoo clocks since you were a child visiting your grandparents, so are you ready to see about a thousand of them? Visit the House of 1000 Clocks to see traditional Black Forest cuckoo clocks, which are masterpieces worthy of any art gallery. Afterwards, you can stroll around the local shops surrounding this place.
-Looking to avoid bad weather or simply feel like learning something? Head to the Black Forest Museum to learn about local traditions, crafts, and history at this interesting museum.
Staying at: Campingplatz Klausenhof
Tonight’s campsite is located in the village of Schonach, just a few kilometres from Triberg. Campingplatz Klausenhof provides pitches for motorhomes with necessary hookups like electricity. The campsite has a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere with amenities such as clean sanitary facilities, a restaurant, and easy access to hiking trails in the surrounding area. It's also close to Triberg's attractions. The real highlight is that it is within walking distance of a stunning lake, the perfect place to watch the sunset or cool off after a long day.
Hornwiesenstraße 40-42, 78465 Konstanz, Germany
47.746091, 9.147581
Day 4 — Titisee and Feldberg
We’ve got a busy day ahead, so we recommend setting the alarm as early as you can manage on holiday, drinking a big cup of coffee or tea, and hitting the road before everyone else has hit snooze for the third time. The first leg of your trip is to Lake Titisee, a beautiful glacial lake popular for boating and swimming. This drive should take less than an hour, especially if you leave on time.
The best way to explore this incredible lake is to go on it. Given that you’re [likely] unable to walk on water, this takes the form of a boat ride on the lake. There are plenty of options for both boat rentals and tours, depending on your preference. You can also opt for a paddleboat instead.
This will likely work up an appetite, so grab lunch at one of the lakeside cafes, before continuing on to Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest. Take a cable car to the summit for breathtaking views. If you’re still up for it, hike around the area, or head to bed early and save this for the morning.
Staying at: Camping Bankenhof
Located near the town of Hinterzarten, Camping Bankenhof can be found about 10-15 minutes from Feldberg. This campsite offers pitches for motorhomes with electricity and water connections. It features modern sanitary facilities, a small shop, and a restaurant. The site is close to Lake Titisee and the Feldberg ski and hiking areas, making it a great spot for outdoor activities year-round.
Bruderhalde 31A, 79856 Hinterzarten, Germany
47.885847, 8.130742
Day 5 — Freiburg
And just like that, it’s the final day of your Black Forest itinerary! But don’t worry, this is certainly a case of last but not least, as we’ve saved some of our favourite things to do in the Black Forest for today. Drive to Freiburg, a vibrant university town known for its medieval architecture. This journey should take about an hour and bring you near the French border.
Things to do in Freiburg:
-Spend a few others exploring the delightful town of Freiburg. You can visit the Freiburg Minster, a cathedral that was built around 1200 in the Romanesque style, before continuing in 1230 in the Gothic style. Climb the 116-meter-high tower for breathtaking views of Freiburg and the surrounding countryside.
-Head to the historic old town, a charming area filled with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively squares. Spot the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), the Martinstor (one of the city's medieval gates), and the Bächle (little water-filled canals that run through the streets). At Münsterplatz, you’ll find a daily market offering fresh produce, local crafts, and regional specialities.
-Once you’ve had your fill of Freiburg, drive up to Schauinsland Mountain for more scenic views or take a twenty-minute ride on the Schauinslandbahn, Germany’s longest cable car. The summit of Schauinsland Mountain stands at 1,284 meters. At the top, you can go hiking, enjoy a picnic at the summit, or visit the Schauinsland Mining Museum.
Staying at: Camping Hirzberg
The final campsite of our Black Forest itinerary comes with a lot of pressure, but luckily Camping Hirzberg is up for the challenge. Situated on the eastern edge of Freiburg, this motorhome site is within walking distance of the city centre. Camping Hirzberg offers pitches for motorhomes with electricity and water hookups. The site provides modern sanitary facilities, a small shop, and bike rental services. It's a great location for exploring both the city of Freiburg and the surrounding Black Forest, with easy access to public transportation. So go enjoy a lovely final dinner in town and then toast to your trip under a starry sky.
Kartäuserstraße 99, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
47.992098, 7.873905
Your Black Forest itinerary has unfortunately come to an end, but you'll carry with you memories of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and the freedom of the open road. Whether it's the tranquillity of the forest, the warmth of the local hospitality, or the thrill of discovering hidden gems, this route is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out some of our other great itineraries, including a Dolomites road trip and a route through Provence.
