When you think of the Black Forest, you probably immediately picture idyllic valleys, majestic fir trees, the red pom-pom hat, and traditional cuckoo clocks. But for some years now, television has shown us that this picturesque scenery also provides the perfect backdrop for gripping, in-depth crime stories. Since 2017, the TV series "Schwarzwald Tatort" (Black Forest Crime Scene) has been flickering across screens, regularly captivating millions of viewers.
Here, the seemingly untroubled romanticism of nature is consistently disrupted. Instead of clichéd Heimat films, you can expect complex moral and relationship dramas, in which our dense forests, isolated farms, and mist-shrouded gorges almost act like their own silent investigator. This unique atmosphere is what makes the Black Forest crime series so special. In this article, we'll take you on an exciting journey behind the scenes. Get to know the investigators, learn all about the most gripping episodes, and discover how you can experience the original filming locations firsthand on your next visit to the Black Forest!
The heart of the series: Detectives Tobler and Berg
A good crime drama stands or falls with its main characters. In the Black Forest Tatort, you'll meet a detective duo from the Freiburg criminal police who couldn't be more different, but that's precisely why they work so brilliantly.
On one side is Chief Inspector Franziska Tobler (played by Eva Löbau). She is the team's analytical empath. With great empathy and a razor-sharp mind, she penetrates the psychological depths of the perpetrators. But she is not infallible: In the upcoming episode “The Great Fear” (airing in 2025), she secretly applies for the position of department head and puts the mutual trust within the team to a tough test.
Her partner is Chief Inspector Friedemann “Frieda” Berg (played by Hans-Jochen Wagner). He is the grounded foundation of the series. As a down-to-earth, sometimes somewhat gruff colleague, he perfectly embodies the deeply rooted Black Forest tradition. He knows the land and its people, understands the unwritten laws of the small villages, and forms the ideal counterpoint to Franziska's more urban approach.
Together they form a professional symbiosis. However, the fact that there can also be tension between the two was shown in the memorable episode "I cried in my dream" (2020), when they ended up in bed together after a wild Freiburg carnival night – an incident that brought noticeable tension into their everyday work.
The most exciting cases: A look at the episode list
The development of the Black Forest Tatort series shows that the creators are moving further and further away from classic crime drama patterns and instead addressing social hotspots. To give you an overview, we have summarized the most important episodes in a clear and concise manner.
| Episode | Title | Year | What it's all about |
| 1029 | Goldbach | 2017 | A dead girl is found in the snow-covered Black Forest. The investigation in a small forest settlement uncovers a secret weapons cache. |
| 1058 | Sunny Day | 2018 | A fatal incident involving diabetes reveals deep links to the right-wing scene on a remote farm in the Black Forest. |
| 1121 | I cried in the dream | 2020 | Murder during Carnival season. The investigators are at odds with each other after a boozy night. |
| 1138 | Vineyard | 2020 | Following a rape in the Kaiserstuhl region, the detectives encounter the ethical limits of modern DNA analysis. |
| 1189 | Sara's confession | 2022 | A miscarriage of justice is being investigated after a former police officer is found murdered. |
| 1215 | The looks of others | 2022 | A father and his son disappear without a trace in a sterile new housing development in Freiburg. |
| 1271 | Last trip to Schauinsland | 2024 | A dead psychologist is found in the trunk of a car. The trail leads into the dark depths of the secure psychiatric system. |
| 1297 | The great fear | 2025 | A dramatic death on the famous Schauinsland cable car becomes a real test for the entire team. |
| 1314 | The Reini | 2025 | A pharmacist is found murdered in a village pharmacy. |
| 1324 | The youngest kid | 2026 | Inspector Berg finds a frightened girl in an abandoned house. A case full of fairytale-like, almost mystical elements. |
Filming locations you can experience live
What's fascinating about the Black Forest Tatort series is that the sets aren't recreated in a studio. The locations are real, and you can explore them yourself during your vacation! The region doesn't just play a supporting role; it often acts as a silent investigator.
Freiburg im Breisgau: On an urban treasure hunt
Freiburg is the investigators' logistical center. The historic old town, the Freiburg Minster And the modern suburbs keep reappearing in the series. You can follow in the footsteps of Tobler and Berg and discover the city for yourself. If you're looking for interactive excitement, external providers like Krimi-Trails offer guided and self-guided city rallies where you solve crimes along the Dreisam River or in the famous "Bermuda Triangle" of the old town.
Kaiserstuhl: Vineyards full of secrets
The episode “Rebland” (working title “Data Protection”) focused on the Kaiserstuhl region and the vineyards around Ihringen. Where dark crimes happen on television, in reality you will find one of the warmest and most beautiful wine regions in Germany. Grab a bike or take a long walk. Motorcycle tour Kaiserstuhl-Vosges, to experience the picturesque rice terraces up close.
Schauinsland and Höllental: Dramatic heights and deep gorges
Freiburg's local mountain is often the setting for dramatic scenes. Whether in the episode "Last Excursion to Schauinsland" or "The Great Fear," where the Schauinsland cable car The scene of the crime – the mountains around Freiburg are spectacular.
Furthermore, the series often takes us to secluded, mystical forests. A true highlight that perfectly captures this atmosphere is a hike through the imposing Ravenna Gorge. Experience breathtaking views and feel transported directly into the debut episode, "Goldbach."
Stay like the film crew: Our accommodation tips
After an exciting day following in the footsteps of TV detectives, you'll need a cozy place to retreat to. We've selected three fantastic accommodations for you that are located directly at the filming locations or offer the perfect Black Forest experience.
Colombi Hotel
This family-run luxury hotel on the edge of Freiburg's historic old town combines traditional charm with the highest level of comfort. Perfect for pampering yourself after a long day of exploring the city.
- Excellent gourmet cuisine in the hotel's own restaurants Zirbelstube and Falkenstube.
- A cozy Colombi Bar that also serves as a smoker's lounge.
- Spacious pool and spa area for absolute relaxation.
- Elegant, air-conditioned rooms with attention to detail.
Facts related to the crime scene: The hotel is located on Rotteckring, just a few minutes' walk from the Freiburg pedestrian zone through which Commissioner Tobler regularly hurries on her way to the police headquarters.
Hotel Hofgut Sternen
This impressive adventure resort in Breitnau is literally located at the entrance to the mystical Ravenna Gorge. If you're looking for the dark, wooded atmosphere of Black Forest crime novels, this is the place for you.
- Located directly next to the famous railway viaduct in Hell Valley.
- The site includes its own glassworks and a historic chapel.
- Pioneers in sustainability with a completely energy-autonomous concept.
- Regional cuisine with fresh ingredients from the Black Forest.
Facts related to the crime scene: The fog-shrouded forests and steep gorges around Breitnau and the Höllental valley form precisely that eerie, secluded backdrop that makes episodes like "Sonnenwende" or "Goldbach" so visually unique.
Domizil-Kaiserstuhl (Ihringen)
A modern, luxuriously equipped holiday home directly on the sun-drenched Kaiserstuhl, offering you absolute privacy and relaxation.
- Spacious holiday home with 195 m² and 5 comfortable bedrooms.
- Private seasonal outdoor pool with stunning garden views.
- Fully equipped kitchen and veranda for convivial barbecue evenings.
- Ideally located for hiking and cycling tours in the vineyards.
Facts related to the crime scene: The residence is located in Ihringen. It was precisely here, amidst the idyllic vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region, that Berg and Tobler investigated in the highly acclaimed episode "Rebland".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the detectives in the Black Forest Tatort series?
The Freiburg Criminal Investigation Department's team of investigators consists of Chief Inspector Franziska Tobler (played by Eva Löbau) and Chief Inspector Friedemann Berg (played by Hans-Jochen Wagner). They have been solving exciting cases together since 2017.
Where exactly is the Black Forest Tatort filmed?
The series is filmed at many real locations. These include the old town and suburbs of Freiburg im Breisgau, the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl (such as Ihringen), the Schauinsland mountain, and various valleys and forests in the high and southern Black Forest.
Is it possible to visit the filming locations?
Absolutely! Since filming takes place on real locations, you can easily visit places like the Schauinsland cable car, Freiburg Minster, or the vineyards in the Kaiserstuhl region. Freiburg even has special interactive crime trails where you can playfully investigate yourself.
How many episodes of the Black Forest Tatort series are there?
Since its launch in 2017 with the episode "Goldbach", over 15 exciting cases have already been produced, with further episodes (such as "The Youngest Little Goat" or "Internal Affairs") firmly planned until 2026.
