A deafening roar that vibrates deep in the stomach, a fine mist of water that settles on the skin like a cool veil, and the ever-present, resinous scent of the dense mountain forest – anyone who visits Triberg feels the untamed power of nature from the very first moment. Nestled in the deep, steep valleys of the central Black Forest, this small town is far more than just a stopover. Triberg is the concentrated soul of the Black Forest.
Here, Germany's highest waterfalls plunge over massive granite boulders, hand-carved cuckoo clocks break world records, and historic steam locomotives chug through countless tunnels on the famous Black Forest Railway. Whether you're a nature lover eager to hike through the wild gorges, interested in centuries-old craftsmanship, or planning a fun-filled family outing – Triberg offers an unforgettable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you to the region's absolute highlights, share insider tips for your visit, and show you where to find the Black Forest's tamest squirrels.
A natural wonder: The Triberg Waterfalls
The Triberg Waterfalls are the absolute heart of the town and its undisputed visitor magnet . With a total drop of 163 meters, they are among the highest and most impressive waterfalls in Germany. Here, the water of the Gutach River plunges foaming and roaring down into the valley in seven enormous cascades.
The development of this natural monument is exemplary. Three well-maintained, themed trails guide you through the area:
- The nature trail: It leads you deep into the untouched forest and offers ever new, surprising perspectives on the masses of water.
- The cultural trail: Here you can learn all about the history of the region and the use of hydropower on information panels.
- The Cascade Trail: This path takes you right to the edge of the waterfalls. You can feel the spray on your skin and experience the power of the water up close.
A special highlight awaits you in the evening: Until around 22:00 pm, the waterfalls are atmospherically illuminated, lending the rushing water a mystical, almost romantic ambiance. Especially after heavy rainfall or during the spring snowmelt, the Gutach River swells enormously – a truly spectacular natural phenomenon!
A paradise for children: The tame squirrels
If you're traveling with your family, there's an attraction at the waterfall that often overshadows even the cascading water. Countless, almost tame squirrels live in the woods surrounding the waterfalls. If you bring along some unsalted peanuts (these can also be purchased directly at the main entrance) and remain quiet for a moment, the nimble rodents will often climb right onto your hand. Guaranteed to bring a sparkle to children's eyes! Looking for more adventures in the region that are perfect for kids? Then browse our comprehensive overview of the most beautiful children's hiking trails in the Black Forest.
World records and craftsmanship: Cuckoo clocks
Triberg and neighboring Schonach form the epicenter of Black Forest clockmaking. Anyone strolling along Triberg's steep main street will be amazed. In countless lovingly decorated boutiques, tens of thousands of cuckoo clocks tick and call out in every imaginable size and price range.
The absolute superlative, however, can be found just beyond the city limits in the Eble Clock Park (Schonachbach). Here stands the world's largest cuckoo clock , which has even made it into the Guinness Book of Records. What's special about it: This clock isn't just a facade model. The entire building is the clock. You can walk inside the building and view the clock mechanism, which is over 4,5 meters high and weighs six tons, up close. When the giant cuckoo calls from the first-floor window on the hour, the ground shakes.
Anyone wanting to delve even deeper into the fascinating cultural history of the region should definitely visit the Black Forest Museum right at the main entrance to the waterfalls. Here you can embark on a journey through time, experiencing the lives of Black Forest farmers, admiring historical costumes (including the famous Bollenhut hat), intricate wood carvings, and a unique collection of barrel organs.
Holiday in Triberg
Would you like to enjoy the roar of the waterfall in the early morning without any crowds, photograph the historic Black Forest Railway, and sample hearty Baden specialties in the evening? Triberg is a fantastic starting point for your holiday in the central Black Forest. Discover the most welcoming hosts, cozy guesthouses, and comfortable hotels right in the region here:
Accommodation in Triberg
If, after all that climbing to the waterfalls, you're looking for deep relaxation and hot saunas, take a look at our hand-picked list of recommendations for your perfect wellness hotel in the Black Forest. Are you planning an extended trip with your four-legged friend through the shady forests? We present pet-friendly accommodations in our directory for the ideal dog-friendly lodging.
Cleverly combine excursion destinations: From Triberg to the world
Due to its convenient location in the middle of the Black Forest, Triberg is ideally suited as a strategic hub for exploring other world-famous sights in the region on day trips.
A spectacle of water: A trip to the Rhine Falls
If the raw power of the Triberg Waterfalls has captivated you and you can't get enough of thundering water, we recommend a trip south to the Swiss border. In about an hour's drive, you'll reach the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen , the largest waterfall in Europe. Here, the water plunges a gigantic 150 meters into the depths below. A boat trip right up to the churning central rocks is a pure adrenaline rush. You'll find all the practical tips on parking, boat tickets, and viewing platforms in our comprehensive report on the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen.
Thrills and family fun at Europa-Park
Are you looking for a change of pace from the idyllic natural surroundings? Germany's most popular and largest theme park in Rust is easily accessible from Triberg via the Kinzig Valley and the A5 motorway. Whether you're after breathtaking roller coasters or top-class international shows, there's something for the whole family. To save on your holiday budget and avoid wasting valuable time at the ticket office, be sure to buy your tickets online in advance! You can find all current prices, opening times, and exclusive online discounts in our daily updated overview of Europa-Park tickets and prices.
A masterpiece of engineering: The Black Forest Railway
The journey to Triberg is an experience in itself, provided you choose to travel by train. The Black Forest Railway , built between 1863 and 1873 according to the plans of Robert Gerwig, is considered one of the most scenic and technically spectacular mountain railways in Europe.
To overcome the enormous difference in altitude of over 600 meters between Offenburg and Konstanz without making the gradient too steep, Gerwig employed an ingenious trick: he laid the route along the mountainside in countless wide loops and curves. Around Triberg alone, the railway winds its way upwards through 37 tunnels. Even today, modern double-decker trains operated by Deutsche Bahn run here, offering fantastic views into the deep gorges from their upper decks.
For railway enthusiasts, Triberg also offers the special Black Forest Railway Adventure Trail , which leads you along the most spectacular sections of track and tunnel portals and illustrates the hard work of the construction workers of that time on display boards.
Arrival, parking and public transport
The infrastructure in Triberg is fully geared towards visitors. Here's how to make your journey and parking search completely stress-free:
| How to Arrive | Details & insider tips |
|---|---|
| By car | The town is usually reached via the B33 (coming from Offenburg or Villingen-Schwenningen). There are several parking garages in the center of Triberg (e.g., the "Mitte" parking garage). Tip: The "Waterfalls" parking garage is located directly at the main entrance. Arrive early in the summer, as it fills up quickly! |
| By train | A trip with the Black Forest Railway A trip to Triberg train station is an absolute must. From the station, a steady 15-minute walk leads to the town center. Alternatively, regular buses run directly from the station forecourt to the waterfall ticket office. |
| Free with KONUS | The best travel hack for the Black Forest: If you stay overnight in Triberg, you automatically receive the KONUS guest card. This makes travel on regional trains (including the Black Forest Railway!) and all buses in the Black Forest completely free! |
