Towering mountains like the Feldberg, magical gorges, and mysterious forests form the magnificent Black Forest, bordering the Alps, the sun-drenched Rhine Valley, the French Vosges Mountains, and the charming Swabian region to the east. Far from the major cities, surprising secrets, historical buildings, and a proud rural culture await discovery. Many fairy tales and legends, such as that of the Cold Heart or the delightful story of the Little Lake Man in the Glass Forest Lake, can be recounted on hikes. The air is intoxicatingly pure, and authentic hospitality can be found everywhere along the trails. The Black Forest is like a giant adventure park for the whole family.
Children's hiking trails in the Black Forest
With great care and expertise, Black Forest Tourism has helped create more child-friendly hiking trails throughout the entire mountain range. Depending on the children's ages, the trails can be explored in a short two- to three-hour hike or on longer tours. Entertaining and educational stations along the way tell stories of forest fairy tales and legends, or the wonders of the local nature. Fantastic views of the landscape alternate with mysterious forest paths. The trails are easy to walk and mostly suitable for strollers.
Enjoyment experiences at Freudenstadt
Such trails can be found in the foothills of the Black Forest in the north, as well as in the High Black Forest and the sunny south. We've selected a few examples for families with young children. In the far north, the "Giant Firs" trail beckons in Freudenstadt . It starts at the Teuchelwald forest parking area. Giant firs stand guard along the path, including the largest fir in the Black Forest, accessible via a short detour (approx. 1 kilometer). These trees were once floated down the Rhine to Rotterdam. This authentic Black Forest trail allows you to experience the magic of the forest and is best suited for families with slightly older children. The Kienberg offers a variety of hiking experiences:
- Mini Golf
- Treading water
- Swings
- Refreshments in the Lauterbad mountain hut or the
- Waldcafé Teuchelwald.
The Achertal in the northern Black Forest
In the far north, on the edge of the Black Forest National Park, the Achertal valley winds its way from the Upper Rhine Plain to the highest point of the High Black Forest, the Hornisgrinde, offering panoramic views across mountains and valleys. The Achertal is home to Seebach , a national park community and winner of the state-wide "Family Holidays" competition . Here, more than 100 children's events are offered annually. The foothills of the gently rising Black Forest offer numerous beautiful family hikes, often with views across the Rhine Valley.
A hike in the Achertal to the Dasenstein Hex
Just south of Saasbachwalden, with its gourmet culture and a stunning view of the Rhine Valley, the Dasenstein Hex is waiting for visitors from young to old in the red wine village of Kappelrodeck. The approximately three-hour hiking trail with views to Strasbourg Cathedral starts at the Schützenhaus. It is suitable for children and strollers. Hikers can log in at hotspots along the path leading through forests and vineyards. The story of the little witch is experienced in multimedia, great fun for children. You can rest at the Dasensteinhütte right next to the rock. Older visitors can enjoy wine tasting in the wine cellar of the same name. It is located in Kappelrodeck and is one of the 100 best companies in Germany.
From Seebach to the Mummelsee
Nestled among dark fir trees high on the Black Forest High Road , the Mummelsee lake shines like a dark gemstone, with a cozy hotel on its shore. From the Mummelsee, a family-friendly hiking trail, the Grindenpfad , leads gently up the mountain in no more than 30 minutes, recounting the dark legend of the Maiden of the Mummelsee along the way. At the summit of the Hornisgrinde, a lookout tower rewards hikers with breathtaking views across mountains and valleys. Upon returning to the Mummelsee, the hotel offers a slice of authentic Black Forest cherry cake.
The magic land on the Kinzig near Loßburg
At the Loßburg outdoor swimming pool , a path leads into the magical land along the Kinzig River, which winds its way through the Black Forest to the Rhine. The path is about 2 kilometers long, suitable for strollers, and also leads back to the village of Loßburg as a 4-kilometer loop. Winni, the Water Drop Girl, tells the exciting story of many water droplets. It's a good idea to bring a change of clothes for the water playground. Rope ladders provide safe access to tree houses and witch's cottages. At the end of the path, the "Stairway to Heaven" leads directly to the sky above the fir treetops.
The Horneradsch forest adventure trail near Todtnau in the Upper Black Forest
Further south, the peaks of the Black Forest reign supreme with their deep forests. Nestled between the Feldberg and Belchen mountains lies the picturesque town of Todtnau, with its magnificent churches and authentic village lanes. A little further north, in Todtnauberg, near the local waterfalls, the mountain troll Horneradsch invites visitors to explore a nature trail with wondrous attractions along the way.
- insects hotels
- Tree phones
- Sensing stations
- a playground
- Rest hut and Black Forest ham.
The graveled hiking trails along the little ascending path around the Todtnauberger Horn are easy to hike, but not ideal for prams. The route takes around an hour without a break. In winter, Todtnau Tourismus provides information on daily groomed paths into the winter wonderland.
On the trail of the Wichtelmann in Hinterzarten
Nestled between the Feldberg mountain and Titisee-Neustadt lies the Black Forest village of Hinterzarten . The first 1,5 kilometers of its nature trail are suitable for strollers. Upon returning, the ice cream parlor at the start/finish point in the center of Hinterzarten offers a refreshing treat. There's an obstacle course for little ones. The trail provides opportunities to interact with nature via a tree telephone, a Kneipp water treading basin, a willow tunnel, and a barefoot path. In the second part of the trail, you'll follow a forest gnome into the woods. Many animals can be observed at the Adlerweiher pond. Bring a small picnic for a break at the Adlerweiher!
Interactive museum and wooden friends near Schluchsee
Fun awaits in Grafenhausen, southwest of the beautiful Schluchsee lake. There, the Schlühüwanapfad trail beckons – a shorthand for "Schlüchtsee-Hüsli-Wald-Natur-Park" (Schluchsee-Hüsli-Forest-Nature-Park). Park at the Rothaus Tourist Information Center, and from there, the trail begins. Lined with imaginative wooden figures, the path leads you along barefoot trails, past tree telephones, and a forest xylophone. Suitable for strollers, the trail takes approximately two hours. Those with energy to spare can take a detour to the Schluchsee outdoor swimming pool and enjoy a refreshing dip. In Grafenhausen, you'll discover fascinating and engaging insights into the local culture and nature of blacksmithing. Child carriers are available for loan at the tourist office.
A farmer's path on Lake Constance
In the far south the mountains border on Lake Constance, on whose northern bank Kressbronn beckons to rural experiences. The path starts in the Berg district and leads to the Straussner Halde. From there there is a stunning view over the lake and the Austrian and Swiss Alps to the Säntis. Along the way, sensually designed stations provide information about hops, wine, berries, fruit, forests, cattle and dairy farming. For a change, there is play and climbing equipment for the children. 300 meters from the path there is a fun labyrinth in the maize field near Nitzenweiler. The walk takes about 1,5 hours and is suitable for strollers.
Enjoy hiking over hills and through forests in the western Black Forest
North of Freiburg and Emmendingen, the beautiful Black Forest village of Freiamt lies nestled amidst romantic hills. In winter, snow transforms the village into a magical wonderland, in spring it bursts into bloom, and in autumn the colors orange and brown come to life. Hiking in the gently rolling landscape is a delight for families. The Freiamt Forest Adventure Trail, with its own herb garden and trail over the Rollberg hill, offers 18 stations that reveal the wonders of the Black Forest's natural environment. Other stations feature fire pits, a forest playground, an apiary, a hunting blind, and a historic charcoal burner's site. The trail is 2,5 kilometers long and suitable for strollers.
