The climatic health resort of Triberg offers its visitors a very special kind of natural sensation:
The most beautiful non-alpine waterfalls in Germany.
The water of the Gutach falls in two mighty cascades from a total height of 163 meters into the Triberg basin. The upper cascade consists of three main stages and has a drop of 16m. The lower cascade with seven main stages has a drop of 92m.
Between the two cascades there is a steep torrent section of about 51 meters. The total section of the falls is 260 meters.
Besides these There are many more waterfalls in the Black Forest. In terms of height, the Triberg waterfalls are only surpassed by the Bavarian Kuhaway waterfalls (270 m), the Königsbach fall (200 m) and the Röthbach fall, which is Germany's highest waterfall with a drop of almost 470 meters.
But the Triberg waterfalls count, together with the historic old town of Triberg and the largest cuckoo clock in the world, undoubtedly one of the most impressive sights in the Black Forest and attract thousands of visitors every year.
The falls are most impressive during the spring melt season or during heavy rains. Then the cascading masses of water are of such overwhelming size and strength that every visitor lingers in awe.
If you want to experience the natural wonder more from its quiet side, you should arrive in winter. At temperatures below 0 °C, the waterfalls freeze and show themselves from a completely different side than in summer. Then, on the one hand, there are fewer people on the move, and on the other hand, the visitor gets to see unique, beautiful ice formations and sculptures.
Location and accessibility of Triberg
The city of Triberg lies in an idyllic deep valley in the middle of the Black Forest at the junction of the B33/B500. The nearest larger cities are Villingen-Schwenningen (approx. 32 km) and Freiburg (approx. 45 km). Visitors to Triberg can either travel by car, train or bus:
- Cars: Visitors with their own car z. B. Arriving from Karlsruhe, take the A5 to the Offenburg / Villingen-Schwennigen exit, then continue on the B33 to Triberg. Or from Basel Coming from, take the A5 to the Freiburg-Nord exit, then take the B294 in the direction of Elzach. Shortly after Elzach, the L107 continues to Triberg.
If you are coming from Stuttgart or Constance, take the A81 to the Villingen-Schwenningen exit and from Villingen-Schwenningen take the B33 in the direction of St. Georgen to Triberg.
You can park in the parking garage in the city center in the immediate vicinity of the waterfall main entrance (about 3 minutes walk, 100 meters uphill). Further parking spaces can be found at Bergsee 750 meters uphill (approx. 8 minutes' walk) at Scheffelplatz 500 meters away (approx. 5 minutes' walk) or at the upper entrance at Adelheid (50-150 meters away). - Train: The best train connection to Triberg train station can be found here: German Federal Railroad. The waterfalls can be easily reached in about 25 minutes on foot from the Triberg train station.
- bus: Day trips to Triberg are offered by many bus companies. If you prefer to organize your journey yourself, you can also take the Flixbus to Villingen-Schwenningen quite cheaply. From there you can take bus line 265 to Triberg in about 55 minutes.
It is quicker to take a taxi (23 minutes). However, this costs between 65-80 €. It's probably better to continue by train. This also only takes 23 minutes and costs just €6,35 – €9.
The waterfalls
The waterfalls can be easily reached from all sides via five different entrances. The main entrance is just a few minutes' walk from the center of Triberg.
There are other entrances at Bergsee, Scheffelplatz, on Adelheid and behind the Asklepios Clinic.
Barrier-free to the waterfall
The entrance behind the Asklepios Clinic is barrier-free up to the first platform for wheelchair users. From the platform you have a direct view of the imposing cascades.
The waterfalls, which are illuminated daily until around 22 p.m. in the evening, can be walked on all year round and are an unforgettable experience for young and old. Children will also be delighted. A special attraction for the little visitors are the trusting squirrels, who can also be fed.
Unfortunately not suitable for prams
The natural paths in the waterfall area are easy to walk on but not suitable for prams. By the way: the falling water ionizes the surrounding air. An effect that is particularly beneficial for colds and asthma.
hike waterfalls
Visitors can explore the fascinating world of the waterfalls near Triberg on several well-signposted routes. If Natural path, cultural path, cascade path or Panorama. All routes have their own peculiarities. To name just one example: on the culture trail, you only walk a few meters uphill from the main entrance and you already reach the lower cascade of the waterfalls.
There is a wooden walkway directly above the pool along with a viewing platform, which offers a perfect view of the natural spectacle. Anyone standing here can almost feel the rushing water on their skin. The route continues over several switchbacks up to the Scheffel Bridge and the upper waterfall. From here you walk on the Kaskadenweg, past a Nature high ropes course up to Mountain lake.
Hikers can regain their strength in the Bergseestüble before passing the more than 300-year-old Pilgrimage church Maria an der Tanne goes back to the main entrance.
Triberg Christmas magic
Every year a special event takes place in Triberg between Christmas and New Year's Eve: the Triberg Christmas magic. More than a million lights transform the waterfalls and surroundings into a sparkling sea of lights for 6 days.
An extensive music program and sensational fire shows (five times a day) complete this festive event. Numerous international artists present more than 140 stage shows and even the little visitors get their money's worth. In addition to a Christmas magic children's world, there is a colorful program for children and a storyteller makes children's eyes shine. A great Christmas event for the whole family.
