For generations, the Black Forest has captivated us with its pristine nature, deep valleys, and pure mountain air. But away from the well-trodden tourist paths, an idyllic high valley lies hidden in the central Black Forest, preserving the traditional soul of our homeland in its purest form: the health resort of Schönwald im Schwarzwald . Situated on a sunny plateau, surrounded by dense spruce forests and expansive mountain meadows, this region offers a natural and cultural experience that will completely slow you down.
Here, where watchmaking traditions have their historical roots and mystical moorland lakes shimmer in the mist, you'll feel the magic of the Black Forest with every step. Whether you want to hike across flexible wooden boardwalks through an untouched high moor, admire centuries-old farmhouse architecture, or uncover the region's artisanal secrets – Schönwald will captivate you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you to the most beautiful treasures of the high valley, provide you with valuable logistical tips, and show you how to perfectly plan your vacation in this region of culinary delights.
Geographical and historical facts about Schönwald
To help you prepare for your stay, here is a clear summary of the most important geographical facts and historical milestones of the region:
- Geographical location: Central Black Forest, in the Black Forest holiday region, Baden-Württemberg. Neighboring towns are Schonach, Furtwangen and Triberg.
- Altitude: The high valley lies at an altitude of approximately 950 to 1150 meters above sea level (NHN), making Schönwald one of the highest municipalities in Germany.
- Predicate: State-approved health resort with particularly pure, low-pollutant mid-mountain air and a restorative, mild climate.
- Historical milestone: Schönwald is considered the historical birthplace of the Black Forest cuckoo clock, which was invented here in the early 18th century.
- Nature highlight: The protected raised bog around Blindensee is a rare Ice Age relic.
Lake Blindensee: A mystical natural wonder in the high moor
The most fascinating natural monument in the Schönwald high valley is undoubtedly the Blindensee . This circular, deep black moorland lake lies hidden in a strictly protected raised bog area at an altitude of around 1.000 meters between Schönwald and Schonach. The lake has neither a surface inflow nor a visible outflow and is fed exclusively by nutrient-poor rainwater, which gives it its characteristic, almost eerie stillness.
A beautifully constructed hiking trail leads you across wooden boardwalks directly through the sensitive core zone of the moor. Walking on the boardwalks protects the delicate vegetation from damage, while you can admire rare flora to the left and right of the path: In spring and summer, white cotton grass, the carnivorous sundew plant, and rare sphagnum mosses bloom here, replenishing the soft moorland soil like a giant sponge.
A place full of silence and deceleration.
Arriving at the lakeshore, a cozy wooden terrace invites you to linger. The view across the mirror-like, dark water, reflecting the surrounding mountain pines and stunted birches, is breathtakingly beautiful. Blindensee is a place of absolute tranquility where you can completely leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind. If you are a passionate hiker and are looking for other scenic destinations, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to Titisee , Schluchsee, and Mummelsee to discover the most beautiful bodies of water in the region.
The cradle of the cuckoo clock: Living tradition and craftsmanship
Schönwald is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also holds a firm place in the history books of global craftsmanship. The town lies directly on the famous German Clock Route and is considered the official birthplace of the Black Forest cuckoo clock . Around 1737, the local clockmaker Franz Anton Ketterer developed the first clock with the distinctive cuckoo call here, by replicating the sound production of an organ with two small bellows inside the clock case.
The historic Bühlhof and the Reinertonishof
If you want to experience this centuries-old tradition firsthand, you should visit two historic Black Forest farms in Schönwald:
- The Bühlhof: Located directly on the main road, the Bühlhof is one of the oldest farmsteads in the Black Forest. Built in 1547, the listed building impresses with its massive, steeply pitched thatched roof, representing the typical architecture of old Black Forest houses. Today, the lovingly restored farmhouse contains a quaint gift shop where you can buy hand-carved items. Cuckoo You can admire it and purchase it as an authentic souvenir.
- Reinertonishof cultural monument: This old farmhouse in the picturesque Elz basin transports you directly to rural life of centuries past. Besides a historic clockmaking workshop and an old smokehouse, you'll find a cozy snack bar that rewards hikers with hearty, homemade specialties.
Vacation in Schönwald
Would you like to breathe in the healing mountain air of the high valley, hike through the mist of Blindensee before all the other guests in the morning, and explore the traditional Black Forest farmhouses in peace and quiet? The municipality of Schönwald in the heart of the central Black Forest offers you the perfect setting for a relaxing nature and culture holiday. Discover the most beautiful holiday apartments, guesthouses, and family-friendly hotels right in the region here:
Accommodation in Schönwald
Active in the high valley: Premium hiking and observation towers
The gently rolling plateau around Schönwald is considered one of the most diverse hiking areas in the central Black Forest. The open landscape offers breathtaking panoramic views on many routes, stretching far beyond the Black Forest hills on clear days.
The Stöcklewald Tower: Panoramic view as far as the Alps
A truly worthwhile hiking destination is the Stöcklewald Tower , which stands majestically in the area between Schönwald and Furtwangen. This stone observation tower was built in 1894 and rises 25 meters high. A spiral staircase leads to the covered viewing platform at an altitude of 1065 meters. The panoramic view from up here is breathtaking: you can see across the entire central Black Forest and, on a clear day, admire the entire chain of the Swiss Alps to the south. Right at the foot of the tower, a cozy hikers' inn invites you to enjoy coffee and homemade cake.
Are you traveling with your children and want to ensure they enjoy hiking too? Schönwald and the surrounding communities offer specially designed themed trails packed with play and puzzle stations. Browse our overview of the most beautiful children's hiking trails in the Black Forest to help you plan your trip.
Cleverly combine exciting excursions in the surrounding area
Thanks to its central location in the central Black Forest, Schönwald is the ideal starting point to flexibly visit the most famous attractions of the entire region on day trips.
If you're planning a multi-day, sporty adventure, for example, you can quickly reach Germany's most famous high-altitude hiking trail from Schönwald, which leads you along some of the most beautiful mountain ridges. You'll find all the important information about stages and cozy guesthouses in our comprehensive report on accommodations along the Westweg trail . Nature-loving hikers should also take a look at our guide to the spectacular Murgleiter long-distance hiking trail in the Northern Black Forest.
Logistics: Arrival, parking and transport options
Getting to the health resort valley of Schönwald is straightforward, both by car and by public transport :
| Transportation | Practical details & tips for Schönwald |
| By car | To get there, take the A81 motorway (Stuttgart – Singen), exit at Villingen-Schwenningen, then continue on the B33 to Triberg and up the winding road to Schönwald. Free parking is available in the town center at the Uhrmacher-Ketterer-Halle and at the Blindensee hiking parking lot. |
| By train & bus | You travel comfortably on the famous Black Forest Railway to Triberg station. Right at the station square, you take the regional bus line 7265, which will take you directly to the center of Schönwald in a short 15-minute ride. |
| Free travel with KONUS | The best money-saving tip for your holiday: When you stay overnight in Schönwald, your hosts will give you the KONUS guest card. With this card, you can use all buses and regional trains throughout the Black Forest completely free of charge during your stay! |
Frequently Asked Questions about Schönwald (FAQ)
Is swimming or bathing allowed in Blindensee?
No, bathing and swimming in Blindensee is strictly prohibited all year round. The lake and the surrounding raised bog are under strict nature protection. Because the bog water is extremely nutrient-poor and acidic, it forms a highly sensitive ecosystem that would be irreparably destroyed by the introduction of sunscreen or the stirring up of sediment from the shoreline. Furthermore, the lake's bog structure creates treacherous undercurrents.
Is the hiking trail to Blindensee suitable for strollers?
Access via the boardwalks directly through the moor is wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs. However, please note that the wooden planks can be slippery when wet or frosty. An all-terrain stroller with good brakes is highly recommended for the surrounding forest paths leading to the moor.
Where exactly was the first cuckoo clock invented?
The historical birthplace is located precisely in Schönwald. Around 1737, the local master clockmaker Franz Anton Ketterer built the first functioning cuckoo clock mechanism here. Those wishing to delve deeper into this fascinating history will find the German Clock Museum (external link) in neighboring Furtwangen, which houses the world's largest collection of Black Forest clocks.
Are dogs allowed at Blindensee and in the high moor?
Dogs are welcome companions on the hiking trails around Schönwald, but must be kept on a short leash at all times in the entire nature reserve of the high moor and on the boardwalks. This is to protect the rare ground-nesting birds and wildlife. We present suitable accommodation for you and your four-legged friend in our overview of ideal dog-friendly accommodations in the Black Forest.
Are there camping facilities in Schönwald?
Wild camping is prohibited in nature reserves and hiking parking lots. However, the region boasts excellently equipped campsites in tranquil natural settings. You can find a carefully vetted selection in our report on the most beautiful campsites in the idyllic Black Forest.
