A Black Forest day trip from Strasbourg
Just across the Rhine from Strasbourg lies the Black Forest (Schwarzwald): fir-covered mountains, glacial lakes, waterfalls, farmhouses with huge sloping roofs, cuckoo clocks and, of course, Black Forest gateau.
It’s one of the easiest international day trips you can take from Strasbourg. This guide covers the best stops, two hour-by-hour itineraries and the practical details.
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Where is the Black Forest?
The Black Forest is a range of wooded mountains in south-west Germany (the state of Baden-Württemberg). It faces Alsace across the Rhine, stretching from Baden-Baden in the north to near Basel in the south.
From Strasbourg you cross the Rhine bridge to Kehl and you’re in Germany within minutes. The first Black Forest villages are about 40 minutes away.
Good to know: documents You are crossing into Germany, so bring your passport (or national ID card for EU citizens). Border checks can take place.
The best stops
Baden-Baden
An elegant spa town at the northern edge of the forest, with its historic baths, casino, riverside gardens and grand villas. About 1 hour from Strasbourg, and perfect for a gentler day.
The Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße, B500)
Around 60 km of scenic road between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt, through the Black Forest National Park, climbing above 1,000 metres. The classic stop is the Mummelsee, a small mountain lake right by the road. Tip: in winter the road can be snowy; your driver will adapt the route to the weather.
Gengenbach
A beautifully preserved medieval town with fortified gates and half-timbered houses, about 45 minutes from Strasbourg. In December, the town hall becomes the world’s largest Advent calendar: its 24 windows open one by one, each evening at 6pm, from 30 November to 23 December (usual schedule; 2026 dates to be confirmed on gengenbach.info).
Triberg Waterfalls
The Triberg Falls drop 163 metres in seven cascades through the forest, along a well-made path with steps. Triberg is also cuckoo-clock country, as every shop window will remind you.
Good to know: Triberg Falls (entry fee) Summer season from April until winter arrives (around November). In winter, only the lower section up to the lower main fall is open, and paths may be icy. The falls are lit up after dark. Check times and prices on triberg.de.
Lake Titisee
The largest natural lake in the Black Forest, carved by a glacier. A pedestrian promenade runs along the shore with shops and cafés; in the warmer months you can take a boat trip or hire a pedal boat. It’s about 30 km from Freiburg.
Freiburg
A lively university city with its great cathedral (the Münster), a busy market square and little water channels running along the streets. A good lunch stop.
Itinerary 1: waterfalls and lake (hour by hour)
Our most requested day. Driving times are approximate, based on normal Google Maps times.
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 8.30am | Pick-up at your Strasbourg hotel |
| 9.15am | Gengenbach (about 45 min): old town and coffee |
| 10.30am | Drive through the Kinzig valley to Triberg (about 50 min) |
| 11.30am | Triberg Falls: walk, then lunch and Black Forest gateau |
| 2.00pm | Drive to Titisee (about 50 min) |
| 3.00pm | Lake Titisee: lakeside stroll, boat trip in season |
| 4.30pm | Drive back to Strasbourg (about 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45) |
| 6.15pm | Back at your hotel |
Itinerary 2: Baden-Baden and the High Road
Shorter and relaxed.
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 9.30am | Pick-up at your Strasbourg hotel |
| 10.30am | Baden-Baden (about 1 hour): gardens and town centre |
| 12.30pm | Lunch in Baden-Baden |
| 2.00pm | Black Forest High Road (B500) with a stop at the Mummelsee |
| 3.30pm | Drive back down to the Rhine plain |
| 5.00pm | Back in Strasbourg |
Good to know: Europa-Park Europa-Park, Germany’s famous theme park, is in Rust at the foot of the Black Forest. It deserves a full day of its own: see our Europa-Park from Strasbourg guide.
What to eat and bring home
- Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte): chocolate sponge, cherries, kirsch and whipped cream. Every café has its own version.
- Black Forest ham (Schwarzwälder Schinken): smoked, thinly sliced, often served on a wooden board with bread.
- Cuckoo clocks: the shops in Triberg have every size, from small souvenirs to large carved pieces.
- Kirsch: the local cherry brandy, best tasted in small sips.
Good to know: money and language Germany uses the euro, like France. Cards are widely accepted, but some small cafés and kiosks still prefer cash. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
When to go
- Spring and summer: hiking, lakes and waterfalls at their best.
- Autumn: golden forests and beautiful light.
- December: Christmas markets (Gengenbach, Baden-Baden, Freiburg…) and possible snow on the heights. Days are short, so start early.
- Winter: snowy scenery, but some mountain roads and paths may be closed or slippery.
Why a van with a driver?
- Public transport exists, but linking several sights in one day means many changes.
- Mountain roads are winding and sometimes snowy: enjoy the views while someone else drives.
- Door to door, with no parking to hunt for.
Our Mercedes van seats up to 8 passengers; our sedan up to 3. Our drivers speak English, French and Arabic.
Prices: a Black Forest day is quoted on request, depending on the route and length of the day. For a simple transfer, our price simulator gives you a price in 30 seconds.
Read next
- Europa-Park from Strasbourg
- Alsace Wine Route guide
- Colmar day trip
- Getting around Alsace without a car
Book your Black Forest day
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- Phone or WhatsApp: +33 3 88 26 13 13 — message us on WhatsApp
- Or use our booking page.