10 Must-Visit Small Towns in The Black Forest

Baden-Baden is located by the river and boasts several spa facilities, historic buildings and a reputation for being one of the best spa towns in all of Europe. Many of the local spas cater to travellers looking to relax and enjoy luxurious treatments in the countryside.

In addition to the spa facilities, several sports are available here, like tennis and golf. Hiking and mountain climbing are also popular if you're looking for some adventure in between the spa sessions. It's located just southwest of Karlsruhe, near the French border.

Heidelberg is a loveable, romantic city where you can explore historic buildings, the old bridge and castle ruins in the forest's foothills. One of the most prominent sites here is the old castle, which towers nearly 70 metres above the river. It dates back 7 centuries, with many of the surrounding buildings in the town being fairly old as well.

With its bustling, intellectual culture, Heidelberg has grown into both an academic hub and a historical destination all can enjoy. It's located just southeast of Mannheim and south of Frankfurt.

Calw is a downright lovely town best known for its market square and the 2 fountains contained within surrounded by half-timber houses. Most of the houses date back to the 18th century and are defined by the sharp gables found on nearly every one.

The quiet market square is sometimes bustling with shoppers, but nothing here ever seems to feel rushed or too busy. It's a great town for relaxing while visiting the Black Forest, and the market here has some delicious food available. You'll find the town due west from Stuttgart and south of Pforzheim.

Bad Wildbad, filled with spas, culture, food and adventure, is the kind of town most people imagine when picturing a Black Forest town. Spas here offer everything from traditional experiences to thermal baths with stunning viewpoints.

In addition to the spas, this town is home to several sporting opportunities, including treetop adventures and hiking. Just about everyone can find fun here, as there's plenty to do for both adrenaline seekers and those looking to relax. It's all located about halfway between Baden-Baden and Calw.

Titisee, or Titisee-Neustadt, is a spa town along the edge of Lake Titisee with plenty of food options and fun things to do year-round. Most travellers simply take time to enjoy the impressive views via the network of well-marked walking paths throughout the town.

Most of the local restaurants here serve the traditional foods you may expect in the Black Forest region, but there's a notable Chinese restaurant here as well if you're looking for something a bit different. Winter travellers may also enjoy skiing in this town. It's located several miles southwest of Stuttgart, near the border with France and Switzerland, and is relatively close to Zurich.

Schiltach is a historic town that's remarkably well-preserved, allowing travellers to feel as if they're stepping back into the past. The city appears as if it's frozen in time, yet it still offers all the modern conveniences of the 21st century.

The town centre is under an official preservation order, so it still looks as it did centuries ago. Among the narrow streets and museums, you can learn all about what life was like for people here so long ago. It's located several miles southwest of Stuttgart.

Badenweiler is a spa town known best for its natural hot springs that are warmed by the heat hidden beneath the Black Forest's tough, rocky layers. It's easy to relax when you visit the thermal spas that allow you to sit back and take in stunning views while the warm water lightens your health and mood.

While some people visit the spa simply to unwind, it's also known to help treat several musculoskeletal conditions. While the spa and springs are not substitutes for professional health care, many people enjoy their benefits in conjunction with typical medical treatments. Try it out for yourself near the French border north of Lorrach.

Freiburg is a remarkably warm and popular Black Forest town with a well-preserved history and modern activities that ensure fun for everyone. The town is a great destination for travellers looking for sunny days, as it gets about 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

Freiburg dates back almost 1,000 years to its founding in 1120, and many of its historic cobbled streets and medieval houses are still present to explore today. It's tucked away in Germany's southwest corner and is close enough to France and Switzerland to make a short trip to them both in a single afternoon.

Gengenbach is a lovely historic town dating back to Roman times that's often used as a convenient gateway to the picturesque Kinzig Valley. While it was settled during the reign of the Romans, the first detailed records of people living here are from the early Middle Ages.

When you visit, you'll be able to explore its history in well-maintained buildings and a collection of museums set up throughout its narrow winding streets. It's all located near Offenburg, just a few miles across the Rhine from the French city of Strasbourg.

Donaueschingen is the source of the Danube river and a lovely town perfect for travellers looking to explore the southern part of the Black Forest with thrilling adventure. The public transit system makes it easy to get to a significant portion of the region, so it's a good hub area.

The city boasts a historic brewery and several museums detailing its history with the Furstenberg family. The collection of artwork is particularly impressive. Explore it all for yourself just a few miles east of Freiburg and due north from Zurich.