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Europe Germany Northern Black Forest District Rastatt Black Forest National Park

Overview

Black Forest National Park

The guide was updated: 2023-10-26

The Black Forest National Park was founded in 2014 as the first national park in Baden-Württemberg. It is located inside the Central/North Black Forest Nature Park and is divided into two parts, the northern part being situated in the Rastatt district. The park covers an area of 10,062 hectares and extends along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse between Plättig and Alexanderschanze. Much of the park’s wildlife is allowed to evolve freely, without human influence. Here, natural evolution takes precedence over exploitation, and visitors to the park get the unique opportunity to experience the transformation up close.

Useful Information

Address: Nationalpark Schwarzwald, Schwarzwaldhochstrasse 2, 77889 Seebach
More Info: Hours of the tourist information centre can change according to the season
Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 10am-6pm (tourist information centre)
Website: www.nationalpark-schwarzwald.de/en
Phone: +49 7449 929980
Email: info@nlp.bwl.de

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

The Northern Black Forest features beautiful hiking trails dotted with historical sites and offering breath-taking views. One of Germany‘s highest rated premium trails is the 110 kilometer long Murgleiter, running from Bad Rotenfels to the Schliffkopf peak near Baiersbronn. In alternative to the Murgleiter or as a continuation of it, you can go on a hiking adventure on the famous Westweg, the Black Forest's oldest trail, which goes from Pforzheim to Basel and crosses the Rastatt District for its 2nd and 3rd stages.

Cycle Routes

Cycle Routes

Many scenic cycle routes cross the Rastatt district, such as the 130 km long PAMINA Rhine Park route, the Hofladentour and the Tour der Murg, which follows the course of the eponymous river. Visit the website below for more information about these cycling routes of the Murg Valley.

Black Forest National Park

Black Forest National Park

The Black Forest National Park was founded in 2014 as the first national park in Baden-Württemberg. It is located inside the Central/North Black Forest Nature Park and is divided into two parts, the northern part being situated in the Rastatt district. The park covers an area of 10,062 hectares and extends along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse between Plättig and Alexanderschanze. Much of the park’s wildlife is allowed to evolve freely, without human influence. Here, natural evolution takes precedence over exploitation, and visitors to the park get the unique opportunity to experience the transformation up close.

Central/North Black Forest Nature Park

Central/North Black Forest Nature Park

This huge nature reserve is a paradise for all those who wish to experience wildlife in its natural surroundings - all year round. The main purpose of the Central/North Black Forest Nature Park is to preserve the beautiful and pristine landscape and to enable tourists and locals to discover the Black Forest in an ecofriendly way.

PAMINA Rhine Park

PAMINA Rhine Park

An entire region as museum: this is the idea behind the PAMINA Rhine Park. It is neither a nature reserve nor an open air museum, it's a cross-border project along the river Rhine. The picturesque alluvial landscapes between Karlsruhe and the southern Rastatt district are the main showpiece. Further attractions include ten themed museums, two conservation centers and numerous other interesting sites along the way. The area can be explored on foot or by bike, and covers 850 km sq. In Rastatt, you can find information about the PAMINA Rhine Park at the Riedmuseum.

Rastatt Residential Palace

Rastatt Residential Palace

The baroque palace in Rastatt was modeled on Versailles and was the first of its kind to be built in Germany. Most of the impressive building has been preserved in its original state and is an authentic and unique example of an early 18th century princely residence. The palace includes also two museums: the Military History museum and the Memorial to Freedom Movements in German History.

Unimog Museum

Unimog Museum

For more than half a century, the Unimog was an exciting part of the history of utility vehicles. In Gaggenau, where the Unimog was manufactured for more than 50 years, the Unimog Museum invites young and old to see and discover what the vehicle was all about. Enjoy the interactive exhibition of the Unimog, from the prototypes to the new generation, including cutaway models and vehicle parts, photos, films and stories. You can also book a guided tour and experience the uniqueness of the Unimog sitting in the passenger seat.

Volksschauspiele Ötigheim

Volksschauspiele Ötigheim

Theater excitement under an open sky awaits visitors in Ötigheim. During the summer months, Germany‘s biggest open-air stage attracts theatre and music lovers from all over the country. Some 4,000 spectators can enjoy the performances in beautiful natural surroundings while seated comfortably and sheltered from the rain. For information about the program and the tickets, check out the website below (available only in German).

Kaltenbronn

Kaltenbronn

Kaltenbronn is characterised by an unspoiled landscape with high moors and forest moors, as well as rare flora and fauna. Thanks to the extensive hiking trail network and the plank paths over the moors, the site has become a favorite destination in the Black Forest region. In winter, the area transforms into a popular ski resort. Moreover, the information center in Kaltenbronn hosts an interactive exhibition about the area that fascinates young and old.

Wine Experience

Wine Experience

The Rastatt district includes part of the Ortenau Wine Trail, 100 kilometers of vineyards and wine makers. It goes without saying that the area lends itself to hiking and wine tasting. The trail goes from Gernsbach to Diersburg, passing by castles, palaces and beautiful landscapes. Parallel to the Ortenau Wine Trail runs the Baden Wine Route, offering more tasting opportunities and scenic views. Typical wines of the region are Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Baden Wine Route: Address Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH, Heinrich-von-Stephan-Straße 8b, 79100 Freiburg Phone +49 761 8964688 Web www.badische-weinstrasse.de Email info@badische-weinstrasse.de Ortenau Wine Trail:

Alt-Windeck Castle

Alt-Windeck Castle

In the 12the century, the Windeck lords built a castle on a hill southeast of Bühl to serve as lodgings, fortress and symbol of their claim to power. Because of the cold wind, the inhabitants nicknamed their new home "Wind-Eck" ("wind corner“). The castle is now in ruin but it remains an impressive sight to visit. From its tower, open between April and November, one can enjoy beautiful views of the countryside.

Schwarzach Cathedral

Schwarzach Cathedral

The Schwarzach Cathedral, or Münster Swarzach, is located in Rheinmünster and is one of the great artistic treasures of Baden-Württemberg. Characterised by baroque farm buildings and a splendid monastic gate, it was the cathedral of a former Benedictine abbey and it dates back to the 9th century. After a devastating fire in 1299, the monastery was soon restored and the new building solemnly consecrated in 1302. The consecration, called "Schwarzacher Kirwe“, is celebrated each year on the third Tuesday in October. The Schwarzach Cathedral is now a popular venue for concerts, offering top-class artists, excellent acoustics and an extraordinary atmosphere.

Schwarzwaldhochstraße

Schwarzwaldhochstraße

The most famous scenic road in the Black Forest is the Schwarwaldhochstrasse, which stretches from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt (highway B500). On a clear day, the road commands fabulous views over the Rhine plain and the Vosges mountain range. One of the most popular stops along the way is the Mummelsee, a glacial cirque lake providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Gernsbach

Gernsbach

The “pearl of the Murg Valley”, as Gernsbach is also known, has an eventful past. Imposing monuments in the historic center bear witness to the wealth of long gone days, when the Murg raftmen drove the oak logs over the Murg and the Rhine all the way to Rotterdam. Charming half-timbered houses, sparkling fountains, the ancient walls and the old town hall, with cafés all around, make a visit well worthwhile. Gernsbach is also a hikers' paradise, featuring the Gernsbacher Runde, a circular route running some 42 kilometers long around the town, and the Gernsbacher Sagenweg (Legend path), a pleasure hike of about 5 km that will fascinate young and old with its stories.

Schwarzenbach Dam

Schwarzenbach Dam

Located inside the North/Central Black Forest Nature Park and built between 1922 and 1926, the reservoir between the Schwarzwaldhochstraβe and the Murg valley is the largest lake in the northern and central Black Forest. The water is directed to the power plant in Forbach (Rudolf-Fettweiswerk/EnBW) to generate electricity. The 400-meter long gravity dam is still considered today as a pioneering achievement in German barrage construction. Because of its idyllic surroundings, the lake with boat rental is a favorite destination in the northern Black Forest.

Racecourse Iffezheim

Racecourse Iffezheim

Three times a year, the racing festivals in Iffezheim transform the idyllic town into an exciting venue. The horse races are a charming mix of elegant flair and funfair, thrilling bets and relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Edouard Bénazet, the founder of the world-renowned Casino Baden-Baden, inaugurated the racecourse in 1858. The course is one of the most attractive and well kept in the world.

Wooden Bridge in Forbach

Wooden Bridge in Forbach

Despite its span of 37,8 meters only, the roofed cantilever bridge in Forbach is one of the longest of its kind in Europe. The wooden bridge is practicable and looks much today as it did in 1778. It was damaged after WWII, then moved in 1954-55 and rebuilt following the original drawings.

Mehliskopf

Mehliskopf

Mehliskopf mountain rises above the Schwarzwaldhochstraße. At its summit stands an observation tower with a breathtaking panoramic outlook. Nearby you can find ski pistes and a recreation and sports center boasting a year-round bobsleigh run as wells as an adventure playground, a climbing garden and downhill carting in the summer.

Rastatt Favorite Palace

Rastatt Favorite Palace

Rastatt Favorite Palace, or Schloss Favorite, is a 18th-century Baroque palace just outside Rastatt city centre. It is the only surviving "porcelain palace" in Germany, hosting a vast collection of Chinese porcelains. You can take a guided tour of the premises, but note that it will be in German.

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