The High Black Forest by car
A loop through the High Black Forest, the southern uplands: from Titisee over the Feldberg pass past the highest peak, to Todtnau, the St. Blasien dome and the Schluchsee. About 90 km on the B317, the Panoramastrasse and the B500. For convertibles, ordinary cars, motorbikes and campervans.
For Garmin, Komoot or TomTom: download the GPX.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Titisee by Baden de (CC BY 3.0), dome of St. Blasien by Sven Scharr (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Two lakes, the highest peak and a dome
The High Black Forest is the high, southern part of the range, and the most complete stretch for a single loop: two famous lakes, the highest mountain, deep valleys with waterfalls and a surprising domed church. You begin at Titisee, the best-known lake of the region, with its promenade and pleasure boats. From there you climb over the Feldberg pass, the highest through-road in the Black Forest, along the flank of the Feldberg (1493 metres).
You drop down to Todtnau with its tall waterfall, then follow the Black Forest Panoramastrasse via Menzenschwand to St. Blasien, where a vast dome suddenly rises above the town. Along the Schluchsee, the largest lake in the Black Forest, you drive the B500 back to Titisee. Together about 90 kilometres on winding mountain and valley roads, without a single metre of motorway. If you are on holiday in the Black Forest, this gathers the biggest names into one day.
The route on the map
A schematic overview by Touren.app, not a navigation map. The exact route opens under “Drive this route” or in Google Maps. Map orientation: north is up.
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The places along the route
1. Titisee
Titisee is the emblem of the High Black Forest: a clear mountain lake with a lively promenade, pleasure boats and pedalos, ringed by wooded slopes. It is a popular starting point with plenty of parking and cafes. Set off early and you will have the Feldberg pass quietly to yourself.
Practical: park in the garages by the lake; the lido is open in season.
2. Feldberg
Over the Feldberg pass you drive along the flank of the Feldberg, at 1493 metres the highest mountain in the Black Forest and in Germany outside the Alps. On a clear day the view from the top reaches the Alps. A chairlift and footpaths bring you to the summit with its lookout tower; in winter it is a ski area.
Practical: park at the Feldberg pass; the pass is high and can be snowy in winter (winter tyres).
3. Todtnau
Todtnau lies deep in the valley of the Wiese and is known for the Todtnau waterfall, one of Germany's taller natural falls, where the stream drops nearly a hundred metres over the rocks. For more, the Hasenhorn coaster is an almost three-kilometre toboggan run down the mountainside.
Practical: park at the waterfall (a short climb along the path); the coaster is on the edge of Todtnau.
4. Menzenschwand
From Todtnau you follow the Black Forest Panoramastrasse up to Menzenschwand, a quiet high village known for its radon spring and the Menzenschwand waterfall. This is the still, open part of the drive, with moorland, meadows and forest, before you descend to St. Blasien.
Practical: park in Menzenschwand; a short walk to the waterfall in the upper valley.
5. St. Blasien
At St. Blasien a vast dome suddenly rises above the town: the dome of St. Blasien, built on the model of the Pantheon in Rome and one of the largest domes in Europe. The former Benedictine abbey is a startlingly monumental building in the middle of the forest. Inside it is light and spacious.
Practical: park in the centre; the dome is free to visit outside services.
6. Schluchsee
The Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest, a reservoir at over 900 metres, with lidos, sailing boats and a pine-fringed shore. It is the place to end the drive quietly with a view over the water. From the Schluchsee you drive the B500 past Lenzkirch back to Titisee.
Practical: park at the village of Schluchsee or the lidos; swimming and sailing in season.
Practical: for convertible, motorbike and camper
From your holiday base: if you are staying in the Black Forest, start the loop from your own base. Type your start town into the planner and Touren.app rebuilds the same route from Titisee, Feldberg, St. Blasien or wherever you are.
Tolls and season: the B317, the Panoramastrasse and the B500 are toll-free, no vignette needed. The Feldberg pass is high (over 1200 m) and can hold snow from late autumn into spring; bring winter tyres in the cold season. The finest months are May to October.
Waterfalls: several waterfalls lie along this route (the Todtnau, Fahl and Menzenschwand falls). They are at their most impressive after rain or during snowmelt.
Which vehicle: the winding mountain roads are a fine scenic drive for convertible and motorbike. It works well in a campervan too; the roads are wide, though the Feldberg pass involves some climbing and descending.
How we keep it honest: we have composed this loop and checked the stops; the label is 'measured and checked', driving it comes next. The distance is an indicative figure that we measure in the build.
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Email this route to yourselfFrequently asked questions
How long is the High Black Forest loop?
About 90 kilometres as a loop: from Titisee over the Feldberg pass to Todtnau, St. Blasien and the Schluchsee, and back. With the lakes, the Feldberg and the dome it is a full, relaxed day.
How high is the Feldberg?
The Feldberg is 1493 metres high, the highest mountain in the Black Forest and in Germany outside the Alps. The road runs over the Feldberg pass along the flank; to the summit itself you go by chairlift or on foot.
What are the best stops along the way?
Titisee and the Schluchsee (the two most famous lakes), the Feldberg as the highest peak, the Todtnau waterfall and the striking dome of St. Blasien with its Pantheon-like cupola.
Is the route toll-free?
Yes. The B317, the Black Forest Panoramastrasse and the B500 are ordinary federal roads, toll-free and without a vignette. Germany has no vignette requirement for cars.
Is the route suitable for convertible, motorbike and camper?
Yes. The winding mountain roads and the Feldberg pass are ideal for convertible and motorbike. The route works well in a campervan too; mind the climb and descent over the pass.
Are the exports really free?
Yes, free with a Touren.app credit on them. You never pay us for exports; those who want to drive without ads and offline choose Plus.
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