The Ultimate Guide to Feldberg 2024 (Black Forest) - Germany
At 1,493 meters (4,898 ft) Feldberg is the highest point in the Black Forest and the highest point in Germany outside of the Alps. Located in the heart of the Black Forest in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Feldberg is a year-round hot-spot for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts alike. From hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and more, there is no shortage of activities to be found in the area. Interested in learning more or what to do in Feldberg, Germany?
Check out our ultimate guide to the Black Forest mountain of Feldberg below.
Follow along on our Feldberg adventure!
Geography & Location of Feldberg
Located just southeast of Freiburg im Breisgau, Feldberg Mountain is loathed just 2km away from the village carrying the same name. Other nearby municipalities include Hinterzarten, Titisee, Bernau, and Todtnau - all of which are some of the top jewels of the Black Forest.
Feldberg has its notoriety as the Höchste or "Highest" point in the Black Forest. The name Feldberg actually translates to “Field Mountain”, calling attention to the natural open meadow that makes the peak so unique from those which surround it.
From it’s subpeak, Seebuck, the mountain drops steeply away down into the Feldsee, a glacial lake that is a perfect spot to rest during a hike on the Feldberg Steig.
Getting to Feldberg, Germany
By Car
Visitors arriving by car will find a spacious parking garage available in the Feldbergerhof area. To read the main car park, visitors must take the B317 (federal highway) running from Titisee to Lörrach (near Basel) over the Feldberg Pass.
There are about 1200 parking space available in the parking garage. On parking level 4 at the north exit (towards the ski slope / Feldbergbahn) you will find several parking spaces with charging stations for electric cars.
The cost for day parking is approximately 2 euros per hour.
For additional parking costs information, you can read more at the operator’s website.
Deutsche Bahn train at Neustadt station
By Train & Bus
For those looking to take public transit, a train service of the Three Lakes Railway serves the mountain region. The closest station to Feldberg is Feldberg-Bärental. Interestingly, situated at 967 metres (3,173 ft), it is the highest DB station on standard gauge track.
From the train station a bus service connects visitors to the Feldbergerhof area where skiing, hiking and other popular attractions can be found. The 7300 bus runs every hour to Feldberg from Monday to Sunday.
Additional buses run between Bärental and Feldberg-Ort on weekends and on public holidays. However, when we visited on a Saturday, the last bus left at 6:30pm, which seemed quite early. Plan accordingly.
Black Forest Family Tip
If arriving by train from Freiburg im Breisgau, make sure that you are on the section of train that continues on towards Feldberg-Bärental. The train will stop for about 15 minutes, at which time the train may split with half going to Neustadt, and the other to your desired destination.
Regio24 Karte
If you are planning to come by train or bus we highly recommend purchasing the Regio24 Karte through Deutsche Bahn. With this all inclusive ticket, you can take any regional train, bus or s-bahn in a 24 hour period from time of purchase within the RVF network, giving you flexibility in case your plans change.
There are two different tariffs depending on the extent of the RVF network that you would like to access. However, for Feldberg you will need to purchase the all extensive ticket, which costs 12,40 euros per ticket. A paying Parent of young children (under 14) can bring up to 4 kids without additional charge.
You can purchase your ticket through the Deutsche Bahn website or through their app.
Top Things to do in Feldberg, Germany
Feldberg features year-round activities that both the young and old can enjoy. From hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in the summer to skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing in the winter, there is no shortage of sports to take part in. In addition, the region also features great activities for learning and interactive play. Check out our recommendation for activities in Feldberg, Germany below.
Hiking Trails around Feldberg
Curious of what to do in Feldberg, Germany in the summer? We highly recommend hiking! When we visited Feldberg we thoroughly enjoyed hiking the Feldberg Steig trail. However, the popular route is only one of thousands of kilometers of hiking trails around the summit.
Here are some of the most popular Black Forest hiking trails with GPS.
Feldberg Steig - 12.47 km
With breathtaking views of the Feldsee, Feldberg summit, numerous mountain huts, and varied terrain this is one of the best hikes in the area. Be prepared for a hike with varied terrain from mountain fire roads, single track trails with loose rocks, and dirt paths through meadows.
This is the hike that we completed in the video above, albeit we traversed the path in reverse from what is shown at the link below.
You can check out more about the Feldberg Steig with GPS route here
Wichtelpfad Feldberg - 2.19 km
An excellent path for those with young children. The path follows an interactive story of a mountain elf that has gone missing. With the help of other mythical characters, children are encouraged to look for Anthony Capercaillie.
You can check out more about the Wichtelpfad Feldberg with GPS route here
Westweg: Titiee to Feldberg - 14.5km
Arguably the most famous hiking trail in Germany is the Westweg. For a beautiful, yet challenging hike, you can traverse the infamous path from Titisee all the way up to Feldberg. Along the hike you can enjoy lakeviews of both Titisee and the Schluchsee.
You can checkout more about the Westweg from Titisee to Feldberg with GPS route here
Skiing in Feldberg Germany
In the surrounding area, there are more than 28 ski lifts and slopes around Feldberg. Although the actual summit itself is situated outside the skiing areas, outdoor enthusiasts today can find several cross-country skiing trails around the peak with spectacular views.
Thoma Wintersport-Schule offers ski courses for young and old. In addition, you can also find equipment day rentals or items for purchase. Their easy location in the immediate area of the Feldbergerhof makes it an easy first choice for those wanting to enjoy a little bit of fresh snowfall in the wintertime.
There is also a central ski-lift operated by Liftverbund Feldberg in the Feldberghof area that will take you near the top of Seebuck (the sub peak of Feldberg). We encourage you to check out their website for updates on the amount of snowfall and live webcams with the ski run conditions.
Snowshoeing on Feldberg
Follow along our adventure here!
Not up for downhill skiing or want a more scenic adventure through the snow covered Black Forest of Feldberg? Rent a pair of snow shoes in Feldberg and poles for a low cost and enjoy a full day of exploring.
The above video was our first attempt at the activity and it was very easy and intuitive. However we do recommend going when there is deep fresh snow.
There are several tracks meant for walking and many can be done in boots if there has not been any fresh snow.
Cost:
€10 for entire day, shoes and poles included
Sledding (Tobogganing) on Feldberg
In addition to downhill skiing, snow shoeing and cross country ski opportunities, sledding on Feldberg (or tobogganing) is also available. In German, ‘Schlitten’ and ‘Rodeln’, respectively. There are dedicated hills for families and young children. Simply walk to the top and sled back down. This can be found right at the base of the chair lifts near all of the shops.
Don’t have a sled? No problem, you can rent a sled in Feldberg for only €5 for the entire day!
For a better visual of the experience and atmosphere, check out our snow shoeing YouTube video above!
Cost:
1 sled = €5 for the entire day
Haus der Natur
The vast majority of the Feldberg area has the status of a nature reserve due to its subalpine vegetation. In fact, the Feldberg Nature Reserve is the oldest and largest in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.
Since 2001, the Southern Black Forest Nature Conservation Center, based in the Haus der Natur has been in charge of looking after the reserve. Visitors can enjoy a permanent, interactive exhibition and comprehensive overview of the area inside.
Ticket Costs:
Adults: 4,50 euro
Students: 3,00 euro
Family (2 Adults + Children): 12,00 euro
Bismarck Denkmal
Since 1890, a stone monument has been constructed at the summit of Seebuck to honor Chancellor Otto von Bismark. Today it is a popular photography spot with breathtaking views of the surrounding Black Forest or to sit back and relax after a long uphill hike.
Schwarzwälder Schinkenmuseum & Feldberg Tower
What could be more quintessentially Black Forest than a museum dedicated to Black Forest Ham paired with panoramic views of 4 European countries? The unique museum is located in the Feldberg tower and provides an interactive and captivating experience of the traditional production of Black Forest ham.
Ticket costs:
2,90 euros*
* includes an elevator to the top of the tower for views of the surrounding areas.
View from a trail on top of Feldberg
Places to Stay in Feldberg, Germany
Whether you would like to stay on the mountain or in one of the surrounding villages of Titisee, Feldberg, or Todtnau, there are numerous places to rest your head after a long day in the Black Forest.
Here are some of our favorite places to stay in Feldberg, Germany.
For Camping: Schwarzwald Camp - Schluchsee
Want to get back to nature? True, there are a number of great campgrounds in the Black Forest. But only one lets you choose from a tipi, tree tent, gondola, campsite or parking space for the Bulli. At Schwarzwald Camp, they offer unique accommodations in a natural and rustic way. Opting for no electricity or WiFi, guests are encouraged to gather around a campfire and listen to the sounds of the Schwarzwald. Check them out!
Book your stay: www.schwarzwaldcamp.com
For a Romantic Getaway: Parkhotel Adler
In a 1639 building in the ski village of Hinterzarten, this 5-star hotel offers high quality in a cosy atmosphere. Treat yourself and your plus one to the diverse range of delights from their award-winning cuisine to their wellness pavilion where you can relax and rejuvenate together. The setting is stunning and is sure to be a stay that you will always remember.
Book your stay: https://www.parkhoteladler.de/en/
For Families: Feldberger Hof
Now that we have a baby we can appreciate hotels that offer unparalleled convenience. Being able to spend a day skiing or hiking on the mountain right out your doorstep (and not having to pack everything up and commute), is a wonderful thing. However, what makes the Feldberger Hof so family friendly are all of the activities that little ones can enjoy. From an indoor climbing gym, pool, themed rooms and more - you’re sure to keep your kids entertained.
Book your stay: https://www.feldberger-hof.de/de
For Luxury: Boutique Hotel Alemannenhof
Featuring gorgeous lakeside views in the neighboring municipality of Titisee, visitors can enjoy excellent dining, swimming, spa treatments, and a sauna made from repurposed wine barrels (that also feature lakeside views, because, why not?). Although not on the mountain of Feldberg itself, the hotel is only a 6 minute commute to the train and bus with direct access. Plus the amenities that the hotel provides are perfect for relaxing and pampering after a long day in the forest. What’s not to love?
Book your stay: https://www.hotel-alemannenhof.de/
Mountain Hut Baldenweger Hutte
Best Places to Eat in Feldberg, Germany
Unlike some of our other ultimate guides where we recommend the best places for fine dining and exotic cuisine, if you really want to experience the Feldberg mountain, you need to eat at one of the forest huts. There is something quintessentially Black Forest about enjoying a meal in the fresh mountain air and abundant sunshine, and it’s something you truly cannot pass up. Here are our favorite stops on the mountain:
St. Wilhelmer Hütte - €-€€
One of our most favorite stops near the summit of Feldberg. We always go there for a cold beer and a flammkuchen (although their entire menu is fantastic). Come for the food, stay for the beautiful views from their garden.
Baldenweger Hütte - €-€€
Another great mountain-side stop near the Feldberg summit. They feature a surprisingly wide array of beer choices for being in such a remote location. Also, we highly recommend trying their “cake of the day”, regardless of what they’re serving up, you know it will be good.
Raimartihof - €€
One of the most popular places to stop if you are hiking with children. While the parents eat and drink from their menu of traditional Black Forest (delicious) delicacies, the kids can play on the climbing gym or run around in the meadow surrounding the building. Plus if you are looking for an authentic place to stay near Feldberg, this is an adorable traditional gasthaus.
For more great places to stay in the Black Forest, check out our post: Local’s Guide: 10 Unique Places to Stay in the Black Forest
