Exploring Black Forest: Travel Guide From Cologne

Germany's Black Forest is a region of wooded mountains and valleys near the Swiss and French borders in southern Germany. The best way to get to the Black Forest from Cologne depends on your preferred mode of transportation. If you're looking for the fastest option, driving is the way to go, with the journey taking approximately 4 hours. However, if you prefer to take the train, there are a few different routes you can take, with the fastest route taking around 4 hours as well.

Travel by train

Travel to the Black Forest by Train from Cologne

The Black Forest, or 'Schwarzwald' in German, is a region of wooded mountains and valleys in southern Germany, near the Swiss and French borders. The best way to get to the Black Forest from Cologne is by taking the train, which offers both high-speed services and regional networks that climb up and around the hills of the Black Forest.

Train Options from Cologne

There are several train options to reach the Black Forest from Cologne. The cheapest option is the Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express train, which costs $65-$95 and takes 7 hours and 13 minutes. This train departs from Köln Hbf and arrives at Freiburg Hauptbahnhof in the Black Forest. Another option is to take the night train from Köln Hbf to Offenburg Bahnhof, and then take a second train from Offenburg Bahnhof to Triberg Bahnhof. This option takes 4 hours and 29 minutes and costs $120-$170.

Train Options from Other European Cities

The Black Forest is easily accessible from other major European cities, such as Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, and Berlin. The international ICE International train offers direct service from Amsterdam Central Station to the Black Forest, with travel times of around 5 hours and 20 minutes. High-speed trains also connect Paris and Munich to Baden-Baden in under 3 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally, an Intercity rail route links Berlin and other cities in central and northern Germany to the western side of the Black Forest, with stops at Mannheim, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and Freiburg am Breisgau.

Train Options within the Black Forest

Once you arrive in the Black Forest, there is a good network of rail infrastructure to explore the region. The Black Forest Railway, or 'Schwarzwaldbahn' in German, is a popular route for visitors as it traverses the Kinzig valley, the town of Triberg with its waterfalls, and Donaueschingen, the source of the Danube River. The Höllentalbahn, or 'Hell's Valley Railway', is another scenic route that links three main tourist attractions: Freiburg im Breisgau, Titisee, and Donaueschingen. The Three Lakes Railway operates as a scenic branch line off the Höllentalbahn, connecting Titisee to the Schluchsee reservoir.

The Konus Guest Card scheme is also available to visitors staying in most types of accommodation, offering free travel on rail and bus routes within the Black Forest. This includes the regional train services but does not cover express services such as the InterCity routes.

Travel by car

The Black Forest is located in southwestern Germany, near the Swiss and French borders. It is approximately 293 miles from Cologne, and the quickest way to get there is by car, taking around 4 hours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reach the Black Forest from Cologne by car:

Step 1: Plan Your Route

Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to plan your route. The Black Forest is easily accessible by car from various directions. The A5/E35 motorway runs along the western edge, the A81/E41 is to the east, the A8/E52 is to the north, and the A98 and B34 are to the south. Choose the route that best suits your starting point and preferences.

Step 2: Start Your Journey from Cologne

When you are ready, begin your journey from Cologne, keeping in mind the distance and estimated travel time. The trip is almost 300 miles, so ensure you have adequate fuel and any necessary supplies for the journey.

Step 3: Enjoy the Scenery and Make Stops

The drive to the Black Forest offers beautiful scenery and several interesting stops along the way. Consider taking a break in towns such as Heppenheim, Bingen, or Baden-Baden. Heppenheim is known for its half-timbered houses and charming market square. Bingen offers an elaborate play facility for children and a scenic river promenade. Baden-Baden is a spa town with a grand casino and thermal baths.

Step 4: Explore the Black Forest

Once you arrive in the Black Forest, there are numerous towns and attractions to explore. Freiburg, a charming university town with a Gothic cathedral, is often the first stop for many travellers. From there, you can visit Triberg, known for its waterfalls and cuckoo clocks. Continue to Titisee, a lake surrounded by forest, for boat rides and panoramic views. Don't miss Baden-Baden, with its luxury spas and cultural offerings, and Gengenbach, a charming village famous for its Christmas market and fairy-tale-like town hall. Finally, head to Feldberg, the highest peak in the Black Forest, for outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing.

Travel by night train

Taking the night train is a great option for travelling from Cologne to the Black Forest. The journey will be comfortable and scenic, and you'll be able to cover the distance of around 212 miles (approximately 293 miles by road) while you sleep. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

Step 1: Get to the Train Station

Make your way to Cologne's main train station, Köln Hbf. This station is well-connected to the city's public transport network, so you can easily get there by bus, tram, or S-Bahn. It's always a good idea to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure time to give yourself plenty of time to find the correct platform and get settled on the train.

Step 2: Board the Night Train

Look for the night train departing from Köln Hbf to Offenburg Bahnhof. This train will take you directly into the heart of the Black Forest region. The journey typically takes around 7 hours, but it can vary depending on the train schedule and any transfers you may need to make. Make sure to book your ticket in advance to secure your seat and get the best price.

Step 3: Transfers

Depending on your final destination within the Black Forest, you may need to make one or more transfers during your journey. For example, if you're heading to Triberg, a popular destination in the Black Forest, you can take a train from Offenburg Bahnhof to Triberg Bahnhof. This transfer will allow you to explore more of the region and reach your specific destination.

Step 4: Enjoy the Scenery

As your night train travels through the German countryside towards the Black Forest, you'll pass through charming towns and scenic landscapes. The Black Forest is known for its picturesque beauty, so even after you arrive, consider exploring the region by train to take in the full scope of its natural wonders. The Black Forest Railway, the Höllentalbahn, and the Three Lakes Railway offer particularly stunning views.

Step 5: Accommodation

When planning your trip, consider taking advantage of the Konus Guest Card scheme. Many towns and villages in the Black Forest participate in this programme, offering free travel on rail and bus routes to those staying in most types of accommodation. This can be a great way to save money and make your trip more affordable.

Remember to check the latest travel advisories and recommendations before your journey, especially if you're travelling during a holiday or peak season. Safe travels!

Travel by bus

If you're looking to travel from Cologne to the Black Forest by bus, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the Black Forest is a region of wooded mountains and valleys near the Swiss and French borders in southern Germany, so you'll be crossing international borders during your journey. Secondly, the Black Forest is made up of multiple picturesque villages, dense evergreen forests, and lakes, so you'll need to decide which specific area you want to visit.

To get from Cologne to the Black Forest by bus, you can take a Flixbus to Freiburg im Breisgau, which is located on the southern edge of the Black Forest. From there, you can use the Konus guest card to travel for free by bus and train throughout the Black Forest. The Konus guest card is available to visitors who stay in one of the participating accommodations in the Black Forest, which include holiday homes, hotels, guest houses, holiday apartments, and campsites. The card is typically given to guests upon arrival and is valid for the duration of their stay.

Here's a step-by-step guide for travelling from Cologne to the Black Forest by bus:

• Take a Flixbus from Cologne to Freiburg im Breisgau. The journey will take around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.
• Upon arrival in Freiburg im Breisgau, look for accommodations that offer the Konus guest card. You can find a list of popular places that offer the card online.
• Obtain the Konus guest card from your chosen accommodation. This card will allow you to travel for free on regional trains, panorama buses, and S-Bahns throughout the Black Forest region.
• Use the Konus guest card to travel to your desired destination within the Black Forest. Remember to pay attention to bus and train timetables to plan your trips efficiently and ensure you arrive at your destinations on time.

By following these steps, you can travel from Cologne to the Black Forest by bus, taking advantage of the environmentally friendly and cost-saving Konus guest card for exploring the region.

Travel by plane

If you are travelling by plane, there are several airports close to the Black Forest that you can fly into. The nearest airports are:

• EuroAirport Basel (BSL): Located 6km northwest of Basel, Switzerland, and 20km southeast of Mulhouse, France, this airport is directly connected to Switzerland by a toll-free road.
• Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport: The second-largest commercial airport in Baden-Württemberg by passenger numbers. It is located southwest of Rastatt and west of Baden-Baden, close to the French border.
• Aéroport de Strasbourg (SXB): The international commercial airport in the French city of Strasbourg, Alsace.
• Stuttgart Flughafen (STR): The international airport of Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg.
• Flughafen Zürich (ZRH): The largest airport in Switzerland.
• Flughafen Frankfurt (FRA): The largest airport in Germany, located directly on the A3 and A5 highways and connected to the Deutsche Bahn rail network.

Frequently asked questions