Black Forest.
Flight from TLV
4h 12m
Best season
יונ–ספט
Avg temp
16°
Currency
€ EUR · 1=₪3.52
Time zone
שעה אחת פחות מת״א בחורף ובדרך כלל גם בקיץ
Language
גרמנית
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום באזור שנגן
Safety
בטוח מאוד ובולט כיעד משפחתי; בנהיגה יש להיזהר בכבישים צרים, בפיתולים ובערפל
Overview
🇩🇪Black Forest
🇩🇪Germany
The Black Forest is a favorite summer destination for Israeli families, combining dense woodland, lakes, storybook towns and attractions within an easy self-drive itinerary. Most families base themselves in the south around Freiburg or Titisee, then visit Triberg Waterfalls, the Todtnau mountain coaster and the hugely popular Europa-Park and Rulantica. Lake Schluchsee, scenic roads and traditional farmhouses fill the quieter days, while Strasbourg, Colmar and the Rhine Falls make rewarding cross-border excursions. July and August suit the Israeli school holiday, but June and September bring milder crowds and often better value.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Black Forest
Each area and who it suits best.
Freiburg im Breisgau
The Black Forest’s most convenient urban base: around Münsterplatz, Kaiser-Joseph-Straße, Bertoldstraße, and the Bächle channels, there is a morning market, cafés, bars, and evening tram service. Colombi Hotel is the upscale choice by Colombipark, while Motel One Freiburg is more accessible and central. The trade-off is less chalet atmosphere and a lively, sometimes noisy center on weekends.
Titisee-Neustadt
The classic Israeli base around Lake Titisee, with the Seestraße promenade, boat rentals, Badeparadies Schwarzwald, and easy trails without long drives. Treschers Schwarzwald Hotel sits directly on the water, while Maritim TitiseeHotel suits guests wanting a large hotel and pool. In August the promenade gets very crowded, rates rise, and the town becomes quiet after dinner.
Feldberg
Stay at altitude near Feldbergbahn, the summit trail, and Haus der Natur, with hikes beginning almost at the hotel door; Feldberger Hof is especially popular with families for its facilities and location. In winter this is the region’s main ski base, while summer offers open views and cooler temperatures than Titisee. There is almost no nightlife, weather changes quickly, and a car is usually needed for dining and shopping.
Baden-Baden
The elegant northern Black Forest choice, with Lichtentaler Allee, Caracalla Spa, the casino, and Sophienstraße shops within walking distance. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa is the local icon, while Roomers Baden-Baden draws a younger design-focused crowd. It is among the region’s priciest bases, the casino requires appropriate attire and ID, and southern attractions such as Titisee are about two hours away.
Triberg im Schwarzwald
Hauptstraße is lined with cuckoo-clock shops and leads uphill to Triberg Waterfalls and the Schwarzwaldmuseum; Parkhotel Wehrle is the familiar historic hotel in the center. The location works well for drives to Gutach, Schiltach, and the Clock Route, and is usually cheaper than Titisee. It feels highly touristy by day, restaurants close early, and some hotels are dated.
Rust and the Europa-Park area
Stay here to enter Europa-Park early and spend an evening or an extra day at Rulantica; the main Ritterstraße and the Bell Rock and Colosseo hotels sit at the heart of the action. It removes the morning drive and lets official hotel guests use seasonal early-entry privileges. Beyond the parks the town is small and quiet, school-holiday rates are high, and it is a weaker base for the eastern and southern forest.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Black Forest
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
7°
1°
Cool
פבר
9°
2°
Cool
מרץ
13°
4°
Cool
אפר
15°
5°
Cool
מאי
20°
10°
Recommended
יונ
25°
14°
Excellent
יול
25°
15°
Excellent
אוג
26°
16°
Excellent
ספט
21°
12°
Recommended
אוק
17°
9°
Recommended
נוב
10°
3°
Cool
דצמ
7°
2°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: יונ · יול · אוג
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): יונ · יול · אוג · ספט. Israelis flock here in July and August for the school holiday, long daylight hours and the full operation of theme parks and mountain attractions. June and September are excellent for greener trails, shorter queues and generally calmer prices.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Black Forest · Open-Meteo
This week in Black Forest
Measured in Black Forest
17°
Cloudy
Next 7 days
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Things to do
Things to do in Black Forest
On the map
Black Forest on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Black Forest itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Freiburg and Schlossberg sunset
Begin before 10:00 at the Münsterplatz market, visit Freiburg Münster, and follow the Bächle channels toward Schwabentor and Augustinerplatz. For lunch, choose a vegetarian or fish option consistent with your kosher practice at a café around Rathausplatz, or picnic with your own food in Stadtgarten. In the afternoon, walk through Gerberau and climb or take the Schlossbergbahn to the Kanonenplatz viewpoint. Stay for sunset over the rooftops, then, if traveling without children, visit the Bermudadreieck bars around Universitätsstraße.
- 2
Day 2
Titisee, Feldberg, and Ravenna Gorge
Reach Titisee’s Seestraße promenade before 09:00 while parking is still manageable, then take a short boat ride or walk an easy section around the lake. Continue to Feldbergbahn and ascend Seebuck and Feldbergturm; carry a warm layer even in August and bring a kosher picnic. In the afternoon, stop at Hofgut Sternen and walk beneath the Ravenna Gorge railway viaduct on a trail requiring proper shoes and not ideal for a stroller. Families can finish with three or four hours in Palmenoase or Galaxy at Badeparadies Schwarzwald, ideally with advance tickets.
- 3
Day 3
Triberg Falls, Gutach, and cuckoo clocks
Enter Triberg Waterfalls at opening time through the lower entrance, before coach groups fill the paths, and allow about two hours for the stepped route and viewpoints. Then stop at Haus der 1000 Uhren or Eble Uhren-Park to see cuckoo clocks, but compare prices and request warranty documents before purchasing. Have a picnic or a meal prepared in advance, then continue to the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum in Gutach, where farmhouses, mills, and craft demonstrations make regional history engaging for children. If energy remains, finish on the Sommerrodelbahn Gutach before closing.
- 4
Day 4
Europa-Park from opening to evening
Stay in Rust the previous night or reach the parking area at least 45 minutes before opening, with tickets loaded in the official app. Begin with high-demand rides Voltron Nevera, blue fire, and Silver Star; families with smaller children should move on to Arthur, Ireland, and Grimm’s Enchanted Forest. Bring sealed kosher food because the park has no kosher restaurant, and schedule a seated show around midday for a break. Remain into the evening as queues ease; if the children prefer water attractions, give Rulantica a separate day rather than squeezing both parks together.
- 5
Day 5
Schiltach, the scenic road, and Mummelsee
Set out early for Schiltach and walk among the timbered houses around Marktplatz and along the Kinzig River before its small car parks fill. Continue north via Alpirsbach and Freudenstadt, stop at the vast Marktplatz, and buy picnic supplies at a supermarket. In the afternoon, drive the scenic Schwarzwaldhochstraße to Mummelsee, circle the lake, and climb toward Hornisgrinde when visibility is good. Near sunset, stop at Ruhestein or Schliffkopf, but return before dark in fog or winter conditions.
- 6
Day 6
Baden-Baden, thermal baths, and casino
Begin with a relaxed walk along Lichtentaler Allee, pass Museum Frieder Burda, and continue to the Trinkhalle and Kurhaus. Around midday, explore Sophienstraße and the old-town lanes, choosing a vegetarian meal or your own food according to your kosher practice. Reserve a three-hour slot at Caracalla Spa; Friedrichsbad is more traditional and includes areas where bathing without swimwear is customary, so it will not suit every Israeli traveler. In the evening, enter Casino Baden-Baden with a passport and smart attire, or ride the MerkurBergbahn for a viewpoint if gambling is not your preference.
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Budget
How much does Black Forest cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪900-2,200 (Basel/Zurich)
4–5 night package
₪2,900-5,800 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪450-850 (per room)
Five-star hotel
₪1,200-2,800 (per room)
Restaurant meal
₪65-140 per person
Local beer
₪16-25
Coffee
₪12-20
Short taxi ride
₪45-90
Rental car daily
₪170-350 (before fuel)
Europa-Park admission
₪235-295 per person
Daily budget per person
₪420-750 (excluding flight)
Family, five nights
₪12,000-22,000 (including flights)
Good to know
Good to know before Black Forest
Getting around
From the airport
For the southern forest, most Israelis fly into EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or Zurich; from Basel, a direct coach reaches Freiburg in about 55–70 minutes for roughly ₪100–130, followed by a 40-minute train to Titisee for about ₪35–65. A taxi or private transfer from Basel to Freiburg costs around ₪600–900 and normally takes one hour, or ₪850–1,200 and about 90 minutes to Titisee; in German cities FREE NOW can summon a taxi, but Uber should not be relied upon in villages. From Zurich, trains via Basel Badischer Bahnhof reach Freiburg in roughly 2–2.5 hours for ₪160–300, while a rental car takes about 90–120 minutes to Titisee. Baden-Baden is more convenient from Frankfurt by train in about 80–100 minutes, or from Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport by a 20–30-minute taxi costing roughly ₪150–240.
Need a car?
For an Israeli family combining Titisee, Feldberg, Triberg, Gutach, and Europa-Park, the honest answer is yes: a car saves multiple train changes and permits stops at viewpoints, supermarkets, and rural apartments. A couple based in Freiburg or Titisee and sticking to attractions along the Hochschwarzwaldbahn rail corridor can manage without one, especially when accommodation supplies the regional KONUS transport card; it generally does not cover fast trains or attraction admission. Within Baden-Baden, a car is unnecessary and on spa or casino days it mainly adds parking expense.
Tips
Confirm that the rental permits border crossings when collecting on the Swiss or French side of Basel, and check whether a Swiss motorway vignette is required. In Freiburg, leave the car at Schlossbergring, Karlsbau, or Konzerthaus garages rather than entering tram streets; village parking is easier, but Europa-Park and Triberg Falls charge for it. Download DB Navigator for trains and FREE NOW for city taxis, and in winter reserve a car with winter tires and avoid minor mountain roads during snow.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
There is no permanent tourist-oriented Chabad house in the Black Forest itself near Titisee or Triberg. The practical southern address is Freiburg’s Jewish community, Israelitische Gemeinde Freiburg at Nussmannstraße 14, with a synagogue and services on selected occasions; contact it in advance because of security and to confirm a minyan or meals. For broader assistance, travelers turn to Chabad in Basel or Chabad Karlsruhe, but neither is close enough for a spontaneous trip from Titisee.
Kosher food
There is no permanent kosher restaurant in Titisee, Feldberg, Triberg, Rust, or Baden-Baden, so observant travelers should not rely on local prepared food. Israelis commonly book an apartment with a kitchen, stock up on sealed certified products before entering the forest in Basel, Strasbourg, or Frankfurt, and supplement with fruit, vegetables, eggs, and basics from EDEKA, REWE, Lidl, and Aldi after checking certification. For Shabbat, bring challah, wine, and prepared dishes in advance, and confirm a refrigerator, hotplate, and non-electronic key with the property rather than assuming these can be provided.
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Travel insurance
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Currency & rates
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You get
351.8
1 EUR
₪3.52
100 EUR
₪351.8
1,000 EUR
₪3,518
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Black Forest 🇩🇪
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום באזור שנגן
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Black Forest
- 💳In villages and car parks such as Ravennaschlucht, some machines and businesses still prefer cash or a German Girocard, so carry €50 to €100 alongside a credit card with no foreign-transaction fee.
- 🚗A rental car is almost essential for an Israeli family, but choose a relatively compact model with enough luggage space because roads around Todtnau and St. Märgen are winding and village parking bays are tight.
- 🎫If your accommodation participates in KONUS, request the card at check-in for free regional buses and trains, but remember that it does not cover ICE trains, cable cars or most attractions.
- 🏡Families with children are best based in Hinterzarten or Titisee, couples wanting restaurants and an urban evening should choose Freiburg, and travelers seeking quiet and space will prefer Schluchsee.
- ⏰Book Europa-Park, Rulantica and the Palmenoase at Badeparadies Schwarzwald for a specific date and time, especially in July, August and during the Israeli High Holiday period.
- 🎰Casino Baden-Baden requires a physical passport and smart clothing, and men wearing shorts or flip-flops will not be admitted to the classic gaming rooms.
- 🍽The Black Forest has no dependable network of kosher restaurants, so kosher-observant travelers should stock up in Freiburg and contact Chabad Freiburg in advance for current prayer, Shabbat and food arrangements.
- 🌦Even in August, the Feldberg summit can be around 10°C colder than the valleys, so pack a light rain jacket, a warm layer and grippy shoes rather than relying on sandals.
- 📱Activate a German eSIM before leaving Ben Gurion Airport and download offline maps in Google Maps or Komoot, as forest roads between Schluchsee and Todtmoos include stretches with weak reception.
- 🤝In Freiburg and village restaurants, round up or tip about 5 to 10 percent for good service, and tell the server the total amount while paying rather than leaving coins on the table.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"For me, the Black Forest is that moment when a narrow road through the fir trees suddenly opens onto blue Lake Schluchsee, dotted with little boats and framed by mountains. Israelis fall for its rare combination of accessible family nature, immaculate villages and excellent attractions, without giving up coffee and cheesecake beside Lake Titisee. My favorite moments are the view from the Feldberg Tower and an early walk through Ravenna Gorge before the trails fill up. This is a destination that makes everyone slow down, breathe deeply and discover that even a rainy day can be beautiful."
Loves
My local secret is Strandbad Seebrugg at the southern end of Lake Schluchsee after 4:00 p.m., when the tour groups have left and the water and lawns return to local families. On a clear summer day, I bring a picnic, take a short swim and stay as the soft evening light settles over the forest.
Skip
I would not build an entire day around Triberg’s cuckoo-clock shops and waterfalls in mid-August, when parking is congested and the experience feels overly commercial. If you want to see the falls, arrive at opening time and continue to Gutach or Schonach before noon.
Boutique pick
I begin at 8:00 a.m. with a cool walk through Ravenna Gorge, stop for coffee in Hinterzarten at 10:30 and ride the Feldbergbahn around noon for the region’s highest panoramic view. In the afternoon, we head down for a boat ride or lakeside walk at Schluchsee, then enter the Palmenoase at Badeparadies Schwarzwald at 6:00 p.m. for warm water and palm trees as the evening cools outside. It combines everything the Black Forest does best: a beautiful trail, a summit, a lake and an indulgent finish without wasting hours in the car.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Black Forest
"We started the morning with a walk through Ravenna Gorge and ended with a peaceful sunset beside Lake Titisee, exactly the mix of nature and romance we wanted. The Black Forest surprised us with how easy it was to switch off without filling every hour with another attraction."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 6 nights · September
"The children are still talking about the slides and pools at Badeparadies Schwarzwald and our huge roller-coaster day at Europa-Park. We booked an apartment near Hinterzarten, and the Black Forest became one of the easiest and most successful family trips we have taken."
Michal and Ran, Modi'in
Family with 3 children · 8 nights · August
"We climbed beside Triberg Waterfalls in the afternoon, then dressed up and drove to Casino Baden-Baden, which was far more impressive than we expected. The Black Forest does not offer all-night parties, but with a car and good planning we found an excellent mix of scenery, beer and a little action."
Or, Daniel and Shahar, Haifa
Friends · 5 nights · June
"We took the cable car up Feldberg and later enjoyed a relaxed afternoon at the Caracalla Spa in Baden-Baden. The Black Forest gave us a calm, green journey with beautiful roads and enough places to stop that the trip never felt rushed."
Rachel and Yossi, Ra'anana
Older couple · 7 nights · May
FAQ
Common questions about Black Forest
Do Israelis need a visa to visit the Black Forest?
Israeli passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days in Germany and the Black Forest, subject to the Schengen 90-in-180-day rule. If ETIAS is operational by your travel date, you will need to obtain the online authorization in advance.
Are there direct flights from Israel to the Black Forest, and how long is the flight?
The Black Forest has no major airport of its own, so the most convenient option is usually a seasonal nonstop flight from Tel Aviv to Basel, taking about four hours, followed by roughly an hour's drive to Freiburg. When Basel flights do not fit, nonstop flights to Frankfurt or Munich work well, with a drive of around two to three and a half hours depending on your Black Forest base.
When is the best time to visit the Black Forest, and when is peak season?
The best period for the Black Forest is May through October, when the trails, Triberg Waterfalls and Lake Titisee are easily accessible, with Israeli family travel peaking in July and August. September is excellent for couples thanks to pleasant weather and lighter crowds, while December suits travelers interested in Christmas markets in Freiburg and nearby towns.
How many days are needed for a Black Forest trip?
Allow at least five nights for the Black Forest, while seven to nine nights is ideal for families combining Titisee, Feldberg, Triberg, Freiburg and Europa-Park without rushing. Choose one southern base such as Titisee or Hinterzarten, then add a night or two near Baden-Baden if you also want to explore the northern forest.
What is the best way to get around the Black Forest?
A rental car is the most convenient choice in the Black Forest, particularly for families staying in holiday apartments and visiting Schluchsee, Feldberg and villages with limited rail access. Travelers based in Freiburg or Titisee can use regional trains and the KONUS guest card offered by participating accommodations, but eligibility should be checked before booking.
How much does a Black Forest holiday cost for an Israeli family?
A one-week Black Forest holiday for two adults and two children typically costs around ₪11,000 to ₪20,000, including flights from Tel Aviv, a rental car, holiday-apartment accommodation and attractions, but excluding major shopping. Staying in villages such as Lenzkirch or Schluchsee and preparing some meals can save considerably compared with a Titisee hotel during peak August.
Is the Black Forest safe for Israeli travelers?
The Black Forest is considered very safe, including towns such as Titisee, Triberg and Baden-Baden, with narrow roads, fog and slippery wet trails posing more common risks than crime. Keep phones and wallets secure around Freiburg and railway stations, and Israeli travelers should review official travel advisories shortly before departure.
Which attractions should not be missed in the Black Forest?
On a first Black Forest visit, do not miss Triberg Waterfalls, a Lake Titisee cruise, Feldberg mountain and Freiburg's old town; families should add Badeparadies Schwarzwald and Europa-Park in Rust. In the northern forest, highlights include the Baumwipfelpfad treetop walk in Bad Wildbad and the Caracalla Spa in Baden-Baden.
Does the Black Forest have nightlife and casinos?
The Black Forest is not a clubbing destination, and evenings in most towns revolve around restaurants or hotel bars; for nightlife, head to the bars and pubs around Bertoldsbrunnen and Augustinerplatz in Freiburg. The standout casino is the elegant Casino Baden-Baden, which enforces a dress code and passport checks, while Titisee, Feldberg and Triberg have no meaningful casino scene.
Are kosher food and Chabad available, who is the Black Forest best for, and what should you pack or combine with it?
Kosher provision in the Black Forest is limited, so observant travelers often rely on supermarkets and a self-catering apartment, while contacting Chabad Freiburg or Chabad Baden-Baden in advance about services, Shabbat and current food options. The region suits both families and nature-and-spa couples; pack layers and a rain jacket even in summer, and combine the Black Forest with Alsace, Strasbourg, Colmar or the Rhine Falls.