📷 Leonhard Lenz, CC0Black Forest High Road
Spa town Baden-Baden, dark mountain lakes, cuckoo clocks and Titisee on the B500.
- Distance
- 153 km (95 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 07 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Germany
- Updated
- July 5, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 153 km (95 mi) with 6 stops, from Baden-Baden to Freiburg. About 2 h 07 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Germany · More road trips from Strasbourg
Route description
Baden-Baden is a spa town with thermal baths and a grand Kurhaus. From here the B500, the Black Forest High Road, climbs south along the ridge of the northern Black Forest, with views over the Rhine valley.
The Mummelsee is a dark lake in the pines right beside the road, with pedal boats and a legend of water nymphs. The route continues south through Freudenstadt, with its huge market square, to Triberg, where the Triberg waterfalls tumble through the forest.
Triberg is also known for cuckoo clocks, and one of the two rival “world’s largest” cuckoo clocks is here; the bird comes out on the half hour. From Triberg, the B500 continues south to Titisee, a lake with boats, shops and walks, and the route ends in Freiburg, with its red sandstone minster and the small water channels, the Bächle, running through the streets.
The B500 is popular with motorcyclists at weekends, and in winter snow can close the higher sections. The Titisee lakeside and the Triberg waterfalls get very busy in summer, so arrive early.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Baden-Baden
Germany - 223 km
Mummelsee
NatureSeebach, GermanyA dark lake in the pines right beside the Black Forest High Road, with pedal boats and a legend of water nymphs.
- 365 km
Triberg
Germany - 40 km
Giant cuckoo clock
OdditiesTriberg im Schwarzwald, GermanyOne of two rival “world’s largest” cuckoo clocks in the Black Forest. The bird comes out on the half hour.
- 533 km
Titisee
Germany - 632 km
Freiburg
Germany
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Baden-Baden → Triberg · 88 km · 1 h 13 minOn the way: Mummelsee.Overnight nearby, for example: Natur Camping Hilserhof (3 km); Reisemobilstellplatz Obertal (4 km).
- Day 2: Triberg → Freiburg · 66 km · 0 h 54 minOn the way: Giant cuckoo clock, Titisee.Overnight nearby, for example: Hirzberg Camping (2 km); Campingplatz am Möslepark (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Black Forest High Road?
2-day road trip of about 153 km (95 mi) with 6 stops, from Baden-Baden to Freiburg. About 2 h 07 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Black Forest High Road?
We suggest 2 days: about 2 h 07 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Black Forest High Road start and end?
It starts in Baden-Baden and ends in Freiburg.
Which countries does Black Forest High Road pass through?
Germany.
Where can you camp along Black Forest High Road?
OpenStreetMap lists 190 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Naturcamping Herrenwies, Campingplatz Adam and Campingpark Bergwiesen.
When is the best time for Black Forest High Road?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
