Black Forest High Road
Germany, europe
60 km
1,164 m
easy
May to October
The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest High Road) is one of Germany's oldest and most scenic tourist routes, running 60 kilometers along the ridgeline of the northern Black Forest from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. Established in the 1930s as the B500 federal road, it traverses elevations between 800 and 1,164 meters, weaving through dense coniferous forests, past glacial lakes called tarns, and alongside panoramic viewpoints that stretch across the Rhine Valley to the Vosges Mountains in France.
The route passes landmarks including the Mummelsee, a dark glacial lake steeped in legend, and the Hornisgrinde, the highest peak of the northern Black Forest at 1,164 meters. Unlike many alpine roads, the gradients here are gentle and the road is wide, making it accessible to all drivers. The surrounding forest is crisscrossed with hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and traditional Black Forest guesthouses offer regional cuisine and the famous Black Forest cake.
Where is it?
Black Forest High Road is located in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany (europe). Coordinates: 48.6082, 8.2318
Driving Tips
The road is open year-round but fog is common in autumn. Stop at the Mummelsee for a walk around the lake. Speed limits are well enforced throughout.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Germany
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Baden-Wurttemberg
- Length
- 60 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,164 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- May to October
- Coordinates
- 48.6082, 8.2318
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