Things To Do
in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald

Furtwangen im Schwarzwald is a small town in the southern Black Forest of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, known for its rich clockmaking heritage. It sits among rolling forested hills and offers easy access to scenic trails and viewpoints. The town centre preserves traditional Swabian timber-framed streets and a welcoming, village atmosphere.

It's the perfect base for museum visits, nature walks, and immersing yourself in Black Forest culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Furtwangen
morning
:

Arrive in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald and settle into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Black Forest pastries. Take a short stroll through the charming village to familiarize yourself with the surroundings.

afternoon
:

Visit the German Clock Museum to learn about the region's rich clock-making heritage. Explore the interactive exhibits and get a close look at intricately crafted cuckoo clocks. Have lunch in the museum café, savoring local dishes inspired by the Black Forest.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Black Forest restaurant, where the ambiance reflects the rustic charm of the area. Try specialties like Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte and local sausages. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the scenic trails surrounding the village.

day 2
Exploring Nature Trails
morning
:

After breakfast, embark on a guided hike through the lush forests surrounding Furtwangen. The trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to experience the abundant wildlife of the Black Forest. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch at one of the scenic lookouts, relishing the fresh mountain air. Later, visit the nearby waterfall, a perfect spot for relaxation and photography. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquil sounds of nature enveloping you.

evening
:

Return to Furtwangen and unwind at a local pub, where you can enjoy regional craft beers. Engage with friendly locals who share stories about the area. Afterward, settle down for the night, perhaps enjoying a local dessert under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🍽️Three-course dinner for two$40-70
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-150
🚇Taxi (short ride)$8-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich clockmaking heritage and German Clock Museum
  • Stunning Black Forest scenery and easy access to nature
  • Charming Swabian culture in a small town
  • Friendly locals and compact town center
  • Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
  • Some attractions are seasonal and weather dependent
  • Public transport can be less frequent on Sundays
  • Language barrier in very small eateries
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello/Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern …" - I would like …

Places to Visit in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald

Visit one of these nice places.

Deutsches Uhrenmuseum (German Clock Museum) – exterior and surroundings

Historic clockworks and a picturesque town center make for classic photos.

Historic Market Square and Town Hall

Timber-framed buildings and a charming Swabian square perfect for street photography.

River Breg and footbridges

Reflective water scenes and lush greenery along trails provide serene compositions.

Forest viewpoints near the town

Open-air viewpoints offering panoramas of Black Forest hills and valleys.

Culinary Guide

Food in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald

The local Black Forest region offers hearty Swabian influences with dishes featuring forest herbs, sausages, cheeses, and seasonal produce. Expect comforting meals, robust flavors, and desserts like cherry-based treats that nod to regional fruit production. Fresh, regional ingredients are common in markets and small eateries, making it easy to eat well without fuss. Many places are happy to accommodate simple dietary needs with advance notice.

Furtwangen im Schwarzwald Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Käsespätzle

Soft egg noodles with melted cheese and crispy onions; a comforting Swabian classic.

Must-Try!

Maultaschen

Swabian dumplings filled with meat, spinach, or cheese, often served in broth or with onions.

Schwarzwälder Schinken

Smoked Black Forest ham, thinly sliced and often served with hearty breads and pickles.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

A layered Black Forest cake with cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

Kartoffelsalat

Potato salad typically prepared with a vinegar-based dressing and herbs; a common side dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market (Furtwangen)

Seasonal produce, regional cheeses, breads, and local crafts; check opening days for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Street snacks

Bratwurst, pretzels, and regional baked goods available near market areas and town events.

Climate Guide

Weather

Furtwangen experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters; rainfall is common year-round, especially in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and Politeness

Greet with 'Guten Tag' or 'Grüß Gott'; use Sie for strangers. Be punctual and courteous in queues and public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Furtwangen is generally very safe. Standard travel safety tips apply: keep valuables secure, be cautious on forest trails after dark, and know emergency numbers (112).

Tipping in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips of 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; rounding up the bill is common for small tables.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; cards (EC/credit) are common; contactless payments are increasingly popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with budding trees; a good time for city walks and garden photography; bring light layers and a rain jacket.

Summer

Long daylight hours and comfortable hiking weather; stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun when out on trails.

Autumn

Vibrant foliage and crisp air; ideal for scenic drives and forest walks with dramatic colors.

Winter

Snow is possible; celebrate with snowy landscapes, Christmas markets, and warm indoor venues; dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear.

Nightlife Guide

Furtwangen im Schwarzwald at Night

The nightlife in Furtwangen is modest, centered on cozy pubs, inns, and cafés with occasional live music; expect a relaxed, conversation-friendly scene rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Wutachschlucht (Wutach Gorge)

A dramatic gorge a short drive away with dramatic waterfalls and scenic hiking routes.

Triberg Waterfalls

Nearby waterfall hikes, a popular day trip from the Black Forest region.

Schluchsee and surroundings

Large lake area with loop hiking and lakeside views.

Feldberg region trails

Higher elevation hikes offering panoramic Black Forest vistas.

Airports

How to reach Furtwangen im Schwarzwald by plane.

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL)

Approximately 100-120 km away; reachable by train or car.

Stuttgart Airport (STR)

About 180-200 km away; good for long-haul connections.

Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB)

Approximately 100-130 km away; convenient for regional flights.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Around 150-170 km away; international hub with good rail links.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable with charming streets and compact distances; hills surround, so some routes involve gentle climbs; parking is available for day trips, and local buses connect outer areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly German with Swabian dialect influence; aging population in some areas; a steady stream of tourists year-round.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing and Cross-Country Skiing

Winter sports are popular in the Black Forest with nearby slopes and cross-country trails.

Hiking

Extensive networks of scenic trails across forested hills and valleys.

Cycling

Road cycling and mountain biking paths through the Black Forest.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally manageable; the region relies on winding country roads and a well-connected train network; in winter, roads may be affected by snow; local buses and regional trains connect Furtwangen to nearby towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Furtwangen im Schwarzwald.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Swabian dishes can be adapted; look for Kässpätzle, salads, and vegetable plates, or ask for plant-based options at restaurants.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Quality healthcare is available with local doctors and clinics in Furtwangen; Germany's universal healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage; in emergencies call 112; pharmacies (Apotheken) are common in town.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide