Black Forest
The Black Forest is one of Germany’s most rewarding road cycling regions. Deep pine forests, open meadows, and quiet valleys shape every ride. The roads are smooth and well maintained, with very little traffic once you leave the main routes. It feels calm, green, and perfectly suited to long days in the saddle.
Climbs are the heart of cycling here. Long, steady ascents like Schauinsland and Kandel rise straight from lively towns into silent forest roads. Gradients are honest but rideable, making them enjoyable for strong riders and motivated amateurs alike. The descents here are flowing and predictable.
From the highest peaks, the views are unforgettable. On clear days you can see across the Rhine Valley and all the way to the Vosges mountains in France. These wide panoramas give a real sense of space and reward every meter of climbing.
Cycling culture runs deep in the Black Forest, supported by excellent infrastructure for riders. Roads are well signed, surfaces are smooth and many roads are peaceful and have very little traffic, perfect for relaxed riding. Bike friendly hotels, rental shops, and repair services are easy to find, especially around Freiburg. Cafés and bakeries can be found along popular routes, making it simple to plan long rides with relaxed and reliable stops along the way.
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Best time to ride
The best cycling seasons in the Black Forest are spring and autumn. From May to June, the landscape turns lush and green, with long days and mild temperatures around 15–25°C. September and October bring cooler mornings, golden forests, and peaceful roads after the summer rush. July and August can feel warm in the valleys but remain comfortable in higher areas. Winter, from December to February, it is often snow, especially at higher altitudes. Cycling is unsuitable during this time. Overall, late spring and early autumn offer the most enjoyable riding conditions.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Freiburg
Freiburg is best enjoyed by staying close to the city centre or along the edge of the Black Forest, where riding and daily life blend easily. The Old Town and Wiehre put you near cafés, restaurants, bike shops, and Freiburg’s strong cycling culture, while giving quick roll out access toward Schauinsland, Rosskopf, and the Dreisam valley. Vauban and Rieselfeld offer a calmer feel with excellent bike paths and fast routes toward the vineyards and Kaiserstuhl. Areas like Littenweiler place you right at the foothills, perfect for riders who want to reach long climbs within minutes while still staying connected to the city.
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Accommodations (12)
Places in Black Forest that welcome you and your bike.
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How to get there
- By car: The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is easily accessible by car. Major motorways such as the A5 (Karlsruhe–Basel) run along the western edge of the region, while the A81 (Stuttgart–Singen) connects to the eastern side. From these highways, well-maintained regional roads lead into the heart of the forest.
- By train: You can easily reach the larger cities in the northern and southern Black Forest by ICE or IC train. Several regional train lines run through the Black Forest, and you can take your bike with you.
- By plain: The closest airports to the Black Forest are in Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Stuttgart, Zurich, and Basel. From any of these, you can reach the region within a couple of hours by train or rental car.
Bike Rentals (2)
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Shops (7)
Cafes & bars (15)
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Popular Climbs (11)
Road Cycling Routes (20)
From Freiburg to the Kandel
104.2 km | 1797 m | Hard
The Kandel is a must for all road cyclists in the Black Forest. The climb is long, but the view is all the more beautiful for it. You finally roll back through Glottertal to your starting point in Freiburg.
Through the Hundsbach Valley
95.3 km | 1779 m | Hard
The picturesque Hundsbach Valley is perfect for exploring by road bike. The road through the valley has little traffic and the landscape is like something out of a picture book. This tour takes you from the Murg Valley on a large loop through the valley and on to the Schwarzenbachtalsperre.
Round trip to the Kinzig Valley from Schramberg
59.6 km | 1409 m | Moderate
The Kinzig Valley is also known as the Little Black Forest, as the region combines everything that makes the Black Forest so special. On this tour, you will get to know part of the picturesque valley with its challenging climbs and quiet roads.
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