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B500

Black Forest High Road

Spa town Baden-Baden, dark mountain lakes, cuckoo clocks and Titisee on the B500.

Distance
approx. 153 km (95 mi)
Driving
2 h 07 min
Suggested days
2
Stops
6
Countries
Germany
Best time to go
May–September
Tolls and vignettes
None expected
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. Best time to go: May–September. No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.

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.

Which stops are on Black Forest High Road?

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

  1. 1

    Baden-Baden

    Germany
    Start
  2. 2

    Mummelsee

    NatureSeebach, Germany

    A dark lake in the pines right beside the Black Forest High Road, with pedal boats and a legend of water nymphs.

    23 km
  3. 3

    Triberg

    Germany
    65 km
  4. 4

    Giant cuckoo clock

    OdditiesTriberg im Schwarzwald, Germany

    One of two rival “world’s largest” cuckoo clocks in the Black Forest. The bird comes out on the half hour.

    0 km
  5. 5

    Titisee

    Germany
    33 km
  6. 6

    Freiburg

    Germany
    32 km

How do you drive Black Forest High Road in 2 days?

2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

  1. 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).
  2. 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).

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. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

What should you know before driving Black Forest High Road?

No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.

  • 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.

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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.