Ham and Black Forest cake? Quite nice. But the Black Forest has much more to offer than just the usual fare. Here are six destinations and insider tips in the Black Forest that tell real stories – from ancient spelt to secret dinners to Valrhona chocolate ice cream. Everything is handmade, regionally sourced, and cooked with passion.
1. Breakfast in a Monastery – Calw-Hirsau
Coffee, spelt rolls, a view of the monastery. The café in the monastery in Calw-Hirsau serves breakfast like grandma used to make, but in an old 19th-century gymnasium. Vegan, gluten-free or classic, everything is freshly baked. Please note: unfortunately, it is booked up weeks in advance. And for good reason. So make sure you plan your visit well in advance.
👉 https://www.cafeimkloster.com
2. Secret Menu on Wheels – Black Forest
A dinner that no one knows about. Until it starts. The Next Generation collective serves a six-course meal in disused train carriages, old mills, or brush factories. But food tastes best in company and so the dishes are accompanied by wine from young winemakers. The Secret Dinner is Black Forest underground for gourmets.
👉 https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/secret-dinner
3. Valrhona and Focaccia – Baiersbronn
Martin Menke, formerly of Munich, is now an ice cream and delicatessen specialist in the northern Black Forest. His chocolate ice cream with Valrhona and farm milk is legendary. His delikaaat! delicatessen also sells focaccia, Seelen (a typical South German long white bread) and delicious cakes. Everything is homemade and all ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible.
4. Beer with Römerquelle – Hornberg
The Ketterer brewery brews with water from a 140-meter-long spring tunnel that the Romans once drove into the mountain. Slow brewing, Black Forest stout, no marketing hype – just beer that tastes good. Guided tours are also available.
5. Game with a View – Schauinsland
The Hotel Die Halde is located at 1,147 meters and is a real eye-catcher. Inside, wood dominates, while outside, the phenomenal view of the Black Forest takes center stage. Game from the surrounding area is served here. No frills: just peace and quiet, mountain air, and honest food.
6. Five Stars, One Maxie – Freiamt
Maxie Zimmermann keeps things running smoothly at the Hotel Ludinmühle. She is not a chef, but the heart and soul of the hotel and embodies true team spirit. The cuisine? Excellent. The wellness area? Huge. The game dishes? Directly from the hotel’s own hunting grounds.
