Triberg Guide: Best Sights and Tastes in the Black Forest

Ready to explore Germany’s Black Forest? In Triberg, you’ll discover Germany’s tallest waterfall, the world’s largest cuckoo clock, and the fascinating Black Forest Museum. Whether you’re craving a slice of the iconic Black Forest cake or hunting for unique souvenirs, we’ve got you covered!

This guide is packed with all the essentials—from how to get there, the best sights, hotel recommendations, and even a full 5-day Black Forest itinerary. Short on time? No worries! We’ll also share how to make the most of just one day in Triberg. So let’s dive in and uncover everything this charming town has to offer!

Where is Triberg?

Wondering where to find Triberg? This charming town is tucked away in southwestern Germany, in the beautiful state of Baden-Württemberg, right in the heart of the Black Forest. It’s about 50 kilometers from Freiburg im Breisgau and perfectly positioned between Offenburg and Lake Constance. Thanks to the Black Forest Railway, Triberg is super accessible and a must-see spot for anyone exploring the region.

How to Get to Triberg – Your Transportation Guide

Getting to Triberg is easier than you think! We flew in from Hong Kong and landed at Frankfurt International Airport. From there, we hopped on the high-speed ICE train to Offenburg, then switched to the RE2 train to Triberg.

In total, the journey from Frankfurt International Airport to Triberg takes around 3.5 hours. For more specific details, head to the Deutsche Bahn website to plan your trip like a pro!

Travel Times from Major Cities

To help with your planning, here’s a quick breakdown of travel times to Triberg from some nearby cities:

Travel Times from Nearby Major Cities	By Car 🚗	Public Transportation 🚆
Frankfurt, Germany	About 3.5 hours	About 3.5 hours
Zurich, Switzerland	About 2 hours	About 2.5-3.5 hours
Strasbourg, France	About 1.5 hours	About 1.5 hours

What is Triberg known for?

Triberg is famous for several attractions that make it a must-see in the Black Forest! You’ll find Germany’s highest waterfall, the world’s largest cuckoo clock, and, at one time, a café where the original Black Forest cake was made exactly according to the original recipe. Yes, that means layers of rich chocolate, whipped cream, and a splash of cherry liqueur! Sadly, Café Schäfer, which followed this traditional recipe, closed down during the pandemic. While you can still find plenty of delicious Black Forest cake in Triberg, the original recipe is now a cherished part of its history.

Triberg Map: All the Must-See Spots

To make your visit easier, here’s a handy Google Map with all the attractions, restaurants, and accommodations mentioned in this guide. Just click on the star icon to save it and keep all your travel spots at your fingertips!

Top Attractions in Triberg

Germany’s Highest Waterfall: Triberg Waterfalls (Triberger Wasserfälle)

Triberg’s waterfall cascades down in seven stages, plunging 163 meters into the valley below, making it the highest waterfall in all of Germany!

Sure, Germany’s highest waterfall might not be as famous as some of the world’s gigantic falls, but (!!) what it offers is something special: a peaceful hike through the Black Forest. Imagine strolling along the waterfall trail, no noisy crowds around, just the soothing sounds of water flowing and the calmness of nature enveloping you. It’s pure relaxation for your body, mind, and soul.

I even bought peanuts at the ticket office, hoping to feed some squirrels… but no luck, not a single squirrel in sight.

However, I did spot a beautiful bird I had never seen before. After a quick search online, I found out it’s called the spotted nutcracker (Tannenhäher in German)—such a treat to encounter!

As I walked along, I saw a sign with Psalm praising the Creator.

Kommt her und sehet an Die Werke Gottes, Der so wunderbar ist!

Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.

Address	Triberger Wasserfälle – Haupteingang Hauptstraße 85, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald
Opening hours	Everyday
Note	The Christmas Magic event takes place annually from December 25 to 30, during which the ticket prices may vary.

World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock （Weltgrößte Kuckucksuhr im Eble-Uhrenpark）

Welcome to the world’s largest cuckoo clock! This colossal clock is built at an impressive 60:1 scale, replicating the intricate mechanics of a traditional cuckoo clock. You can actually see the clock both inside and out—how cool is that?

Handcrafted with extraordinary detail, the clock features a massive gear with a diameter of 2.60 meters, a mechanism weighing 6 tons, and a pendulum stretching 8 meters long! It took a whopping 5 years to bring this masterpiece to life.

Now, while this giant cuckoo clock is truly an engineering marvel, I have to admit—it’s a bit commercialized, with plenty of souvenirs to tempt you. (But hey, comparisons can sting!) Personally, I think the original “first” world’s largest cuckoo clock—just 50 times bigger—located in a nearby town, has a bit more charm. Keep reading to find out more about that one later in the article!

Address: Eble Uhrenpark
Schonachbach 27 in Triberg

Steam Locomotive (Industriedenkmal Dampflokomotive BR 50 245)

If you’re near the Triberg train station (Bahnhof – Triberg im Schwarzwald), make sure to check out the eye-catching steam locomotive BR 50 245! This striking locomotive is a piece of history, built in 1939 by the Krauss-Maffei company, and it’s a proud reminder of the Black Forest Railway’s engineering legacy. After being restored and maintained over the years, it was officially placed on display in 2010 and has since become a local landmark.

The Black Forest Railway itself, constructed between 1863 and 1873, was a groundbreaking achievement for its time. It connects Offenburg to Singen, passing through the heart of the Black Forest. The section near Triberg is especially scenic, with the railway weaving through the mountains, offering stunning views of tunnels and viaducts along the way.

And if you’re up for an adventure, there’s a 12.5-kilometer hiking trail called the “Schwarzwaldbahn-Erlebnispfad.” It takes about 4.5 hours to complete, giving you gorgeous scenery to soak in as you follow the historic railway path!

Black Forest Museum (Schwarzwaldmuseum)

Step into the Black Forest Museum in Triberg, where you can dive into the rich cultural and economic history of the Black Forest region. Since opening its doors in 1936, the museum has offered visitors a fascinating glimpse into both the past and modern life of this iconic region.

Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of exhibits, from 400-year-old Black Forest clocks to intricate wood carvings, traditional folk costumes, and straw crafts. One highlight is the original clockmaking workshop, showcasing how those famous Black Forest clocks were crafted.

If you’re a fan of history and culture, this is definitely a stop for you! (Unfortunately, when we visited, the museum was closed for some mysterious reason—so disappointing!) But if you plan ahead, you can explore all its fascinating exhibits.

Address: Wallfahrtstraße 4, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald
Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Don’t miss: The World’s First Original Largest Cuckoo Clock (Erste weltgrößte Kuckucksuhr)

While this attraction isn’t located directly in Triberg, it’s just a quick trip to the nearby town of Schonach. And trust me, it’s worth the 8-minute ride from Triberg’s main street (I’ve included detailed directions below). This clock may no longer hold the title of the “largest,” but it’s the world’s first and the most original largest cuckoo clock ever built. Personally, I find its design and charm more appealing than the one in Triberg, plus it’s less commercialized—making it a true hidden gem! If you’re in the area, I highly recommend a visit.

The story behind this clock is fascinating! Josef Dold, a local clockmaker, had a brilliant idea: he wanted to build a cuckoo clock as big as a Black Forest house. He spent two years, along with his family, crafting a giant, handmade cuckoo clock mechanism inside this house-like clock. And here’s the fun part—every hour and half-hour, the cuckoo bird pops out for a little show!

The clock’s mechanism is a marvel of craftsmanship—3.60 meters long, 3.10 meters tall, and 1 meter deep—all made of wood, showcasing amazing precision and skill. It’s 50 times the size of a regular cuckoo clock!

Pro Tip: Plan to stick around for the cuckoo call! Every hour on the dot, the bird emerges. When we visited at 3:00 PM, we saw the cuckoo bird pop out and call three times.

Address	Untertalstraße 28, 78136 Schonach im Schwarzwald
Admission Fee	Adults: 2€ Children: 1€ (7-16 years old) Children under 7: Free
Opening hours	Open daily 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Note: Closed on Mondays during wintertime.

For more accurate opening hours, please refer to the official website of Upper Black Forest Tourism.

How to get to the ‘World’s First Original Largest Cuckoo Clock?

If you’re traveling by public transportation, simply click here to visit the Deutsche Bahn website, where the destination is pre-filled for you—just add your starting point!

For example, if you’re starting from Triberg’s Marktplatz, hop on the bus for just two stops and enjoy a quick five-minute walk to the clock. Super convenient, right?

Schonach is a beautiful town. Now, let’s go back to Triberg.

Triberg Souvenir Shops

The souvenir shop with a thousand cuckoo clocks, Haus der 1000 Uhren.

Address: Hauptstraße 81, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald

Kuckucknest Souvenir Shop

Address: Wallfahrtstraße 15, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald

Must-try Recommendation for Black Forest Cake

Café Schäfer (Café Konditorei Schäfer)

It’s sad to say that this part of my blog now holds only a memory. Café Schäfer, once known for making the most authentic Black Forest cake following the original recipe, closed its doors during the pandemic, and is now part of history. For us, it was one of the highlights of visiting Triberg.

Address: Hauptstr. 33 in Triberg (closed down permanently)

Café Konditorei Adler

If you’re on the hunt for a good slice of Black Forest cake while exploring Triberg, Café Konditorei Adler is worth a stop! Located right on the main street, it’s super convenient, especially if you’re staying nearby, as we did.

Now, I’ll admit, it’s hard to compare to the original recipe from Café Schäfer—but don’t worry! The cake here is still delicious, and you’ll definitely enjoy it. After all, you can’t visit the Black Forest without trying its most famous dessert, right?

Address: Hauptstraße 52, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald

Black Forest Triberg Restaurant Recommendation

Restaurant & Café Bergseestüble

We stayed in the Black Forest for four nights, and even now, I find myself daydreaming about this place! Not only was the food absolutely delicious, but the charming decor and the little pond outside made it all feel like a hidden gem. I think we ended up coming here two or three times within just five days—just couldn’t resist!

Address: Cl.-Maria-Hofbauer-Straße 19, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald

Black Forest Accommodation: Hotel Garni Central Review

When we visited Triberg, we chose Hotel Garni Central as our base, and its location couldn’t have been better! Right on the main street, Hauptstraße, with the Triberg Marktplatz bus stop right at the entrance—it made getting around super convenient. And to top it off, they serve a traditional German breakfast, with excellent service in the breakfast room!

Back in fall 2016, we stayed here for four nights at a rate of €280, but keep in mind that prices have likely gone up since then (how times have changed!). Although our trip was a while ago, Triberg left such a lasting impression that I wanted to write this guide in 2024, with up-to-date info for travelers like you.

I hope this helps you plan your visit to this charming town! If you spot any outdated info, feel free to leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!

Address: Hauptstraße 64, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald

Black Forest Itinerary Planning Suggestions

Black Forest 5-day Itinerary

In 2016, before we moved to Germany, we came from Hong Kong for a peaceful getaway in the Black Forest. Using Triberg as our base, we explored several charming towns in the area and even fit in a forest hike. We had no experience driving in Germany back then, so we relied mainly on public transport—which, at the time, felt reliably punctual!

If you’re planning a road trip in Germany, this guide might come in handy: 🔗 德國自駕遊懶人包｜德國駕駛注意事項｜真的沒有限速嗎？ (Currently translating my blog from Chinese to English, so stay tuned for updates!)

After a busy work schedule in Hong Kong, our goal was to slow down and soak up nature. We arrived, took a deep breath, and spent five relaxing days marveling at the Black Forest’s beauty before heading to Frankfurt for a job interview. We must’ve said, “Wow! This is insane! So beautiful!” a hundred times!

Below is our relaxed, enjoyment-focused five-day itinerary. We hope it gives you a few ideas if you’re planning a similar trip.

Day 1	Arrival: Hong Kong > Frankfurt International Airport > Triberg Stay: Check-in at the hotel Sights: 📍 Triberg Waterfalls
Day 2	Triberg: 📍 Visit the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock (60:1 scale, im Eble-Uhrenpark) Schonach: 📍 See the World’s First Original Largest Cuckoo Clock (50:1 scale) And of course, have a slice of Black Forest cake!
Day 3	Hiking Day: Sankt Märgen > Sankt Peter Sights: 📍 Sankt Märgen – Relax at Café Goldene Krone 📍 Sankt Peter – Visit the Abbey of Saint Peter in the Black Forest
Day 4	📍 Offenburg 📍 Schloss Ortenberg 📍 Gengenbach
Day 5	📍 Triberg: Black Forest Museum One more slice of Black Forest cake! Departure: Hotel check-out, then Triberg > Frankfurt

How to Spend a Relaxing and Fulfilling Day in the Black Forest (if you have limited time)

If you have just one day to explore the Black Forest, focus on these three must-see sights and take your time with each, savoring the experience:

• 📍 Schonach – Start at the world’s first and original largest cuckoo clock (50 times the usual size).
• 📍 Triberg – Marvel at Germany’s highest waterfall, the Triberg Waterfalls.
• 📍 Triberg – Visit Haus der 1000 Uhren, a famous shop packed with cuckoo clocks and souvenirs.
• 🍰 Cafe Adler – Indulge in a classic slice of Black Forest cake for the perfect end to your day!

Note: Summer days in the Black Forest are long, giving you plenty of daylight for exploring. In autumn, however, the days are shorter. This suggested one-day itinerary is crafted for a laid-back experience, letting you enjoy the scenery and atmosphere without chasing every sight.

But, if you’re someone who likes to pack in more, feel free to use the map provided at the beginning of this post and add more sights to your day. Make it your own adventure!

Conclusion

Triberg in the Black Forest is a charming town you shouldn’t miss! After visiting the Black Forest, feel free to leave a comment and tell me about your trip! 🙂