The Most Beautiful Motorcycle Tours in the Black Forest
The Black Forest is a green idyll in southwest Germany and has a lot to offer in terms of nature, cuisine, and culture. However, for motorcycle enthusiasts, the low mountain range in the southwest of Baden-Württemberg has something else in store: curves.
It's no wonder that the Black Forest is one of the most popular destinations for motorcycle tours in Germany. From the breathtaking views of the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, the lake-rich panoramic route, to the challenging circuit through the southern Black Forest: motorcyclists of every class of machine are sure to get their money's worth here.
Black Forest High Road
Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt (approx. 60 km)
The Schwarzwaldhochstraße, also known as the B500, is one of the most popular routes for motorcycle tours in the Black Forest. The starting point for the roughly 60 km long tour is the picturesque spa town of Baden-Baden. From there, it climbs steeply to the Bühlerhöhe, where on a clear day you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the Rhine plain all the way to the French Vosges. The currently vacant, former luxury hotel Bühlerhöhe also offers a majestic sight.
From there, the route takes you at altitudes between 800 and over 1000 metres to Sand am Mehliskopf, where you can make a detour to the Schwarzenbach Dam. The road continues past the Hornisgrinde – the highest mountain in the northern Black Forest at 1164 m. Here, you can take a break at the Mummelsee before continuing via the Schliffkopf, Kniebis, and Alexanderschanze to Freudenstadt. This is where the iconic motorcycle tour ends.
Highlights along the route:
- View from the Bühlerhöhe
- Mummelsee
- Allerheiligen Monastery
- Allerheiligen Waterfalls
Difficulty level: This tour is suitable for beginners and offers a mix of relaxed sections and winding passages.
Black Forest Panoramic Route
Waldkirch to Feldberg (approx. 70 km)
The motorcycle tour on the Black Forest Panoramic Route starts in the tranquil organ town of Waldkirch, which sits picturesquely at 274 m, nestled against the Kandel mountain. The summit of the Kandel is the first stop, reached via the northern side with plenty of curves. If you don’t mind a short walk, it's worth visiting the Kandel Pyramid viewpoint, where you can enjoy a sweeping view over the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley, and all the way to the Vosges.
The descent takes you down the southern side of the 1241 m high mountain through the monastery village of St. Peter, where the Baroque church stands as a visible landmark inviting you to visit. Continuing through St. Märgen at 900 m and the 1000 m high Thurner – home to Germany's oldest cross-country skiing centre – the tour proceeds to Breitnau, where you can view the impressive Ravennaschlucht Gorge.
Passing by the Titisee, one of the most famous lakes in the Black Forest, the final stage of the motorcycle tour takes you to Feldberg. Here, you can end the day with a fantastic view over the Black Forest, and on a clear day, even as far as the Alps.
Highlights along the route:
- Kandel Pyramid
- Baroque Church of St. Peter
- Ravennaschlucht Gorge
- Lake Titisee
- Feldberg
Difficulty level: The tour is of moderate difficulty and is suitable for riders with some experience. The route includes both winding ascents and descents, as well as calmer sections along Lake Titisee.
Winding Tour through the Southern Black Forest
Schönau via Lake Constance (approx. 260 km)
This challenging motorcycle tour starts in Schönau, located in the Belchen Black Forest region. From here, follow the B317 road uphill to the 1247 m high Feldberg Pass, which rewards the climb with a fantastic view. After a short descent through Bärental, the route continues south of Lake Titisee towards the Wutach Gorge. Here, if you have time for a stop, you can marvel at the rich flora and fauna in the 60 to 170 metre-deep gorges.
The journey continues towards the Aach Springs, which are among the largest springs in Germany and are well worth a visit. The route then heads east via Tengen and Stockach to Lake Constance, finally reaching the lake at Bodmann on Überlinger See.
Following the western shore of Lake Constance, the route continues towards Stein am Rhein (Switzerland). Along this stretch, there are numerous opportunities for a lunch break before the motorcycle tour leads to Europe's largest waterfall: the Rhine Falls in Neuhausen (Switzerland).
Via Schaffhausen, Bonndorf, and St. Blasien, where a visit to the massive cathedral is a must, the tour heads back to the High Black Forest. The final kilometres from St. Blasien lead towards Bernau before the tour ends back in Schönau.
Highlights along the route:
- Feldberg
- Titisee
- Wutach Gorge
- Aach Springs
- Lake Constance
- Rhine Falls
- St. Blasien Cathedral
Difficulty level: This tour is for experienced riders with good stamina. The numerous winding sections and steep climbs offer plenty of riding fun for seasoned motorcyclists but may overwhelm beginners. However, less experienced bikers can split the tour into several stages by staying overnight at one of the many accommodations along the way.
Highlights for Your Motorcycle Tour in the Black Forest
Insider Tips for Motorcycle Enthusiasts
The Black Forest has a lot to offer motorcyclists beyond the well-known routes:
- Lierbachtalstraße: narrow and winding, with a great view of the Lierbach Valley
- Murg Gorge: well-maintained, with smooth curves along the Murg River
- Hochfirststraße: steep and winding, with a breathtaking view of Lake Titisee
- Kinzigtal: a few tight bends through the picturesque Kinzigtal Valley
- Elztal: flowing curves on well-maintained roads through the beautiful Elztal Valley
Motorcycle Events in the Black Forest
The motorcycle routes in the Black Forest are not only attractive to tourist bikers, but also contribute to an active local scene. As a result, several events are held every year for group rides. Here, you can meet like-minded people, chat about bikes, exchange tour tips, and enjoy live music and excellent food.
Overview of Motorcycle Events in the Black Forest:- Schwarzwald Bikerweekend in Wolfach
- Motorcycle Meeting Eschen by Motorrad-Freunde Eschbachtal e.V.
- Schwarzwald-Biker-Meeting by Motoradfreunde Schwarzwald e.V. in Freudenstadt
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10 Popular Attractions in the Black Forest
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- Triberg Waterfalls
- Feldberg
- Schluchsee
- Baden-Baden
- Lichtentaler Allee
- Lake Titisee
- Ravennaschlucht Gorge
- Black Forest Treetop Walk
- Black Forest Open Air Museum
FAQ
What equipment should I bring for a motorcycle tour in the Black Forest?
In addition to appropriate motorcycle protective clothing – such as a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots – you should also carry a first aid kit. A motorcycle travel guide for the Black Forest is also essential, as it helps with navigation, tour planning, and provides interesting background information.
Where can I find the best accommodation for motorcyclists in the Black Forest?
The Black Forest is the best-developed tourist low mountain range in Germany. No wonder you’ll find an abundance of hotels, guesthouses, campsites, and holiday apartments along your motorcycle routes.
Are there specific rules for motorcyclists in the Black Forest?
The Black Forest is a welcoming region where motorcyclists are warmly received. However, on weekends and public holidays, there are occasional driving bans, and some roads are closed to motorcyclists. You can find an overview of the affected roads on the BVDM (Federal Association of Motorcyclists) website.