Furtwangen in the Black Forest: Nature, Culture and Hotels

Furtwangen: springs, trails and cultural history

There are several ways to explore Furtwangen in the Black Forest during your stay: its spring landscape, trails on the Brend, winter activities and cultural history. The Breg, the longest headstream of the Danube, rises in Furtwangen; the source of the Breg is near Martinskapelle. Use these themes to tailor your choices to your travel plans.

Landscape and trails around the Brend

Among the area’s striking natural features are the Günterfelsen: large, moss-covered granite rocks in the wooded Brend area. Brend Tower was built in 1905 and rises just under 20 metres above the summit. It is freely accessible. There is an inn right beside the tower; the Naturfreundehaus is nearby, directly on the Pforzheim–Basel West Way, and serves regional specialities. Access and dining options may change. Check the latest details before your visit.

For a hike, the Martinskapelle–Danube Source–Brend loop, rated easy, is one specific option: it is 5.56 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. Along the way, it passes the Günterfelsen and the source of the Breg; there are also views towards the Feldberg and the Rhine Valley. As route details may change, check the trail locally before setting out.

The winter trail and lift options are separate: the Martinskapelle cross-country ski trail network includes circular routes from Martinskapelle via the Rohrhardsberg to the Brend. The Bregtal lift is located on Staatsberg in Furtwangen. These details offer different points of reference for planning, without making any claims about conditions on the day of your visit.

Historic buildings and collections

Martinskapelle is one of Furtwangen’s oldest surviving buildings and has been a listed monument since 1951. In Neukirch, a district of Furtwangen, St. Andrew’s Church features Baroque furnishings and important works by Adam Winterhalder and Matthias Faller. The two places offer different points of interest: one centres on a historic building, the other on its furnishings and the work of the artists named above.

The KIRNER-Kabinett displays around 160 works by Furtwangen genre painter Johann Baptist Kirner, including pencil and ink sketches. The German Clock Museum offers a different kind of collection: it holds more than 8,000 objects from around the world. The Museum Gasthaus Arche presents local history across four floors. Its exhibits include historic household appliances and an old stable with feeding passages. The collection ranges from Kirner’s drawings and an international clock collection to vivid evidence of everyday life.

Mills, regional cuisine and guided tours

The Hexenloch Mill lies between St. Märgen and Furtwangen. It was built in 1825 as a sawmill and has working frame and circular saws powered by its waterwheel. The shop sells Black Forest food and spirits, including ham, farmhouse sausage, honey, berry wines and brandies. The restaurant serves Black Forest specialities and homemade cakes, including Black Forest gateau. The range of products and restaurant offerings may change; check what is currently available before your visit.

The Rotenbauernhof is a demonstration distillery and offers guided tours that may be suitable for groups and families. Confirm tour availability in advance.

Find a hotel to suit your travel plans

Whether you want to focus on hiking, winter activities or cultural history, these themes offer specific starting points for planning your stay in Furtwangen in the Black Forest. Decide what matters most to you, then compare specific hotel offers based on your travel needs.

Discover more destinations: Triberg in the Black Forest, Gütenbach, Donaueschingen, Niedereschach, Neukirch, Gremmelsbach, Unterkirnach, St. Georgen in the Black Forest

Return to the regional travel overview: Schwarzwald-Baar District.