Even though we are spoiled with great day trip choices in Switzerland, when you are a border dweller, often the closest activities are just over the border in Germany. Since moving to Schaffhausen, we have taken advantage of border living and have explored, in particular, what Germany’s Schwarzwald region has to offer. A great region to explore in both winter and summer, the Schwarzwald has the added bonus of being a little cheaper than Switzerland too.
So come with me as I take you through some of our family’s favourites destinations in the Schwarzwald:
Feldberg
In winter, a visit to Feldberg, just over an hour from Schaffhausen, is a great alternative to the bigger Swiss mountain resorts, especially if you have young children or are new to skiing. An added bonus is the German ski holidays don’t always fall on the same dates as ours, so we have never found it difficult to book accommodation and enjoyed the fairly empty slopes whilst there. In summer, there is very nice hiking too. Tip: Be sure to head to the Todtnau falls whilst you are there, which is easily accessible by car from Feldberg.
Even though it is only small, Feldberg has many things for families to do should you not want to ski or hike. There is an indoor playground – Fundorena with its trampolines, indoor bouldering, a high ropes course, outdoor climbing wall and a kids fun area. Or visit the Haus der Natur, in both winter and summer, which houses exhibitions about the wildlife in the Schwarzwald region.
And for a bit of fun, make sure you don’t miss a visit to the highest Lidl in Germany at a whopping 932m above sea level!
Badeparadies – Titisee
Titisee in itself is a beautiful place to visit in all seasons, but if you find yourself there on a rainy day make sure to head over to Badeparadies Schwarzwald, a giant indoor swimming paradise. This place has swimming areas tailored to all age groups: slides and baby pools for the younger children, adult only cocktail lounges and larger slides for the Adult kids. They even have a wellness area too. Be sure to check out the website for opening times, as it does close for an hour or two during the day, depending on the season.
Tatzmania – Löffingen
Although Tatzmania advertises itself as a Wildlife Park, it is actually home to a large amusement park area as well. Here you will find roller coasters, freefall rides and carousels that will excite and entertain, both the young, there are rides for children as young as 2, and the young at heart. Generally, children from the age of 6 are free to ride parent free in the kids areas, but there are even some allow children from 4 years old the same freedom. For animal-lovers, they have tigers, lions, kangaroos, monkeys and a number of other animals too. Tatzmania also has a small cafe, but best of all a wine tasting stand, where you can sample different wines from the region.
Steinwasen Park
Steinwasen Park is one place that I unfortunately haven’t made it to…. yet, however fellow z’Nüni writer Claire has been with her two sons. Here is what she says about the place:
“A few years back we took a spontaneous trip to the popular Steinwasen Park deep in the Black Forest on our way back from a weekend in Triberg, and it still ranks amongst one of the best last minute plans we have ever made!
It has a variety of amusement rides that cater for every age, many of which perfectly suit younger families. After parking directly at the park entrance, we decided to jump straight in and ride the chairlift up to the top of the hillside and take the alpine coaster down which was a huge hit! After that, we walked all over the park using the well signposted trails and at one point even crossed a 218m rope bridge 30m above the ground. The main highlight for my kids, though, was the opportunity to get up close and personal to the beautiful animals that roam the park’s hillsides.
From majestic Ibex to cheeky raccoons, there are over 30 species of animal, some of which you can feed using the specific food provided. And when tired parents need a coffee break there is a wonderful adventure playground so the kids can keep on having fun while you refuel! A really brilliant day out and one I would thoroughly recommend!”
Hasenhorn Coaster
If like us and coasters are your thing, then make sure you head to Hasenhorn! At almost 3kms long and full of twists and turns along the way, the Hasenhorn coaster will have you screaming or laughing with delight no matter the season. Yes, it’s even open in the snow! Once at the bottom, head back up via the chairlift to do it all again. For those looking for more than just coasting thrills, there is a tower and a themed path that brings you back down to the bottom of the chairlift.
Insider Tip: This place gets very busy, the last time we went we had an almost 2 hour wait before we could ride, so I recommend getting there early, not to be disappointed!
I’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the Schwarzwald, so if you have any tips on what I should add to my to-visit list, add them in the comments below.
Insider Tip: If you decide to extend your Schwarzwald trip and book accommodation in the area, keep a look out for the HochSchwarzwald guest card, which gives you free or discounted entry to many attractions in the area.
