FRAMED WITH WONDER

Robin Kory

Aspiring Photographer, Traveler at Heart

Black Forest Winter Magic: Triberg, Lake Titisee and the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

Night view of the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market with bright pink lighting on the viaduct and a golden Christmas tree at the center.

There’s something especially magical about the Black Forest in winter—where pine-covered hills, half-timbered towns, and snow-dusted trails create a peaceful winter escape. For a December weekend, we explored three of the region’s highlights—Triberg, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, and Lake Titisee—each offering its own mix of seasonal charm and quiet winter beauty.

Triberg – Waterfalls and Black Forest Traditions

Our weekend began in Triberg, a small town tucked into the central Black Forest and famous for two things: cuckoo clocks and waterfalls. The area’s clockmaking tradition dates back to the 18th century, when local craftsmen began creating intricately carved wooden clocks that became the symbol of the region. Today, you’ll still find them displayed in shop windows throughout town, each one a tiny piece of Black Forest artistry.

Wooden cuckoo clocks with carved forest scenes and deer on display inside a Triberg shop.
Wooden statue resembling an Easter Island Moai wearing a red Bollenhut hat, standing in the snow in Triberg, Germany.
Red and white facade of the Triberg Rathaus (town hall) with a clock tower and Christmas lights above the entrance.
Small wooden bridge with flags of Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, the USA, and others flying above a rushing stream.
Detailed sculpture of a large eagle with wings spread wide, displayed outdoors in snowy Triberg.
Tiered metal planter filled with colorful winter greenery and heather.
Snowy scene in Triberg, Germany, showing a small rushing creek lined with hotels and houses.
Street view of colorful buildings in Triberg with mural-painted façades and shop signs reading “House of 1000 Clocks.”
Traditional half-timbered house in Triberg with the sign “Alte Schmiede” above the windows.
View through a stone archway into a warmly lit restaurant with carved wooden furniture and festive garlands in Triberg, Germany.
Historic entrance of Parkhotel Wehrle in Triberg with ivy-covered walls and a chalkboard sign reading “It’s Coffee Time.”
Close-up of Cooper, a fluffy orange pomeranian, standing on snow and looking toward the camera in Triberg, Germany.

Triberg is also home to one of Germany’s highest waterfalls—the Triberg Waterfalls (Triberger Wasserfälle)—where the Gutach River plunges 163 meters (535 feet) over seven cascades into a misty valley below. The short walk to the falls is scenic and easy, winding through tall pines and offering plenty of photo stops. Even in winter, the sound of rushing water contrasts beautifully with the stillness of the snow-covered forest.

Snowy forest landscape with the multi-tiered Triberg Waterfall cascading down mossy rocks.
Wooden walkway decorated with lights winding through the snowy Black Forest along the rushing Gutach River in Triberg, Germany.

After our walk, we stopped at Hotel-Café Adler for a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte—the region’s signature dessert made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, whipped cream, and a splash of Kirschwasser (cherry brandy). Though its exact origins are debated, this rich and creamy cake has become synonymous with the Black Forest, and enjoying it here feels especially fitting.

Confectionery display with pralines, marzipan, and truffles in a shop in Triberg, Germany, decorated for the holidays.
Close-up of a slice of Black Forest cake with layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and a maraschino cherry on top.

Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market – A Fairytale Beneath the Viaduct

From Triberg, we continued deeper into the Black Forest to the Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht), a steep valley carved by the Ravenna stream. The gorge sits near Hinterzarten, in the Höllental (Hell Valley)—a dramatic area of forested cliffs, stone bridges, and rushing water that feels worlds away from city life.

Small chapel with a pointed steeple nestled in a snowy valley surrounded by forested hills near Hofgut Sternen, Germany.
Distant view of the Ravenna Viaduct crossing a snow-dusted Black Forest hillside surrounded by pine trees.

We stayed right at Hotel Hofgut Sternen, in their Goethehaus, located just beside the market grounds. From our room, we could see the Ravenna Viaduct rising above the valley and watch as lights from the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt Ravennaschlucht) began to glow at dusk. Staying here meant we could simply walk out the door for Glühwein (mulled wine), handmade gifts, and the cozy bustle of the Kuckucksnest Market.

Snow-covered wooden facade of Hotel Hofgut Sternen with balconies and outdoor seating in winter.
Snowy view of the stone Ravenna Viaduct towering above a wooden chalet and sign reading “Weihnachtsmarkt Ravennaschlucht.”
Cream-colored building with blue shutters known as Goethehaus at Hofgut Sternen, named after the famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Cozy wooden dining room decorated for Christmas with red napkins and evergreen centerpieces at Hotel Hofgut Sternen.
People with umbrellas standing by a wooden stall lit with colorful lights at the Hofgut Sternen.
Interior of a glassblowing studio at Hofgut Sternen with colorful handmade glass ornaments and metal art.
Large decorated building featuring a massive cuckoo clock and painted forest scene near Hofgut Sternen.
Snow-covered courtyard of Hofgut Sternen with a lit Christmas tree and warmly glowing windows.
Ornate, weathered wooden door with chevron panels and carved details at Hofgut Sternen, Germany.
Close-up of the wooden house with green shutters beneath the Ravenna Viaduct and flowing stream.

The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is unlike any other in Germany. Set beneath the towering arches of the old railway viaduct, the setting feels straight out of a winter fairytale. The market features local crafts, regional foods, and even a Christmas Post Office, where children can send letters to Santa. One of the highlights for adults is Feuerzangenbowle—a festive drink made by setting a rum-soaked sugar cone aflame over mulled wine, caramelizing it as it drips into the glass below.

We walked up the hillside trail while it was still light to watch the transformation as night fell. The view from above is breathtaking—the market glowing with golden lights, the viaduct illuminated in shifting colors, and the forest surrounding it all in quiet darkness. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes—the path can be slippery on the way down!

Aerial view of the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market illuminated beneath the viaduct, with glowing stalls and a tall Christmas tree.
Woman holding a red mug labeled “Feuerzangenbowle” with a blue flame burning on top at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
Yellow-and-white train traveling across the Ravenna Viaduct at dusk above the illuminated Christmas market below.
People exploring the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market at dusk with a large decorated tree and the viaduct lit in red and gold.

If you’re not staying on-site, you can also hike to the market through the Löffeltal Valley from Hinterzarten, a scenic route that adds to the experience.

Lake Titisee – Snowy Trails and Lakeside Views

We also took a day trip to Lake Titisee, one of the Black Forest’s most famous lakes. Formed by a glacier during the last Ice Age, it stretches about two kilometers long (1.2 miles) and sits surrounded by thick forested hills. The lake’s deep blue water and alpine air have made it a popular resort destination for centuries.

We spent the day wandering through Titisee-Neustadt, the lakeside town known for its traditional architecture and relaxed pace. The Treschers Schwarzwald Hotel am See sits right along the water’s edge, adding to the postcard feel of the area. A tall Christmas tree stood near the church, adding a touch of festive color to the quiet winter scene, while small cafés tempted visitors with coffee and cake after a chilly walk.

Scenic view of lakeside hotels and forested slopes reflected in Lake Titisee on a winter afternoon.
Decorative facade of Drubba’s large cuckoo clock shop in Titisee with hand-painted vines and figurines.
Woman in a black winter jacket sitting beside Lake Titisee with snow-covered hills in the background.
White church tower with clock beside a large decorated Christmas tree in Titisee, Germany, surrounded by snow.
Exterior of Treschers Schwarzwald Hotel am See with green shutters and a snow-covered roof in Titisee, Germany.
Shoppers walking along a snow-lined street with alpine-style buildings and stores in Titisee, Germany.
Bare tree and wooden bench overlooking the edge of Lake Titisee on a cold winter day.

Along the lakeshore, paths wind through trees and open to peaceful views across the water. In winter, the atmosphere is calm and inviting—frozen edges glinting in the sunlight and benches waiting for anyone who doesn’t mind the cold. From here, a short trail leads into the Brugger Wald, where snow-covered pines and quiet clearings capture the Black Forest’s most tranquil side. It’s there that we found a cheerful snowman greeting passersby—an unexpected bit of fun along the trail.

Snowman with pine-branch scarf and crown and carrot nose standing in a snowy clearing near Lake Titisee.
Snow-covered plants and reeds reflected in a small pool of water in the Black Forest near Lake Titisee.
Snow-dusted path winding through tall pine trees in the Black Forest near Lake Titisee, Germany.
Evergreen trees reflecting warm light beside the frozen edge of a lake in the Black Forest near Lake Titisee, Germany.
Wooden benches along a snowy lakeside path with the sun glowing through trees over Lake Titisee.

Location & Getting There

The Black Forest makes for an easy weekend trip from Stuttgart by car. Triberg is about 2 hours southwest, with another 45 minutes to reach Ravenna Gorge and Hotel Hofgut Sternen. From there, Lake Titisee is just a 15-minute drive, making it an easy day trip—or a lovely stop along the way—before heading back toward Stuttgart.

If your main goal is to visit the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, plan ahead:

  • 2025 Market Dates: November 28–December 21 (weekends only)
  • Ticket Sales: Begin October 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
  • Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official Hochschwarzwald website. If you can’t make it this year, subscribe to their newsletter to be notified when next year’s tickets go on sale.

Other Things to Do in the Area

There’s plenty more to see and do throughout the Black Forest, from hiking and scenic drives to local museums and traditional villages. In winter, Feldberg Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding, while the Badeparadies Schwarzwald near Lake Titisee combines thermal baths, saunas, and tropical pools for a bit of relaxation after a day outdoors.

For more ideas and seasonal highlights, check out the official Hochschwarzwald website for up-to-date information on events, trails, and regional attractions.

Final Thoughts

Our weekend in the Black Forest brought together everything we love about winter travel—snowy walks, cozy cafés, and a Christmas market like no other. From the waterfalls of Triberg to the lights beneath the Ravenna Viaduct and the quiet beauty of Lake Titisee, each stop added something special to the season.

Have you visited any of these places—or experienced a Christmas market tucked into the woods? Share your thoughts, questions, or favorite memories in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

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