September is one of my favorite months to visit the Black Forest. The summer crowds begin to thin, the forests are still lush and green, and the air has just enough crispness to remind you that autumn is on the way. On this day trip, I explored the northern Black Forest with my daughter and her boyfriend, enjoying a relaxed pace that balanced light adventure with time to wander, soak, and simply be together.

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is one of Germany’s most recognizable regions, known for its dense evergreen forests, spa towns, hiking trails, and long-standing health and wellness traditions. Historically, the area developed around forestry, mining, and glassmaking, and later became famous as a destination for fresh air cures and thermal bathing. Today, it’s a place where outdoor experiences and quiet town life sit comfortably side by side.

Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald: Walking Through the Treetops

Our day began above Bad Wildbad on the Sommerberg, a forested hillside overlooking the town and home to the TreeTop Walk (Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald). We chose to drive up and park near the treetop walk, but visitors can also reach the Sommerberg from town via the Sommerbergbahn, a funicular railway that has been operating for over a century and is the highest of its kind in Baden-Württemberg. The short ride up the mountainside is a scenic alternative for those who prefer not to drive.

The treetop walk stretches about 1.25 km (about 3/4 mile), guiding visitors through the upper canopy of beech, fir, and spruce trees, in places reaching up to 20 meters (66 feet) above ground. Along the way, small learning stations are paired with simple hands-on elements—like balance features and interactive stops—that encourage visitors to engage with the forest while learning about local plants, wildlife, and forest ecosystems. For families, the Comic Rallye adds a playful element, inviting children to answer questions and complete small tasks as they go, with a small prize waiting at the end.

Walking among the treetops is a wonderfully special experience that rewards you with beautiful views and and the soft sounds of the forest.

The Observation Tower and Slide

At the end of the treetop walk stands the observation tower, rising 40 meters (131 feet) above the forest floor. From the top, the view opens out across the rolling hills of the Black Forest and down toward the town below. It’s a wide, layered landscape that really shows how forested this region still is.

For a more playful descent, we took the 55-meter (180 feet) tunnel slide, which spirals down through the tower. Riders sit on a carpet and glide down the enclosed slide—a surprisingly fun option for both kids and adults. The slide is seasonal and only open when weather conditions allow, but if it’s operating, it’s well worth trying.

Next to the tower is the Adventure Forest (Abenteuerwald), an adventure forest area with playground equipment, climbing elements, zip lines, and trampolines. While we didn’t spend much time there, it’s clearly a popular stop for families with younger children.

Wildline Suspension Bridge: A Short Hike with Big Views

From the observation tower, we continued on foot toward the Wildline suspension bridge (hängebrücke). The bridge spans 380 meters (about ¼ mile) across a forested valley, and crossing it makes you keenly aware of the height and open space below—just enough to add a sense of excitement without feeling overwhelming.

The walk from the Sommerberg area to the bridge is manageable and fits easily into the day for anyone already visiting the treetop walk.

Wandering Bad Wildbad and Lunch in Town

After heading back down to town, we spent some time walking through Bad Wildbad itself. The spa town sits tightly within the Enz valley, with steep forested hills rising on both sides. Its layout reflects its long history as a health resort, with spa buildings, hotels, and riverside paths woven into a compact center.

We stopped for lunch before our spa visit, enjoying a relaxed break ahead of our afternoon appointments.

Palais Thermal: A Classic Black Forest Spa Experience

One of the highlights of the day was visiting Palais Thermal, one of the most well-known historic spas in the Black Forest. Built in the mid-19th century, the building is immediately recognizable by its pink sandstone façade and ornate details.

Inside, the spa blends historic bathing halls with a more modern sauna area, and visitors can also book massages as part of their visit. The combination of classic pools, warm water, and historic surroundings makes it a relaxing place to spend an afternoon after a day of walking and exploring.

While we didn’t visit it on this trip, Bad Wildbad is also home to the Vital Therme, a more modern thermal spa complex with pools and wellness facilities. It’s another option for visitors planning a longer stay or a return visit.

Other Things to Do Nearby

The Bad Wildbad area works well as a base for exploring the northern Black Forest, with plenty of options depending on your interests and the season. For a full overview of current attractions, seasonal highlights, and practical planning information, the official Bad Wildbad and Black Forest tourism websites are a helpful place to start.

One of the winter highlights at the Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald is the Magical Winter Lights event, when the entire treetop path and tower are bathed in soft white illumination. This nighttime experience typically runs through the winter months and into early February, creating a very different atmosphere for visitors who come in the colder season.

One favorite hike nearby leads to Waldgaststätte Grünhütte, where we previously completed a blueberry hike and enjoyed their well-known blueberry (and cherry) pancakes. The trail passes through forest sections, boardwalks over wetter ground, and open moorland areas, making the walk just as enjoyable as the destination.

Other nearby options include skiing in winter, hiking and cycling routes throughout the warmer months, the Fairytale Path designed especially for families, and access to the Nature Park Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord, one of Germany’s largest protected landscapes.

Towns like Calw (with its historic center and nearby Hirsau Monastery), Baden-Baden, Pforzheim, and Freudenstadt are all within reasonable driving distance and can easily be added to a longer Black Forest itinerary.

Location & Getting There (from Stuttgart)

Bad Wildbad is located in the northern Black Forest, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Stuttgart.

By car, the drive takes roughly one hour. Parking is available in Bad Wildbad as well as at the Sommerberg car park near the treetop walk.

By public transportation, the journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes using regional trains, and it’s covered by the Deutschland-Ticket. From the town center, the Sommerbergbahn funicular provides easy access to the treetop walk area.

Final Thoughts

Our day in the Black Forest brought together a treetop walk, forest views, a bit of excitement at the Wildline suspension bridge, and time to unwind at the historic thermal baths. Sharing it with my daughter and her boyfriend made it even better.

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Have you visited the Black Forest or explored Bad Wildbad and its surrounding trails? If you have questions, tips, or favorite spots to recommend, feel free to share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you.