Sidetrips
All within easy reach of our house.
Hikes, vineyards, museums, natural wonders.
Your holiday destination is right on our doorstep.
Badenweiler. The Black Forest. The Markgräflerland.
People come here – for the warm springs, the tranquillity, and the natural surroundings that truly have healing properties.
Even the Romans knew this. Later, so did the European aristocracy and famous artists.
Badenweiler, a place where healing and relaxation are literally experienced
We know Badenweiler, the Markgräflerland and the Dreiländer-Eck. We’d be delighted to show you why our region is so special.
Hiking.
In the Black Forest and the foothills of the Markgräflerland region.
The Southern Black Forest region was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2017. A treat for any keen hiker, with countless, perfectly signposted trails – ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
They start right on our doorstep.
Duration: From short to long walks, the spa gardens invite you to explore.
Distance: Located right next to our hotel
Difficulty: Very easy (also suitable for pushchairs and walkers)
Ancient trees, peaceful paths, benches to rest on.
Burg Baden is a ruin — not particularly large, but historically fascinating.
Built around 1080, later destroyed. Now a peaceful spot, surrounded by nature.
Tip from Tom & Catinka:
Discover the Gutedel and Hildegard von Bingen gardens, situated directly below the castle ruins
Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: approx. 6–8 km
Difficulty: Moderate (with elevation changes)
This route takes you through the vineyards of the Markgräflerland.
You’ll see the vines, understand the topography (why these sites are so good), and by the end you’ll understand why Markgräfler wine is so sought-after.
The route starts at the hotel – would you like to combine your walk with a wine tasting? Please feel free to speak to Catinka and she’ll organise the perfect stop for you
Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: approx. 12–15 km
Difficulty: Challenging (steep climbs, unpaved paths)
This route is for serious hikers. It takes you deeper into the Black Forest than the Wine Route — through woods, over hills, with views you’ll never forget.
The paths are well marked by the Black Forest Association.
This is the real Black Forest: tranquillity, nature, beauty.
Hiking maps & guides
Hiking maps are available at reception.
You can hire walking poles.
Please speak to our team when you arrive.
Culture, wine, history
— Badenweiler has it all.
Badenweiler isn’t just about nature. It also has culture.
Small museums, art exhibitions, local events, regional history.
The Badenweiler Literature Days
We are the Authors' Hotel
When: Every autumn (September/October)
What: Readings by local and German authors, discussions, workshops
Authors and readers meet, discuss and dine together.
This is culture as it should be: intimate, accessible, and unstaged.
If you’re here during the Literature Days, that’s a bonus — you can walk straight from us to the events and meet the authors in person over breakfast or at the Markgräfler buffet on Sunday.
Info: www.badenweiler.de (search for events)
The Markgräfler Wineries
Badenweiler is situated in the Markgräflerland wine-growing region. There are dozens of small wineries — many with “Straußwirtschaft” (small restaurants on the vineyard premises where the winemakers themselves serve wine and food).
Our recommendation: Choose 1–2 vineyards per day. Not all at once. Quality over quantity.
Ask our team for recommendations. We know the winemakers.
And you can get there by car or e-bike from here.
Schloss Bürgeln — A genuine castle steeped in history
Even from the Rhine Valley, Bürgeln Castle shines out from afar — a real building, not a ruin, not a backdrop. The imposing gable with its richly decorated stucco work, the bell tower with the leaping stag: Bürgeln is one of those rare castles that you don’t just visit, but experience.
About 15 minutes from Badenweiler, and yet a world apart. From the terrace, a panorama unfolds that is hard to beat: the Rhine Valley, the Vosges, the Swiss Jura — and on a clear day, when the mist lifts behind the southern ridges, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on the horizon.
The castle is not a museum. People eat here, celebrate here, work here. The restaurant and café are right inside the castle — a coffee with this view is one of the region’s simplest pleasures.
Recommendation: Half a day, preferably in the afternoon. In good weather, it’s worth waiting for the evening light over the Rhine Valley.
Website: www.schlossbuergeln.de
Freiburg (30 mins by car or train)
Badenweiler is a small town. If you’re looking for a proper city, Freiburg (the capital of the Black Forest) is just 30 minutes away.
Old Town, cathedral, university atmosphere, restaurants, museums.
Our view: A day in Freiburg is lovely, but do come back to the peace and quiet of Badenweiler. That’s the point.
Nearby activities
✓ Golf (18-hole course 10 mins away)
✓ Tennis
✓ Public outdoor swimming pool (summer)
✓ Cycling (Markgräfler Wine Route, Black Forest tours)
✓ Fishing (on the Rhine or small streams)
✓ Horse riding (riding stables in the region)
✓ Paragliding (from mountain slopes)
Further information.
- Badenweiler Tourismusinfo: www.badenweiler.de
- Cassiopeia Therme: www.staatsbad-badenweiler.de
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: www.schwarzwald-tourismus.de
- Markgräflerland Wein: www.markgraeflerland.de
- Freiburg Tourismus: www.freiburg.de
Culture & Museums
| Location | Brief description | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Cité de l’Automobile | The world’s largest car museum, featuring a Bugatti collection and over 400 vehicles. | approx. 28 km |
| Fondation Beyeler | Renowned art museum with works by Picasso, Monet and modern exhibitions. | approx. 24 km |
| Museum Tinguely | Fascinating museum of kinetic art by Jean Tinguely. | approx. 28 km |
| Vitra Design Museum | Architectural and design highlight featuring iconic buildings. | approx. 23 km |
| Messe Basel | Modern exhibition centre hosting a variety of events, housed in an architecturally striking building. | approx. 28 km |
Nature & Lakes
| Location | Brief description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grißheim Swimming Lake | A peaceful swimming lake, ideal for hot summer days. | approx. 13 km | |
| Nonnenmattweiher | A picturesque Black Forest lake with walking trails. | approx. 10 km | |
| Titisee | Well-known Black Forest lake with boat trips and a promenade. | approx. 41 km | |
| Schluchsee | Largest lake in the Black Forest – perfect for swimming and hiking. | approx. 36 km | |
| Triberg Waterfalls | Germany’s highest waterfalls with beautiful hiking scenery. | approx. 62 km |
Family Outings & Leisure
| Location | Brief description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basel Zoo | One of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in Europe. | approx. 30 km | |
| Europa-Park | Germany’s largest theme park with rollercoasters and themed worlds. | approx. 52 km | |
| Hasenhorn Coaster | Summer toboggan run with stunning Black Forest views. | approx. 21 km | |
| Steinwasen Park | Family park with a suspension bridge, summer toboggan run and wildlife. | approx. 29 km | |
| Mundenhof Animal Park | Free animal park – ideal for children. | approx. 25 km | |
| Mulhouse Zoo | Large zoo with a botanical garden. | approx. 29 km |
Views & Hiking
| Location | Brief description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kälblescheuer | Popular hiking hut and refreshment stop with beautiful views. | approx. 7 km | |
| Schlossberg | Great vantage point overlooking Freiburg. | approx. 26 km | |
| Staufen Castle Ruins | Historic castle ruins with panoramic views. | approx. 10 km | |
| Feldberg Valley Station | Starting point for skiing and hiking trips in the Upper Black Forest. | approx. 28 km |
Wine & Wineries
| Location | Brief description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sektgut Reinecker | Known for regional sparkling wines and wine tastings. | approx. 6 km | |
| Weingut Blankenhorn | Traditional winery producing excellent Markgräfler wines. | approx. 10 km | |
| Weingut Dörflinger | Family-run winery with a regional focus. | approx. 4 km | |
| Weingut Engler | Local winery with classic Markgräfler wines. | approx. 3 km | |
| Weingut Fritz Waßmer | One of the region’s best-known premium wineries. | approx. 14 km | |
| Weingut Greiner | Cosy winery offering tastings. | approx. 5 km | |
| Weingut Heinemann | A good stop-off for wine lovers. | approx. 17 km | |
| Weingut Klotz | Small regional winery near Basel. | approx. 20 km | |
| Weingut Lämmlin-Schindler | Known for high-quality Burgundy wines. | approx. 8 km | |
| Weingut Rieger | Charming winery in the Markgräflerland region. | approx. 6 km | |
| Weingut Ruser | Wine stop on the way to Basel. | approx. 22 km | |
| Weingut Schlumberger Bernhart | Popular for regional wine tastings. | approx. 5 km | |
| Weingut Schneider-Krafft | Located right next to the hotel. | approx. 2 km |
For short trips (under 10 km), the Staufen Castle Ruins, Nonnenmattweiher and the many wineries are particularly ideal.
For day trips, Europa-Park, Titisee or Cité de l’Automobile are particularly worth a visit.