Schonach in the Black Forest lies in a high valley between 600 and 1,164 metres; the town centre is at an altitude of 850 metres. Forests, meadows, pastureland, heathland and moors shape the landscape. The altitude and varied landscape give the area its distinctive natural character. There are also different reasons to visit beyond the scenery: winter sports, leisure activities, trails and culture each offer a different focus.
Altitude and landscape
In Schonach’s Triberg granite massif, rock formations have created large and small waterfalls along the Gutach, Schonach, Elz and Alpirsbach rivers. Rohrhardsberg is part of the Natura 2000 network, which protects rare and endangered species as well as valuable habitats. Geological formations and habitat conservation thus offer different ways to experience nature.
Winter sports at the Langenwald ski jump
In winter, the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup takes place at the Langenwald ski jump. If you want the competition to be a highlight of your stay, check the specific event dates in advance.
A virtual reality experience at the Langenwald ski jump lets visitors experience ski jumping from the top of the jump tower. Before your trip, check whether the programme is available at the time of your visit. The two attractions offer different experiences: the World Cup is a winter competition, while the VR experience gives you a taste of ski jumping.
Hiking trails and family activities
The Schalenstein Trail is considered a particularly family-friendly hiking trail. The local rally is designed for families with children aged six and over. They offer different points of reference: the Schalenstein Trail is recommended for families, while the rally specifies an age group. As the information for families about the rally may be updated, check it in advance.
In 2024, the U(h)rwaldpfad at Rohrhardsberg was nominated as Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail. Those comparing hiking options can weigh the family recommendation for the Schalenstein Trail against the time-specific nomination for the U(h)rwaldpfad.
Leisure activities in the spa park and natural swimming pool
The spa park has a water play area, a beach volleyball court, mini golf and a water-treading facility. It also features a music pavilion, flower meadows and a place to get refreshments. As facilities and availability may change, check which activities are available before your visit.
The natural swimming pool has a children’s playground, a beach volleyball court and a kiosk serving lunch and snacks. It is seasonal, and opening arrangements may also change. Check them before your visit. Beach volleyball is available at both leisure spots; mini golf and water-treading are features of the spa park, while the natural swimming pool also has a children’s playground and kiosk.
Sacred art and clockmaking history
In St. Urban Church, a baptismal font dating from 1624 and altar paintings from 1747/48 are among the oldest sacred objects. Their dates span different centuries: the baptismal font is from the 17th century, and the altar paintings from the 18th century.
The cuckoo clock in Schonach’s Untertal marks a different period. Clockmaker Josef Dold and his family built it between 1977 and 1980. Alongside the older sacred objects, the clock offers a later, clearly dated point of connection to clockmaking.
Discover more destinations: Königsfeld in the Black Forest, Bad Dürrheim, Villingen-Schwenningen, Tuningen, Gütenbach, Dauchingen, Furtwangen in the Black Forest, Gremmelsbach
For the wider travel overview: Schwarzwald-Baar district.
