Schwarzwaldhochstraße Travel Guide

The Schwarzwaldhochstraße, also known as the Black Forest High Road (B500), is Germany's oldest and most famous themed drive. Completed in 1952, this 60-kilometer route runs from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, offering a blend of thrilling driving and natural beauty.The road climbs to the main ridge of the Northern Black Forest, rewarding travelers with panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountains. Along the way, it passes several highland hotels and ski areas, including Mehliskopf, Hundseck, Unterstmatt, Mummelsee, Ruhestein, and Schliffkopf. Popular attractions include the Mummelsee, a cirque lake from the last ice age, and the Naturschutzzentrum at Ruhestein, which provides information about the Black Forest National Park.The route is known for its sweeping corners, smooth switchbacks, and hairpin bends, providing an exhilarating driving experience. Numerous lay-bys allow drivers to stop and soak in the stunning scenery. In winter, the Schwarzwaldhochstraße becomes a hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts, with ski slopes and cross-country ski trails at Mehliskopf, Hundseck, and Ruhestein.While some older hotels and restaurants along the route have closed, efforts are underway to revitalize the Schwarzwaldhochstraße as a tourist destination, with plans for improved amenities, e-mobility infrastructure, and new accommodation options.