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Ravenna Gorge: A Black Forest Wonder
Discover the enchanting Ravenna Gorge in the Black Forest: Waterfalls, historic mills, and scenic trails await!
The Ravenna Gorge, a dramatic valley carved by the Ravenna stream, is a captivating natural attraction in Germany's Black Forest. It features cascading waterfalls, historic mills, and the towering Ravenna Bridge, offering a blend of scenic hiking and cultural exploration.
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A brief summary to Ravenna Gorge
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Freiburg, take the S1 or S10 train to Hinterzarten. From Hinterzarten Bahnhof, take the line 7216 bus towards Breitnau Hirschenberg. Alight at Breitnau Hirschenberg, from where it is a short walk to the Ravenna Gorge. A single train ticket from Freiburg to Hinterzarten costs approximately €5-€8. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2-€4. Alternatively, during the Christmas Market, take the designated shuttle bus from Hinterzarten, Titisee or Freiburg. Booking a shuttle ticket in advance is required.
Car
Drive to Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht, 79874 Breitnau). Follow signs for 'Ravennaschlucht Weihnachtsmarkt' or 'Höllentalbahn'. During the Christmas Market, parking is limited and must be booked online in advance with your ticket. Parking costs approximately €8 for a 2-hour timeslot. Parking is located at Hofgut Sternen, a short shuttle ride from the market entrance. Outside of the Christmas Market, parking may be available on-site or in nearby towns.
Walking
From Hinterzarten, follow the winter hiking trail (approximately 3.2km) through the Löffeltal valley to the Ravenna Gorge. The hike takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. An admission ticket is still required to enter the Ravenna Gorge area, especially during the Christmas Market. Be prepared for potentially icy conditions in winter and bring appropriate footwear.
Local tips
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Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, as the trails can be steep and slippery, especially when wet.
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Visit during the Christmas season to experience the magical Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
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Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly, as the gorge can be cooler and wetter than the surrounding area.
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Bring cash, as many vendors, especially at the Christmas market, may not accept credit cards.
Discover more about Ravenna Gorge
The Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht) is a stunning, narrow gorge in the Black Forest, southwestern Germany. Carved by the Ravenna stream, it's a side valley of the Höllental (Hell Valley), characterized by steep, wooded slopes and dramatic rock formations. The gorge stretches approximately four kilometers from the Höllental up to the village of Breitnau.
The Ravenna stream tumbles down the gorge in a series of picturesque waterfalls, the largest being the 16-meter-high Great Ravenna Fall and the 6-meter-high Little Ravenna Fall. Historically, the stream powered numerous mills and sawmills, some of which are still visible today. One well-preserved example is the Großjockenmühle, dating back to 1883, where water is ingeniously channeled over the roof to power the water wheel.
A prominent feature is the 37-meter-high Ravenna Bridge (Ravennabrücke), a railway viaduct of the Höllental Railway (Höllentalbahn). The railway, opened in 1878, connects Freiburg with Donaueschingen, traversing tunnels and viaducts. Near the bridge, visitors can find the St. Oswald Chapel, built in 1148, and the Hotel Hofgut Sternen, a historic estate where Marie Antoinette stayed in 1770 and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1779.
The gorge offers several hiking trails, including a section of the Black Forest Homeland Path. These trails wind past waterfalls, mills, and the Ravenna Bridge, providing scenic views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Black Forest. During the Advent season, the Ravenna Gorge transforms into a magical Christmas market, nestled beneath the Ravenna Bridge. Festively decorated stalls offer handmade gifts, regional delicacies, and mulled wine, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere.
A brief summary to Ravenna Gorge
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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