Exploring Triberg Waterfalls and cuckoo clocks in the Black Forest

Hidden in the heart of Germany’s legendary Black Forest lies one of the country’s most enchanting natural wonders. The Triberg Waterfalls cascade over seven tiers and it is surrounded by lush woodland. These falls offer a perfect mix of scenic beauty, easy hiking, and traditional German charm. Whether you come for the waterfalls, the cuckoo clocks, or a slice of authentic Black Forest cake or ham, Triberg is a destination that captures the spirit of southern Germany.

Triberg Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Germany. It is located in Triberg im Schwarzwald in the Black Forest in the Baden-Württemberg region. The height of the waterfall is 163 meters. It is not just the highest in Germany, but one of the country’s most accessible and picturesque waterfalls. It is divided into multiple sections, on which the Gutach river cascades down into the valley.

The source of the Gutach river is located in the municipality of Schönwald and the river is about 29 km long. It flows northwards through the Kinzig – it is a tributary of the Kinzig river – and the Rhine into the North Sea. Its name comes from the Old High German adjective “guot”, meaning good, and the suffix -aha, meaning flowing water. Therefore, its meaning is “peaceful, harmless water.” But, back to the waterfalls.

The water plunges down on seven major steps and you can find several scenic bridges over the river, where you can take pictures in awe. The path around the waterfalls is well-maintained, so, it is suitable for families, or people with disabilities, too. You can also find wooden walkways and viewing platforms along the waterfall route. During your hike you can observe wildlife, such as red squirrels and various birds, as well.

The waterfalls are open to visitors during the whole year. In the different seasons you can see the falls in different shape and form. I visited the Triberg Waterfalls in the Black Forest in autumn, the colours of the leaves were incredible. They say, in winter the frozen waterfalls offer a magical view. Or when the ice melts, the water mass is enormous and very impressive. Moreover, the falls are illuminated in the evening, until 22:00 (10pm).

You can find three signposted trail routes in the park: the Nature Trail (Naturweg), the Culture Trail (Kulturweg) or the Cascades Trail (Kaskadenweg). In the tourist office of Triberg or at the entrance, you can find the printed version of the map of the trails around the waterfalls. Or you can download it from the official website, from here.

Triberg is a very small village. Its population is around 4500 people. Triberg’s economy is mainly characterized by tourism and related services. You can download the map of the village from here. If you arrive by car, you can leave your car in one of the surrounding parking lots. These are well marked on the city map.

You can access the area of the waterfall at the main entrance, which you can easily reach on foot from the town center. There are alternative upper entrances for hikers, which gives you the opportunity to enter the falls from all sides. The entry fee depends on which season you visit and if you have a guestcard or not. I write about this card below. You can find the actual prices on the official website, here.

I visited Triberg by train, I took the train from Schaffhausen, Switzerland. It was my base, I visited one of my cousins there. I had to change trains several times because there were some kind of renovation or construction work of the rails, but it was fun. And I even had to take replacement buses, but everything was clearly marked, and I didn’t get lost. If you happen to visit during construction work, expect delays due to the renovation, especially with the replacement buses. Despite the delays, I made all my connections. Although I had to hurry on several occasions, because I only had a few minutes to change from one train to the next.

I downloaded the DB app, and I was able to easily buy tickets through it. I purchased the Baden-Württemberg daily ticket. You can read about this day trip pass in this post.

The Triberg train station is located outside the city center, north of the waterfall. The waterfall is about half an hour’s walk from the train station. Or you can take the bus, local buses 530 and 550 to reach the waterfall. There is an exhibition about the Black Forest Train at the train station, where you can read a few words about its history.

As I mentioned earlier, the waterfall can be approached from several points. Whether coming from the city through the main entrance, or hiking in the Black Forest, through one of the many entrance gates. The road to the waterfall itself is completely paved, asphalted, so you don’t necessarily need hiking shoes or boots. It’s best if you wear good walking shoes, sometimes the paths can be slippery.

Unless, of course, you want to hike further in the forest or you arrive at the waterfall itself after hiking in the forest. If you have enough time combine your visit with hiking trails leading deeper into the Black Forest. Keep in mind that if you leave the waterfall area through one of the gates, you can’t go back.

The waterfall area itself can be walked around in about an hour, even if you go slowly, cross all the bridges and take a break. So, it is worth to go further hiking in the forest. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do that, but maybe I will go again and will have more time. You can find some hiking routes on the official website, here.

Because it is very accessible for everyone, sometimes there are many people in the park. Arrive early or visit late afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you are a dog lover, you can also bring your dog, but only allowed to keep on a leash in the waterfall area.

If you are not the hiking type, there are plenty other things to do and visit.

There are several souvenir shops in the town, where you can choose from a variety of cuckoo clocks, wooden figurines, fridge magnets, and alcoholic beverages. If you want to see and buy traditional cuckoo clocks, visit the ‘House of 1000 Clocks’ shop. You won’t be able to decide which one to buy, because of the enormous variety of the clocks.

Next to the main entrance to the waterfall, where the road bends, you can find a small shop that offers black forest ham and various cheese. It is worth stopping by.

Nearby you can find the Black Forest Museum, where you can educate yourself about local crafts and traditions. In the same building you can find the tourist office of Triberg. If you have a valid waterfall entrance ticket, you can also visit the following three free of charge: the Black Forest Museum, the Triberg-Land and the Instagram Museum.

If you happen to stay in the vicinity for a few days, maybe it is useful to have the Konus guest card. It has several benefits, e.g. free travel on public buses and regional trains or a free waterfall entrance. You can read more about it here. I did not try this card.

Try the Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) at local cafés, the cake is still made according to the traditional recipe. I tasted it at the pastry shop at the bottom of the Adler Hotel. You can read about the history of this cake if you click here.

The town also has a small lake, called Bergsee. The lake is surrounded by a playground and benches if you feel like having a picnic. On your way to the lake, if you take a walk, you will find the St. Maria Church. Its baroque interior worth a quick stop.

The Triberg Waterfalls in the Black Forest may be one of Germany’s most visited natural sites, but they never lose their magic. Between the sound of rushing water, the scent of pine forests, and the cozy charm of the surrounding village, this corner of the Black Forest feels straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful day trip, Triberg promises an unforgettable experience.