Blog of the Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde
Day trips, hiking & wellness in the Southern Black Forest
Lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, sauna know-how and Baden cuisine – with directions from Ühlingen-Birkendorf, practical information and sources.
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Popular destinations
Titisee: attractions, circular trail and tips for your visit
Titisee attractions: Seestraße, boat trip, bathing spot and circular trail (around 6 km). With tips on getting there, parking, winter and nearby destinations.
Schluchsee: sights, swimming, boat trips and tips
Schluchsee sights: dam, lakeside beach baths, Dreiseenbahn and viewpoints. With tips on swimming, boat trips, getting there and the best time to visit.
The most beautiful waterfalls in the Black Forest
Waterfalls in the Black Forest: Todtnau, Menzenschwand, Falkau, Ravennaschlucht, Triberg – with distance from Birkendorf, admission and tips (as of Oct. 2026).
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Winter in the Southern Black Forest: snow, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Winter in the Southern Black Forest: toboggan runs, cross-country trails, snowshoe trails and winter walking routes with distances from Birkendorf, plus ideas for days without snow.
The most beautiful waterfalls in the Black Forest
Waterfalls in the Black Forest: Todtnau, Menzenschwand, Falkau, Ravennaschlucht, Triberg – with distance from Birkendorf, admission and tips (as of Oct. 2026).
Why is the Black Forest called the Black Forest?
Why is the Black Forest called the Black Forest? First record in 868, ancient names, the “Silva Nigra” legend and what is considered established – explained with sources.
Waldshut-Tiengen: old town, shopping and tips for a day trip
Discover Waldshut-Tiengen: gates, Tiengen Castle, weekly market, rules for Swiss guests on VAT and customs – with directions from Birkendorf.
Forest bathing in the Southern Black Forest: guide and beautiful places
Forest bathing in the Black Forest: what it is, how to try it, what studies say – and four tours in the Southern Black Forest with distances from Birkendorf.
Todtnau Waterfall: trail, parking and suspension bridge
Todtnau Waterfall: 97 m drop, getting there from Birkendorf, parking in Aftersteg, walking trails, admission and suspension bridge – as of October 2026.
Titisee: attractions, circular trail and tips for your visit
Titisee attractions: Seestraße, boat trip, bathing spot and circular trail (around 6 km). With tips on getting there, parking, winter and nearby destinations.
Thermal baths in the Black Forest: overview and tips
Thermal baths in the Black Forest at a glance: Zurzach, Badeparadies, Aqualon, Solemar, Cassiopeia, Vita Classica, Balinea – with distances from Birkendorf.
St. Blasien: cathedral and sights in the Southern Black Forest
St. Blasien in the Southern Black Forest: cathedral with a 36-metre dome, history, visiting tips, concerts and excursion destinations, around 25 minutes from the Sonnenhof hotel.
Lakes in the Black Forest: the most beautiful swimming and walking lakes
Lakes in the Black Forest: Schluchsee, Titisee, Windgfällweiher, Schlüchtsee and Feldsee compared. Where you can swim and how far it is from Birkendorf.
Black Forest ham: production, PGI and enjoyment
Black Forest ham PGI: what the EU seal means, how the raw ham is made, how to store it – and where the ham museum is.
Black Forest gateau: history and classic recipe
Black Forest gateau: who invented it is disputed. What the guidelines require, plus a classic recipe for the 26 cm springform tin.
Schluchtensteig: stages, map and tips
Schluchtensteig in the Southern Black Forest: 119 km from Stühlingen to Wehr, all stages with lengths and walking times, hiking passport, how to get there and tips for day trips.
Hiking at Schluchsee: circular trail, easy walks and cycle path
Hiking at Schluchsee: the lakeside circular trail of 17 to 19 km, stages by boat, easy walks, the Jägersteig and a cycle path around the lake. With durations, places to stop for refreshments and directions.
Schluchsee: sights, swimming, boat trips and tips
Schluchsee sights: dam, lakeside beach baths, Dreiseenbahn and viewpoints. With tips on swimming, boat trips, getting there and the best time to visit.
Baden-style Schäufele: origins, preparation and recipe
Schäufele from Baden: what makes the cured, smoked pork shoulder special, how it differs from the Franconian one, plus a recipe and side dishes.
Sauna rules for beginners: how often, how long and what to wear?
Sauna rules for beginners: how long does a sauna session last, how often can you go, what do you wear? Recommendations from the experts at a glance.
Is the sauna healthy? Effects, benefits and when you should avoid it
Is the sauna healthy? What studies show about the heart, circulation and airways, where the limits lie, and who should seek medical advice before a sauna session.
Sauna with a cold: when it helps and when it doesn't
Sauna with a cold: why you can't sweat out an infection, when a short session is acceptable and what studies show on prevention.
Sauna steaming: types, procedure and etiquette
Sauna Aufguss (sauna infusion) explained: what happens during the Aufguss, which types there are, how long it lasts and which rules apply to guests – with guideline values.
Kneipp therapy: a guide to water treading and what is known about its effects
Kneipp therapy and water treading: step-by-step guide, duration, contraindications and what studies say about the effects. With sources from the Kneipp-Bund and BMJ.
Black Forest kirsch (Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser): origin, production and enjoyment
What is kirsch, where does Black Forest kirsch (Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser) come from and how is it made? An overview of protected origin, distilling cherries, distillation and enjoyment.
Hotzenwald: Excursions and hikes
Hotzenwald in the Southern Black Forest: location, places, museums and hiking trails with length and duration. Tips for day trips from the Sonnenhof Hotel in Birkendorf.
Hot Stone Massage: procedure, effects and who it is suitable for
Hot Stone Massage: Here’s how it works: the hotter the stones are, which is scientifically proven and who should ask first. With a price at the Schwarzwaldhotel.
Höchenschwand: Trip to the „Village in the Sky“
Höchenschwand at 1,015 meters: lookout tower, rocky path, moorland and alpine views. Tips for your trip, about 25 minutes from the Sonnenhof Hotel.
Wedding anniversaries: the common names from 1 to 75 years old
Wedding anniversaries from paper to precious jewels: the common names as a table, where lists contradict each other and why there is no uniform standard.
Gift for the wedding anniversary: experiential ideas instead of material things
Looking for a gift for a wedding anniversary? Experiential ideas for couples: Candle-light dinner, wellness for two, hiking, a voucher, and what the studies say about it.
Foot reflexology massage: procedure, effects and what is scientifically proven
Foot reflexology massage: Here’s how it works, what studies say about the contraindications, and what it costs at the wellness hotel in the Black Forest.
Freiburg attractions: Day trip to the Black Forest metropolis
Attractions in Freiburg: Münster, the Bächle stream, Schlossberg hill and the Christmas market in 2026 – with directions, parking and tips for day trips from Birkendorf.
Finnish sauna: temperature, process, difference from the organic sauna
Finnish sauna explained: Temperature and humidity, typical flow of a sauna session and the difference from the milder organic sauna – with springs.
Field Lake: Round-trip route, hiking trail, and how to get there
Field Lake at Feldberg: Karsee at 1,100 m, circular routes of 6.5 to 12 km, access, parking, no swimming allowed and rest stops. Also tips on weather and winter.
Ski resort Feldberg: Lifts, slopes, access
Ski resort Feldberg: Season start 2026/27, times, slopes, ski pass sales, how to get there from Birkendorf, parking, ski courses and alternatives (as of October 2026).
Digital Detox: this is how you can take a break from your smartphone
Digital detox in everyday life and on vacation: What studies show, what tips help with getting started, and how to have a hands-free break in the Southern Black Forest.
Steam bath or sauna? Differences, effects, order
Steam bath or sauna? The differences in temperature and humidity, what is known about their effects, and how to combine both in a sensible way.
Bollenhut: Origin, meaning and where to see it
Bollenhut: Origin from Gutach, Kirnbach and Reichenbach; meaning of red and black; 14 balls – and museums where you can see the traditional costume.
Black Forest spa resort in Titisee: areas, tickets, tips – and the quiet alternative
Black Forest spa resort in Titisee: areas, opening hours (as of October 2026), how to get there, rules – and a quiet wellness alternative in the hotel.
Albsteig Black Forest: Stages and highlights
Albstieg Black Forest: 83.3 km from Albbruck to Feldberg, all stages with length and altitude meters, highlights, travel time and arrival from the Sonnenhof hotel.
Wellness in the Black Forest in winter: The warm side of the region
Wellness in the Black Forest in winter: sauna after a winter hike, massages, high-altitude climate. Tips & treatments from the Sonnenhof wellness hotel in Ühlingen.
Jägersteig Schluchsee: Premium hiking trail in the High Black Forest
The Jägersteig at the Schluchsee — premium hiking trail with views, mountain forest and lake views. 13 km, 4 hours. Journey from the Hotel Sonnenhof in 20 minutes.
Menzenschwand Waterfall: Family walk at the foot of the Feldberg
The most scenic hike to the Menzenschwander Waterfall (50 m). Tips on routes, places to stop for food and drink, and getting there from the Hotel Sonnenhof in 30 minutes.
Feldberg Black Forest: Walking, railway, Haus der Natur & Feldsee
The Feldberg in the Black Forest: Feldbergbahn cable car, House of Nature, Lake Feldsee, Geißenpfad trail, Feldbergsteig trail. Tips & how to get there from the wellness hotel in 40 minutes.
Rhine Falls Schaffhausen: Europe's largest waterfall as a day trip
The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen — Europe's largest waterfall: views, boat trips, admission and getting there from the Hotel Sonnenhof in 45 minutes.
Gauchachschlucht: The quiet sister of the Wutachschlucht
The Gauchach Gorge in the Black Forest: hiking routes, historic mills and travel tips. Quiet alternative to the Wutach Gorge — 25 minutes from the hotel.
Ravennaschlucht: Hiking, waterfalls & viaduct in the High Black Forest
The Ravenna Gorge in the Black Forest: hiking routes, two waterfalls, Ravenna Viaduct and the famous Christmas market. Tips & travel from the hotel.
Triberg Waterfalls Black Forest: Day tour with cuckoo clock + traditional pom-pom hat
A day with the Triberg Waterfalls in the Black Forest, a visit to one of the oldest cuckoo clock workshops and a detour to the Bollenhut village of Gutach — this day trip is one of the …
Hiking the Wutach Gorge: 5 routes, tips and insider knowledge from the hotel
Hiking the Wutach Gorge: The 5 best routes, best season, getting there and practical tips. Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde is located 25 mins from the gorge.
Summer holiday Black Forest: mountain lakes, hiking + hotel wellness
Summer holiday in the Black Forest at the Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde wellness hotel: swimming in mountain lakes, hiking in gorges, family trails. High Black Forest at an altitude of 800 m.
Three days of hiking in the Southern Black Forest — Route suggestion starting from Ühlingen-Birkendorf
Walking holiday Black Forest: 3-day tour from Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde. Wutach Gorge, Westweg, Triberg + Titisee. With evening wellness and regional cuisine.
Black Forest Christmas market 2026: dates, times and travel directions
Black Forest Christmas Market 2026: 20 confirmed markets from Ühlingen, Waldshut and St. Blasien to Freiburg, Basel and Strasbourg – with dates, times and travel times.
Rothaus Brewery — Tannenzäpfle, guided tour and tips from the hotel
Rothaus Brewery Black Forest: Tannenzäpfle home, brewery tour and Germany's highest beer garden (1,000 m). Tips + directions from Hotel Sonnenhof.
Black Forest Excursion Destinations: 12 Tips from Hotel Sonnenhof
Black Forest attractions: The 12 most beautiful places around the Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde wellness hotel — Titisee, Schluchsee, Wutach Gorge, Rothaus & more.
Wellness Hotel Black Forest — Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde, family-run in the Upper Black Forest
Wellness hotel Black Forest: indoor pool, sauna, massages + 180 km of hiking trails from the doorstep. Family-run 3-star superior hotel in Ühlingen-Birkendorf.
Hiking in the Black Forest with children: 5 enchanted forest trails from the hotel
Hiking in the Black Forest with children: Kugelwaldpfad, Naturena, Geißenpfad, Schlühüwanapark + Wuhrweiher. Adventure trails from the Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde.
Black Forest hotel gift voucher: Give the gift of time out
Value voucher Black Forest Hotel: Give the gift of a break at the Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde wellness hotel. From €50, valid for 3 years, with a choice of package deals.
Black Forest sauna landscape: wellness at Hotel Sonnhalde
Black Forest sauna landscape at the Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde wellness hotel: 450 m² with Finnish sauna, textile sauna + indoor pool. At 800 metres in the Upper Black Forest.
Textile sauna Black Forest: Milder sauna at the Hotel Sonnhalde
Textile sauna Schwarzwald at Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde: 65–70°C, swimwear required, ideal for sauna beginners. Wellness area at an altitude of 800 metres.
Schluhuwanapark Grafenhausen: Family Adventure Park in the Black Forest
Schluhuwanapark Grafenhausen: free family adventure park with animal enclosures, water play area + climbing frames. 15 mins from Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde.
Kugelwaldpfad Ühlingen-Birkendorf: Adventure trail for families
Marble run trail in Ühlingen-Birkendorf: 15 stations with wooden balls. On foot from the Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde, free of charge, ideal for families with children.
Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand: Court Painter Sissi + Eugénie
Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand: Court painter Franz Xaver Winterhalter, portraits of Sissi + Empress Eugénie. 35 mins from Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde.
District Museum of St. Blasien: History of the Upper Black Forest
St Blasien District Museum: monastery history, traditional costumes + clockmaking tools. Combine with a visit to the cathedral. 35 mins from Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde in the Black Forest.
Schopfloch Black Forest novel by Felix Huby: Hotel tips
Schopfloch Black Forest novel by Felix Huby: literary settings around the Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde hotel. Crime fiction series featuring Inspector Frieder Körner.
Schlüchtsee: Discover a tranquil mountain lake in the southern Black Forest
Schlüchtsee near Grafenhausen: Nature reserve, circular walking trail, raised bog + swimming opportunity. Journey time 15 mins from the Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde in the Black Forest.
Resenhof Local History Museum Bernau: 16th-century Black Forest house.
Resenhof local history museum in Bernau: original 16th-century Black Forest house. How to get there + tips from the Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde hotel.
Todtnau Suspension Bridge — Blackforestline in the Black Forest: Tips from the hotel
Todtnau suspension bridge: directions, tickets, walking trails around the BlackForestLine. Tips from Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde, 60 minutes to the Black Forest highlight.
Black Forest House of the Senses: interactive museum in Bad Rippoldsau
Black Forest House of the Senses: 80 interactive exhibits for families. Slanted room, giant kaleidoscope, sensory pathway. Directions + tips from Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde.
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Your base
Spa hotel in the Southern Black Forest, close to the Swiss border
The Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde is located in Birkendorf, at 800 metres above sea level. You can reach many of the destinations in this blog from here by car or by bus and train.
- Indoor spa area on three levels (450 m²) with indoor pool (84 m²)
- Panoramic sauna with forest view, herbal steam sauna and garden sauna (swimwear allowed)
- Packages with overnight stay, breakfast buffet, gourmet menu, afternoon snack buffet and spa
- KONUS guest card for bus and train in the Black Forest included in the packages
- Free Wi-Fi, car park in front of the hotel and EV charging point
Prefer to talk to us? +49 7743 92010 · info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de
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