The Ravennaschlucht gorge in the Upper Black Forest: waterfalls, the famous viaduct, walking routes and the well-known Christmas market in the valley basin — all the essential tips for your visit.
The Ravennaschlucht lies between Hinterzarten and Breitnau in the Höllental and is one of the most impressive valleys in the Southern Black Forest. Over a length of around four kilometres, the Ravenna stream has carved deep into the variegated sandstone, exposing two waterfalls worth seeing. Running above the gorge is the Ravenna Viaduct, a 224-metre-long stone arch structure belonging to the Höllental railway dating from 1927.
From the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde wellness hotel in Ühlingen-Birkendorf, the Ravenna Gorge can be reached in around 50 minutes by car. This makes it particularly well suited for a day trip — starting the hike in the morning, stopping for lunch by the Great Ravenna Waterfall, arriving back at the hotel in the late afternoon and winding down in the sauna.
Where exactly is the Ravenna Gorge?
The Ravennaschlucht is located in the Upper Black Forest, in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg, between the towns of Hinterzarten and Breitnau. Geographically, it lies as a side valley of the Höllental — that is, the narrow valley section of the B31 between Freiburg and Titisee-Neustadt. The gorge itself is around four kilometres long and is cut at an altitude of about 600 to 850 metres above sea level. The best-known access point is at the Hofgut Sternen directly on the B31 federal highway, about a 25-minute drive from Freiburg and a 50-minute drive from the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde.
Where does the name „Ravennaschlucht“ come from?
The name „Ravenna“ has nothing to do with the Italian city of the same name. Linguists trace it back to the Middle High German word „rab“ or „rabe“, which means something like „rushing“ or „roaring“ — a description of the stream, which can swell considerably after snowmelt and heavy rainfall. A second theory derives the name from the Celtic „rabana“ for a dark, black spring. Both fit the character of the water-rich stream, which has cut deep into the variegated sandstone rock of the Black Forest.
What makes the Ravennaschlucht special
Three things set the Ravenna Gorge apart from other hiking destinations in the Upper Black Forest. Firstly, the two waterfalls: the Lower Ravenna Fall plunges around six metres over a rock step, while the Upper Ravenna Fall drops about 16 metres over a slate-conglomerate step. Both carry water all year round and are particularly powerful following the thaw or heavy rainfall.
Secondly, the Ravenna Viaduct. Anyone who hikes under the bridge and casts a glance upwards will see the characteristic nine-arch structure made of local granite. The Höllentalbahn runs from Freiburg to Donaueschingen and crosses the gorge every hour. Anyone who is lucky can photograph a train from below.
Thirdly, the Christmas market. From the end of November until shortly before Christmas, the valley basin transforms at weekends into one of Germany's most famous Christmas markets. More on that further down.
Walking routes through the Ravennaschlucht
Hofgut Sternen — Great Ravenna Waterfall — Höfener Hütte (around 7 km)
The classic route starts at the Hofgut Sternen right on the B31. From the car park, the trail leads into the gorge on a narrow path parallel to the stream. After about 20 minutes, you reach the Kleine Ravennafall (Little Ravenna Falls), and another 15 minutes later the Große Ravennawasserfall (Great Ravenna Waterfall) with its viewing platform. Those who still have energy can then climb up to the Höfener Hütte and take the return path via the high-altitude trail.
Difficulty: medium. Duration: around 2.5 hours including breaks. Elevation gain: about 250 metres.
Short family walk by the waterfall (around 3 km)
If you are travelling with children, you only walk as far as the Great Ravenna Waterfall and return along the same path. The route is partially secured with wooden boardwalks, but also has root-strewn sections. Recommended from about five years of age, with trekking sandals or sturdy low shoes.
Difficulty: easy. Duration: around 1.5 hours. Not suitable for pushchairs.
Höllental circuit with Ravennaschlucht (around 12 km)
Anyone planning a full day of hiking can combine the Ravenna Gorge with the Höllental. Starting in Hinterzarten, you take the high-altitude trail to Breitnau, descend into the Ravenna Gorge and return via the Höllental. The tour offers all the region's highlights in a single day: the Ravenna Viaduct, waterfalls, Hirschsprung and the Bismarck Rock.
Difficulty: challenging. Duration: about four hours of pure walking time. Elevation gain: approximately 400 metres.
The Ravennaviaduct
The Ravenna Viaduct was built between 1925 and 1927 as a replacement for an older steel structure. With nine arches, a length of 224 metres and a height of 36 metres above the valley floor, it now defines the appearance of the gorge. The structure is a listed monument and is part of the Höllentalbahn — one of Germany's most scenic railway lines.
Photo tip: The best shots of the viaduct are achieved in the morning from the lower hiking trail. Anyone wanting to capture a train on the bridge should check the timetable for the DB railway line RB 65 (Freiburg — Donaueschingen) in advance.
Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge
The Ravenna Christmas market takes place every year from the end of November until the third weekend of Advent on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays under the viaduct. Around 40 chalets sell mulled wine, regional specialities and crafts. The illuminated arches of the bridge are the photogenic trademark of the market.
Important: Since 2022, tickets require a timed entry slot and must be booked online in advance. Travelling by car is only possible in conjunction with a booked parking space. A more convenient alternative is to travel by train to Himmelreich or Hinterzarten and take the shuttle from there. Guests staying at the Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde are best advised to organise their tickets several weeks in advance.
Tickets generally cost between 8 and 14 euros per adult (depending on the day of the week and time slot), while children up to twelve years old have free admission. Advance ticket sales usually start in September/October — popular weekends sell out within days.
Practical tips
Parking. The hikers' car park at Hofgut Sternen is subject to a fee (around four euros per day). Alternatively, you can park at Hinterzarten station and take the train to Himmelreich. Konus guest cards for the region allow free use of buses and trains.
Footwear. Even in summer, the paths in the valley floor are damp and partly slippery. Ankle-high walking boots with a profiled sole are the bare minimum. Trekking sandals are unsuitable.
Stop for refreshments. Right by the Great Ravenna Waterfall is the Great Ravenna Hut, with outdoor catering from April to October. Hofgut Sternen at the entrance to the gorge offers a restaurant, café and glassworks all year round. The Höfener Hütte offers small-scale catering on a seasonal basis.
Mobile network. In the narrow valley bottom, network coverage is patchy. Anyone using GPX tracks should download them offline beforehand.
Dog. Dogs are permitted in the Ravenna Gorge, but must be kept on a lead all year round to protect wildlife.
Best time of year
The Ravennaschlucht is accessible all year round. Every season has its charm:
In spring (April and May) the waterfalls carry meltwater and are particularly impressive. Wild garlic is in bloom on the valley floor.
In summer (June to August) it is significantly cooler in the shaded valley floor than at high altitude. Ideal for hot days. Start early on warm weekends, as the car parks fill up quickly.
In autumn (September and October) the beech and mixed forests change colour, the air is clear — the best time for photography.
In winter, the Christmas market moves under the viaduct. The hiking trails themselves are not cleared and are only suitable for experienced winter walkers with crampons and a headtorch.
More gorges in the Black Forest
Anyone who has once developed a taste for gorges will find further rewarding destinations in the Southern Black Forest. The Wutach Gorge at 33 kilometres in length, is the largest gorge in Germany and is located just a 25-minute drive from the Sonnenhof. The Gauchachschlucht branches off from the Wutach and is calmer, shorter and, especially in summer, a hidden gem. The Höllental, in which the Ravennaschlucht is also located, is the narrow valley section between Hinterzarten and Buchenbach and is one of the busiest, yet most scenic valleys in the region.
Travel and accommodation
From the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde wellness hotel, it takes around 50 minutes to drive to the Ravenna Gorge — via Bonndorf, Schluchsee and Titisee-Neustadt. The route is also manageable by train: from Ühlingen-Birkendorf to Seebrugg, continuing on the Three Lakes Railway to Titisee and taking the Hell Valley Railway to Himmelreich.
Our spa area of around 450 square metres with an indoor pool, Finnish sauna and textile sauna is the ideal way to unwind after a day of hiking in the Ravenna Gorge. Massages can be booked in advance. Situated at around 800 metres in Ühlingen-Birkendorf, the hotel is the perfect starting point for hikes, excursions and wellness breaks.
Frequently asked questions about the Ravennaschlucht
Where is the Ravennaschlucht?
The Ravenna Gorge is located in the Upper Black Forest between Hinterzarten and Breitnau, as a side valley of the Höllental. Geographically in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg. The main entrance is at the Hofgut Sternen right on the B31.
How long does the hike through the Ravennaschlucht take?
The classic tour from Hofgut Sternen to the Great Ravenna Waterfall and back takes about two and a half hours including breaks. The short family circuit just to the large waterfall takes about an hour and a half. Anyone hiking through the complete gorge (Breitnau to Hofgut Sternen) will need around three hours.
Is the Ravennaschlucht suitable for children?
From about five years onwards yes, provided the children are used to walking. The paths are sometimes narrow and rooty, pushchairs are not suitable. For toddlers, a child carrier backpack is recommended.
How much is admission to the Ravenna Gorge?
The gorge itself is freely accessible; there is no admission fee. Only the car park at Hofgut Sternen is subject to a charge (around four euros per day). Tickets are required during the Christmas market.
How much does a ticket for the Ravenna Christmas market cost?
Depending on the day of the week and the time slot, tickets for the Christmas market cost between 8 and 14 euros per adult. Children up to the age of twelve have free admission. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
When is the Ravennaschlucht Christmas market in 2026?
The Ravenna Christmas market usually takes place from the end of November until the third weekend of Advent, each Thursday to Sunday. The exact dates vary slightly — official advance ticket sales usually start in September or October. Anyone staying in a hotel should secure tickets several weeks in advance.
How high are the Ravenna Falls?
The Lesser Ravenna Fall is around six metres high, the Greater Ravenna Fall about 16 metres. Both carry water all year round.
What is the elevation of the Ravenna Gorge?
The gorge extends between around 600 metres (lower mouth towards Höllental) and 850 metres above sea level (upper end near Breitnau). The valley floor with its waterfalls lies at roughly 650 to 700 metres.
Can you walk on the Ravenna Viaduct?
No. The bridge is an active railway line and is not open to pedestrians. You walk beneath the viaduct or travel over it on the Höllentalbahn.
Why is the Ravenna Gorge called that?
The name does not go back to the Italian city, but presumably to the Middle High German „rab“ for „rushing“ — a description of the water-rich stream. A second theory derives it from the Celtic „rabana“ for a dark spring.
Further reading on the Ravenna Gorge
- Black Forest Tourism — Ravennaschlucht: official information, walking maps, current path conditions
- Official Ravenna Christmas market website: dates, tickets, travel information
- Wikipedia — Ravennaschlucht: History, Geology, Geography
- Southern Black Forest Nature Park — protected areas and guided tours
- Deutsche Bahn — Höllentalbahn timetables (RB 65 Freiburg–Donaueschingen)
Reservation
Bookings made directly with the hotel save up to 35 per cent compared to booking portals.
Telephone: +49 (0)7743 9201-0
E-mail: info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de
Web: www.sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de
Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde, Schwarzwaldstraße 9, 79777 Ühlingen-Birkendorf, TOP WELLNESSHOTEL 2025.
Image credits: Pixabay/blizniak, Pixabay — Pixabay Content Licence. Video: YouTube.
