Summer holiday Black Forest: mountain lakes, hiking + hotel wellness

A Summer holiday in the Black Forest offers what many other summer destinations do not: cool altitudes, dense forests for shade, mountain lakes of drinking-water quality and hiking opportunities without heat buildup. From the wellness hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde at 800 metres above sea level in Ühlingen-Birkendorf, the Upper Black Forest opens up in every direction — and in summer, the region shows its most relaxed side.

This post summarises what makes a summer holiday in the Black Forest special: from swimming in mountain lakes and summer hikes to outdoor activities for families. Featuring tips on the best time to visit, daily itineraries and hotel programmes.

• Summer climate in the Upper Black Forest: daytime 22–28°C
• Hotel altitude: 800 m
• Number of mountain lakes in 30 mins: 4 (Schluchsee, Titisee, Schlüchtsee, Naturena)
• Walking trails from hotel: 180+ km

What makes a summer holiday in the Black Forest so special

While southern Germany reaches 35°C in the height of summer, the Upper Black Forest remains noticeably cooler. The altitude of 800 to 1,500 metres ensures pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights. Those who go hiking in the Black Forest on a summer holiday walk in the shade of beech forests, swim in clear mountain lakes and arrive in the evening in a region that remains relaxed even in the peak season.

Mountain lakes and swimming fun

In summer, much revolves around the region's mountain lakes. Within a 30-minute drive from the hotel, four lakes can be reached:

• Schluchsee (20 Mins): Largest lake in the Black Forest, pedal boat, stand-up paddleboarding, lifeguard supervision
• Titisee (30 Min): Classic with spa gardens, boat hire, beach bar
• Schlüchtsee (15 mins): Quiet, nature reserve, undisturbed swimming
• Naturena Swimming Lake Birkendorf (5 Min): Directly at the hotel, jumping rock, playground, family-friendly

Hiking in summer: shady routes and waterfalls

Even hotter summer days are pleasant for hiking in the Black Forest. Three types of routes are particularly recommended:

Gorge walks

In the valley of the Wutach Gorge it is 5–10 degrees cooler than on the plateau. The Lotenbachklamm and Gauchachschlucht gorges are also perfect for hot days. Water, shade, fresh valley floor — summer hiking at its best.

Waterfall tours

The region has some of Germany's highest waterfalls. The Todtnau Waterfall (97 m), the Triberg Waterfalls (163 m) and smaller gems like the Menzenschwand Waterfall are particularly refreshing in summer because of the spray.

High-altitude walks on the Feldberg

At an altitude of 1,493 metres, it is pleasant even in the height of summer. The Feldbergsteig (a 12 km premium hiking trail), the Feldsee circular trail and the Geißenpfad offer views and cool air. The ascent can be shortened using the Feldbergbahn cable car.

Summer holiday in the Black Forest with the family

Families benefit especially in the summer. Directly at the hotel: Kugelwaldpfad, Naturena swimming lake. Within a 15–25 minute drive: Schlühüwanapark Grafenhausen, Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne, Tannenmühle with brook trout breeding. On rainy days: brewery tour at Rothaus, Black Forest Museum.

Hotel guests with children receive packed lunches, hiking tips including age suitability, and recommendations for bad-weather programmes at reception.

Summer programme in the hotel

I'm Wellness Hotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde Is there a special programme in the summer: regional barbecue evenings on the summer terrace, cool shady spots in the garden, indoor pool with outdoor area, sauna with summer infusions. Anyone who goes hiking early in the morning and relaxes in the pool in the afternoon has the perfect daily routine.

Best time to visit for a summer holiday in the Black Forest

Experience shows that June and September are the best months. In June the days are long, the meadows are in bloom, and the water temperatures are rising. September brings clear weather, fewer tourists, and often the most beautiful light. July and August are high season — busier, but also livelier with festivals and events.

Summer packages at the hotel

Summer-specific packages at Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde:

• Summer hiking days: 4 nights, packed lunches, hiking maps, wellness area
• Family summer: 5 nights, family room, Naturena admission, ball forest set
• Gourmet Summer: 3 nights with gourmet dinner, brewery tour, massages

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a summer holiday in the Black Forest?

June and September are particularly recommended: pleasant temperatures, blooming landscape, fewer tourists than in mid-summer. July and August are busier, but livelier.

Which mountain lakes are suitable for swimming?

Schluchsee, Titisee, Schlüchtsee and the Naturena bathing lake are all approved for swimming. Water temperatures reach 22–24°C in high summer.

What activities are there when it rains?

Brewery tour at Rothaus, Black Forest House of the Senses, Resenhof local history museum, Black Forest Museum Triberg, hotel wellness area.

Reservation

Direct booking via the hotel saves up to 35 per cent compared to booking portals.

Telephone: +49 (0)7743 9201-0
E-Mail: info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de

Summer holiday Black Forest: Daily routine from the hotel

A typical day on a Black Forest summer holiday at the Hotel Sonnenhof + Sonnhalde looks like this: 7:30 am breakfast with regional products, 9:00 am departure for a hike in the Wutach Gorge or to the Feldberg, 1:00 pm picnic by the mountain lake, 3:00 pm return to the hotel, 4:00 pm wellness area with sauna and indoor pool, 7:00 pm dinner with Black Forest specialities. This rhythm characterises every Black Forest summer holiday with us.

Black Forest summer holiday for active people

Anyone planning an active summer holiday in the Black Forest can combine hiking, mountain biking, swimming and climbing. From the hotel, you can reach mountain bike trails at the Feldberg in 30 minutes, via ferratas at the Belchen in 50 minutes, and stand-up paddleboarding at the Schluchsee in 20 minutes. Hotel guests can hire bikes directly at the hotel, and tips on hiking routes are available at reception.

Summer holidays Black Forest for families

Families enjoy cool altitudes and mountain lakes with drinking water quality on their summer holiday in the Black Forest. Directly at the hotel: ball forest trail, Naturena swimming lake. Within a 15-25 minute drive: Schluchsee playground, Black Forest House of the Senses, Tannenmühle. On rainy days: Rothaus brewery tour, indoor swimming pool, sauna.