Snow in the Black Forest, in the south that means above all: altitudes between around 650 and almost 1,500 metres, forests, cross-country trails and toboggan runs. This article shows what you can do in the Southern Black Forest in winter, from tobogganing and cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, with distances from Birkendorf. If you mainly want to ski, continue reading in the article Feldberg ski area.
Snow in the Black Forest: what you should know
Whether and how much snow lies is decided by the weather. Reliable guarantees are therefore not possible. The operator of the Feldberg ski area gives 27 November 2026 as the expected start of the 2026/27 season, “if the snow conditions are right”; the end of the season depends on snow cover. Even small lifts such as the Brenden ski lift run, according to Schwarzwald Tourismus, only depending on snow depth.
Therefore, before every trip, check the current snow report of the Feldbergbahnen. It shows which lifts and slopes are open. For cross-country trails and toboggan runs in the region, it is also worth taking a look at the pages of High Black Forest Tourism.
Tobogganing in the Black Forest: toboggan runs in the south
Tobogganing needs no equipment on the mountain: a sledge is enough. Many slopes have a conveyor belt or a lift for the ride uphill, and hire sledges are available in sports shops, ski schools and some tourist information offices. The following table lists slopes in the region with length and distance from the hotel (calculated with OSRM, journey time rounded up to 5 minutes).
| Toboggan run | Length | Note | From Birkendorf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brenden (Ühlingen-Birkendorf) | 200 m | easy, next to the ski lift | around 12 km, about 20 minutes |
| Rothaus (Grafenhausen) | approx. 200 m | easy, car park at the ski lift | around 8 km, about 10 minutes |
| Altglashütten (Schwarzenbachlift) | 100 m | uphill by conveyor belt | around 22 km, about 25 minutes |
| Menzenschwand (Mösle Skilift) | 150 m | uphill by conveyor belt | around 28 km, about 30 minutes |
| Feldberg-Seebuck (behind the Haus der Natur) | 75 m | uphill by conveyor belt 1 | around 31 km, about 35 minutes |
| Bernau (Krunkelbachhütte) | 3.5 km | Ride to the hut in a Pistenbully by arrangement | around 33 km, about 35 minutes |
| Muggenbrunn (Wasenlift) | 300 m | uphill by conveyor belt | around 46 km, about 50 minutes |
| Todtnauberg (Bucklift) | 100 m | uphill by conveyor belt | around 48 km, about 55 minutes |
The sources for the slope information are Feldbergbahnen, Hochschwarzwald Tourismus and Schwarzwald Tourismus. According to Schwarzwald Tourismus, hire sledges (“Rodel-2-Go”) are available on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Rothaus tourist information office; hire is also mentioned for the slope in Brenden. On the Seebuck you may not use the ski lifts with a sledge, only conveyor belt 1.
Cross-country skiing in the Black Forest: trails in the High Black Forest and Rothauser Land
According to the operator, the network of cross-country trails around the Feldberg ski area is 120 kilometres long, certified by the German Ski Association and uniformly signposted. Almost all trails are groomed for classic style and for skating. Trail huts and shelters invite you to take a break. For the ascents, you can buy single tickets for the Herzogenhornbahn, the Feldbergbahn, the Zeigerbahn and the Grafenmatt lifts with cross-country skis.
Closer to the hotel is the Rothauser Land winter sports area (650 to 900 metres) with, according to Schwarzwald Tourismus, 70 kilometres of cross-country trails. In Birkendorf the connecting trail branches off from the Bühlloipe and leads to the Bildstöckleloipe in Ühlingen (difficulty “medium”); it can also be skied in the opposite direction. Cross-country courses are offered by snow sports schools, for example in Bernau.
Snowshoeing in the Black Forest
With snowshoes you travel off the groomed paths. The Haus der Natur on the Feldberg offers hire and guided tours. On the Feldberg, the operator lists two trails:
- Small snowshoe trail (Seebuck route): 3 kilometres, 170 metres of ascent, about 1.5 hours. Start behind the Haus der Natur.
- Large Feldberg summit circuit: 9 kilometres, 320 metres of ascent, about 3.5 hours. It leads to the highest of the four Feldberg peaks at 1,493 metres. In fog, the signposts on the Seebuck are placed at greater intervals; the cornice edge requires sufficient distance.
In the Rothauser Land, Hochschwarzwald Tourismus describes the Rothaus snowshoe trail: a moderately difficult circular tour of 4.23 kilometres with 69 metres of ascent, about 2 hours’ walking time, starting at the “Hüsli” local history museum. The route runs away from cleared paths and cross-country trails; being able to walk safely on uneven terrain is a prerequisite. Do not walk on cross-country trails with snowshoes.
Winter walking in the Southern Black Forest
Winter walking needs no special equipment, provided you have sturdy footwear and warm clothing. On the Feldberg, according to the operator, the premium winter walking trails are groomed daily. The panoramic trail from the Haus der Natur leads along the Seebuck to the Todtnauer and St. Wilhelmer huts, just under 9 kilometres there and back.
An easy alternative is the winter walk from Häusern to St. Blasien (4.6 kilometres, about 2 hours, 185 metres of ascent). If you are in St. Blasien, you will find the district museumthere; in Menzenschwand, the Winterhalter-Museum is also worth a visit. You will find more ideas for keen walkers in our article Feldberg in the Black Forest.
A winter holiday in the Black Forest, even without much snow
Not every winter day brings snow. In that case, destinations that work in any weather are a good option:
- The Blackforestline suspension bridge in Todtnau is open, according to the operator, from November to March from 09:00 to 16:30 (last admission 16:00); in a storm or thunderstorm it may close at short notice.
- The Triberger waterfalls can be visited all year round, according to the town of Triberg; in winter they are illuminated from nightfall. In the event of ice or snow damage, the site may be temporarily closed.
- The Rothaus Brewery in the neighbourhood is a destination for food lovers; read more about it in our article.
- The Christmas market in the Black Forest puts you in the mood for Advent.
Winter in the Southern Black Forest: your retreat in Birkendorf
We are the Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde in Birkendorf, at 800 metres in the southern High Black Forest. After a day in the snow, you can warm up with us: in the Wellness area with panoramic sauna and forest view (Finnish sauna, 12:00 to 20:00), garden sauna (swimwear allowed, 14:00 to 20:00) and herbal steam sauna (bio sauna, 16:00 to 20:00), in the indoor pool (84 m²) or in the Kneipp water-treading pool. The sauna is open to those aged 16 and over; the spa area is open daily from 09:00 to 20:00. You can read more on the subject in the article Wellness in the Black Forest in winter.
A full-body massage costs €76 with us (50 minutes; as of 26 October 2026); it is best to reserve the Massages before you arrive. In the evening, the Restaurant Sonnenhof serves creative Baden cuisine with a seasonally changing menu. You can also visit our Day Spa as a day guest.
All Arrangements include overnight stay, breakfast buffet, gourmet menu and use of the spa facilities. For the festive season there is the Christmas magic (December 23 to 28) and the New Year's Eve magic (December 28 to January 2). You can book directly here: Book a room.
Frequently asked questions about winter in the Southern Black Forest
When is there snow in the Black Forest?
That cannot be said in general terms; it depends on the weather and the altitude. On the Feldberg, the operator gives 27 November 2026 as the expected start of the season, if the snow conditions are right. Current information is given in the snow report.
Where can I go tobogganing in the Black Forest?
For example in Brenden, Rothaus, Altglashütten, Menzenschwand, at the Feldberg-Seebuck, in Muggenbrunn, Todtnauberg and Bernau. The table above gives the length and distance from Birkendorf.
How far is the nearest toboggan run from Birkendorf?
The toboggan run at the Rothaus ski lift is around 8 km away, about 10 minutes by car. The slope in Brenden is around 12 km away, about 20 minutes by car.
Where can I go cross-country skiing in the Southern Black Forest?
Around the Feldberg there is a certified network of paths and cross-country trails 120 kilometres long. In the Rothauser Land, Schwarzwald Tourismus gives 70 kilometres of cross-country trails; in Birkendorf the connecting trail to Ühlingen begins.
Can I go snowshoeing in the Black Forest?
Yes, for example on the Feldberg (Seebuck trail and large summit circuit) and in the Rothauser Land (Rothaus snowshoe trail). You can hire snowshoes at the Haus der Natur on the Feldberg, among other places.
What can I do in the Black Forest in winter without snow?
Winter walks on cleared paths, the suspension bridge in Todtnau, the Triberg Waterfalls or a day in the spa area.
This article is no substitute for information from the operators; opening times, snow conditions and closures can change at short notice.
Sources
- Feldbergbahnen: Winter activities
- Feldbergbahnen: Cross-country skiing
- Feldbergbahnen: Tobogganing
- Feldbergbahnen: Snowshoeing
- Feldbergbahnen: Winter walking
- Feldbergbahnen: Opening times, 2026/27 season
- Black Forest Tourism: Winter sports area Rothauser Land
- Black Forest Tourism: Ski lift Brenden
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: Brenden toboggan run
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Rothaus toboggan run
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: Rothaus snowshoe trail
- Schwarzwald Tourismus: Connecting trail Birkendorf – Ühlingen
- Hochschwarzwald Tourismus: Cross-country trails
- Blackforestline: Opening times
- Town of Triberg: Triberg Waterfalls
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