{"id":4712,"date":"2023-10-18T11:36:13","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T09:36:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/?p=4712"},"modified":"2026-05-17T17:34:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T15:34:13","slug":"black-forest-house-of-the-senses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/schwarzwaldhaus-der-sinne\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Forest House of the Senses: interactive museum in Bad Rippoldsau"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/schwarzwaldhaus-der-sinne.jpg\" alt=\"Black Forest House of the Senses in Bad Rippoldsau\" class=\"wp-image-4449\" title=\"\"><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Black Forest House of the Senses<\/strong> In Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach is one of the most unusual hands-on museums in the Black Forest. Across two floors, visitors experience perception, wonder and science at over 80 exhibits \u2014 all designed to be touched, tried out and discovered for yourself. From the Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof &amp; Sonnhalde, you can get there in a 90-minute drive. A day at the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne is the perfect bad-weather alternative or the ideal family activity for a holiday with children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This post summarises what hotel guests should know about the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne: what you can experience at the 80 stations, how to get there, what it costs and which age groups it is particularly worthwhile for. Including insider tips for the visit and combination tours in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Address:<\/strong> Im Winkel 5, 77776 Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Admission:<\/strong> Adults \u20ac12, children \u20ac8, family ticket \u20ac35<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Open:<\/strong> April to October, Wed\u2013Sun 10:00 to 18:00<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Directions from the hotel:<\/strong> 90 mins via B500\/B294<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommended duration:<\/strong> 3 to 4 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stations:<\/strong> over 80, all interactive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-ist\">What is the Black Forest House of the Senses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Forest House of the Senses is an interactive museum that focuses on hands-on exhibits rather than traditional glass-case displays. Here, perception takes centre stage: optical illusions, sound rooms, touch and smell experiments, mathematical puzzles, a walk-in giant kaleidoscope and the famous slanted room are just a few of the highlights. A total of over 80 exhibits are housed in a historic farmhouse, spread across two floors plus an outdoor area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes the Black Forest House of the Senses so special is that there are no signs saying \u201ePlease do not touch\u201c. On the contrary \u2014 almost every station actively invites visitors to touch, press, turn, taste or smell. This radical hands-on philosophy sets the Black Forest House of the Senses apart from most other museums in the Black Forest and makes it the top destination for families with children aged six and over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"highlights\">The highlights in the Black Forest House of the Senses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of the 80 exhibits in the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne, some stand out in particular. Anyone with little time should plan at least these exhibits firmly into their visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The crooked room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps the best-known room in the Black Forest House of the Senses. The floor, walls and ceiling are all tilted \u2014 the perception of one's own verticality is completely thrown off. Adults with good balance often have more trouble here than children. Anyone sensitive to balance stimuli should hold on to the handrail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Giant Kaleidoscope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A walk-in giant kaleidoscope with three mirrored walls. Whoever stands in the middle sees themselves mirrored an infinite number of times. Photo hotspot number one in the Black Forest House of the Senses \u2014 almost every family takes pictures here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Sound Spaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different materials produce unexpected sounds. A marble rolls along a wooden track, triggering a chord in the process. Another track turns a single marble into an entire piece of music. Children often linger here for a particularly long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The scent station<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">30 different scents are hidden in small containers \u2014 visitors have to guess them. Anyone who thinks the sense of smell is easy will be disabused of that notion at the Black Forest House of the Senses. Some scents are immediately recognisable (cinnamon, coffee), others are surprisingly difficult to assign (mushroom, wood, pepper).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The barefoot trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A barefoot trail through various materials: gravel, pine cones, moss, sand, glass marbles, small stones. Blindfolded, this is an intensive experience. Socks are handed out at the entrance, and your own shoes can be stored safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Optical illusions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several rooms full of optical illusions: images that show something different depending on the viewing angle. Classics such as the \u201eold or young woman\u201c are included, as well as unusual constructions with mirrors. Really gets the slightly older kids (10+) thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fuer-wen\">Who the Black Forest House of the Senses is suitable for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Forest House of the Senses is not equally suited for every target audience. From our experience with hundreds of hotel guests who have visited the museum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Families with children aged 6 to 12<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ideal target audience. The exhibits in the Black Forest House of the Senses are designed so that children of this age can experiment independently, whilst also still welcoming explanations from their parents. Attention span is typically 3 to 4 hours \u2014 which suits the size of the attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children under 6 years of age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That works too, but is limited. Some stations are too complex for pre-schoolers, others (sound rooms, sensory pathway) work perfectly. With parents translating, the visit still works out well. However, it's better to plan for 2 hours instead of 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Teenagers and young adults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surprisingly interested. The optical illusions and the crooked room often make teenagers put down their smartphones \u2014 a rarity. The Black Forest House of the Senses is a hidden gem for families with slightly older children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Childfree adults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well worth it. Even without children, the exhibits at the Black Forest House of the Senses are surprisingly fascinating. Immersing yourself in the perception experiments is fun \u2014 and gives you plenty to talk about on the drive home. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"anfahrt\">Directions to the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Forest House of the Senses is located in the northern Black Forest, in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach. From <a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wellness-hotel-black-forest\/\">Wellness Hotel Sonnenhof &amp; Sonnhalde<\/a> From \u00dchlingen-Birkendorf, drive along the B500 towards Freudenstadt, then via the B294 to Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach. The total journey time is around 90 minutes. Parking directly at the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne is free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The route itself is worth a short trip: the B500 is the famous Black Forest High Road, with several viewpoints. Anyone with time to spare should plan for 2 to 3 stops along the way. More info on routes can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official Black Forest tourism website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach can be reached by public transport via the train to Wolfach, and from there by bus 7160. With the KONUS guest card, hotel guests can travel free of charge throughout the Black Forest region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tipps\">Practical tips for the visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Allocate time.<\/strong> Many visitors plan for 1 hour at the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne, but end up needing 4 hours \u2014 the exhibits keep you there for a long time. It's better to allow plenty of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Footwear.<\/strong> Comfortable footwear, as many stations require active movement. The sensory path is barefoot, socks are provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vesper.<\/strong> The local caf\u00e9 has cake and snacks. For longer visits, a picnic is recommended \u2014 there is a small garden with tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bad weather.<\/strong> The Black Forest House of the Senses is an ideal bad-weather activity \u2014 all the exhibits are indoors. Perfect for rain or snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photograph.<\/strong> Allowed, without flash. Many stations offer great photo opportunities, especially the giant kaleidoscope and the slanted room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weekend or weekday?<\/strong> At the weekend, the Black Forest House of the Senses is significantly busier than during the week. Anyone wanting to avoid queues at individual exhibits should come Tuesday to Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tagesablauf\">Example daily itinerary from the hotel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical day with the Black Forest House of the Senses as the main programme looks like this for our hotel guests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>08:00:<\/strong> Breakfast at Sonnenhof &amp; Sonnhalde<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>09:00:<\/strong> Departure via the B500 in the direction of Freudenstadt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>10:30:<\/strong> Break at Mummelsee, short walk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>11:30:<\/strong> Arrival at the Black Forest House of the Senses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>11:45:<\/strong> Tickets, first stations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>13:30:<\/strong> Lunch in the local caf\u00e9 or a picnic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>14:30:<\/strong> Second tour through the Black Forest House of the Senses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>16:00:<\/strong> journey home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>17:30:<\/strong> Stop at the Allerheiligen Waterfalls (15 mins from Bad Rippoldsau)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>7:30 pm:<\/strong> Arrival at the hotel, sauna and dinner<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kombi\">Combination tours with the Black Forest House of the Senses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Forest House of the Senses combines well with other highlights in the northern Black Forest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Allerheiligen Waterfalls<\/strong> (15 Min): Gorge walk with historic monastery ruins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mummelsee<\/strong> (30 mins): small mountain lake on the Black Forest High Road, popular for pedal boats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bad Rippoldsau village centre<\/strong> (5 Min): historic spa town with spa gardens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black Forest High Road<\/strong> (Route drive): legendary B500 with viewpoints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lotharpfad<\/strong> (40 mins): Discovery trail at Ruhestein, Black Forest National Park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone planning a full day can combine the Black Forest House of the Senses with the All Saints Waterfalls \u2014 both fit together perfectly, with a short drive between stops. You can find more ideas in our post about <a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/black-forest-excursion-destinations\/\">places of interest in the Black Forest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beste-zeit\">Best season for the Black Forest House of the Senses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Forest House of the Senses is only open from April to October. Within this season there are slight differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>April and May<\/strong> are quiet, perfect for families who want to avoid crowded houses. The Black Forest landscape is beginning to bloom, and the drive via the B500 is particularly scenic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>June to August<\/strong> It's peak season. At weekends and during the school summer holidays it gets busy. Anyone who can comes on Wednesdays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>September and October<\/strong> bring clear air, fewer visitors and autumnal forests on the journey. From a hotelier's perspective, often the best month for a visit to the Black Forest House of the Senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vom-hotel\">The Black Forest House of the Senses as a hotel tip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From our point of view, the Black Forest House of the Senses is one of the most worthwhile day trip recommendations for hotel guests with children. Three reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Firstly, it is completely independent of the weather. While a rainy day ruins other programmes, the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne runs almost entirely indoors. Anyone holidaying in the High Black Forest should have a plan B for rainy days \u2014 and the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne is precisely that plan B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secondly, it keeps children occupied for several hours. At a time when many family attractions are designed for a maximum attention span of 90 minutes, the exhibits at the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne manage to completely captivate children for three to four hours. That is rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thirdly, the Black Forest House of the Senses has an educational aspect that is not intrusive. Children learn about perception, optics, acoustics and mathematics without it feeling like school. Parents see their children in a completely different light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ for the Black Forest House of the Senses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does the Black Forest House of the Senses cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adults pay \u20ac12, children aged 6 and over \u20ac8, family ticket (2 adults + max. 3 children) \u20ac35. Discounts are available with the Hochschwarzwald-Card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the Black Forest House of the Senses open?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">April to October, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Closed in winter. Last admission at 5pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Black Forest House of the Senses accessible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Limited. The ground floor is accessible, but the upper floor can only be reached via a steep wooden staircase. Wheelchair users can experience around 60 per cent of the exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does a visit to the Black Forest House of the Senses take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families typically plan for 3 to 4 hours. Adults without children around 1.5 to 2 hours. Anyone who wants to try all 80 exhibits should plan for a whole morning or afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there guided tours?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guided tours are available upon request for groups of 10 or more people. Guided tours are not necessary for individual visitors \u2014 all stations are self-explanatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are dogs allowed to come?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Dogs are not allowed in the Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne. Anyone arriving with a dog should plan the itinerary for another day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reservierung\">Stay overnight and visit the Black Forest House of the Senses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone who wants to experience the Black Forest House of the Senses and other highlights in the Black Forest at a leisurely pace will ideally stay for several nights. The <a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wellness-hotel-black-forest\/\">Wellness Hotel Sonnenhof &amp; Sonnhalde<\/a> \u00dchlingen-Birkendorf provides a perfect base: 800 m altitude, 450 m\u00b2 wellness area, regional cuisine, family-friendly atmosphere. Direct booking through us saves up to 35 percent compared to booking portals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Telephone: <strong>+49 (0)7743 9201-0<\/strong><br>E-Mail: <a href=\"mailto:info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\">info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de<\/a><br>Web <a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/\">www.sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Das Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach ist eines der ungew\u00f6hnlichsten Mitmach-Museen im Schwarzwald. Auf zwei Etagen erleben Besucher Wahrnehmung, Wunder und Wissenschaft an \u00fcber 80 Stationen \u2014 alle zum Anfassen, Ausprobieren und Selbst-Entdecken. Vom Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof &amp; Sonnhalde sind Sie in 90 Fahrminuten dort. Ein Tag im Schwarzwaldhaus der Sinne ist die perfekte Schlechtwetter-Alternative [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4449,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sonnenhof-in-der-naehe-entspannte-ausfluege-natur-geniessen"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4712"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11511,"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4712\/revisions\/11511"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}