Black Forest Scenic Railway Weekend

Overview

The Baden Black Forest Railway (Badische Schwarzwaldbahn) connects Offenburg on the Rhine Valley plain with Singen and Konstanz at Lake Constance. Designed by Robert Gerwig and opened in 1873, the double-track line snakes through dramatic gorges, stone viaducts, and spiral tunnels, climbing 448 vertical metres between Hornberg and St. Georgen alone. Because the regular double-decker regional trains (RE 2) run hourly with large picture windows on the upper deck, you can experience world-class mountain scenery effortlessly at regional train prices.

Getting There

• Direct Rail (Fastest): Take the ICE from Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, or Arnhem Centraal towards Frankfurt/Basel. Connect via Frankfurt (Main) or Mannheim to Offenburg. Total journey time is roughly 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
• Night Train Alternative: The ÖBB Nightjet (NJ 403) runs overnight from Amsterdam Centraal and Utrecht Centraal directly through southern Germany, arriving early morning in Offenburg.
• Onward Connection: From Offenburg, board the hourly RE 2 regional express towards Konstanz to begin the Schwarzwaldbahn journey immediately.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Through the Rhine Plain into the Valleys

• Depart early by ICE from the Netherlands and arrive in Offenburg around midday.
• Board the double-decker Regional Express (RE 2) towards Konstanz. Head upstairs to secure panoramic window seats.
• Watch the landscape transition from Rhine vineyards into steep, forested ravines as the train winds past Gengenbach and Hausach.
• Hop off at Gengenbach for a romantic walk through narrow cobblestone lanes lined with 17th-century half-timbered townhouses and historic towers.
• Continue on the train into the heart of the forest and check in to your base in Triberg or Hornberg.

Day 2: Engineering Wonders & Mountain Trails

• Spend the morning exploring the dramatic Triberg Waterfalls, cascading down 163 metres along a forested trail.
• Hike a section of the Schwarzwaldbahn-Erlebnispfad (Black Forest Railway Trail), which features viewing pavilions offering bird’s-eye vistas of trains looping through tunnel portals and viaducts.
• Re-board the train and ride the most dramatic engineering section: the spiralling climb between Hornberg, Triberg, and St. Georgen through 39 tunnels.
• Alight in Villingen to wander its preserved medieval walls, defensive gate towers, and pedestrianised old town before a quiet dinner featuring local Badisch wine and venison or spaetzle.

Day 3: High Plateau to Lake Constance & Home

• Re-board the RE 2 train and ride across the Baar plateau to Donaueschingen (site of the Danube River source) or continue south toward Radolfzell and Konstanz on Lake Constance.
• Enjoy a lakeside lunch and promenade stroll by the water.
• Board the return RE 2 train back to Offenburg (approx. 2 hours from Konstanz), connecting smoothly to the northward ICE service back to the Netherlands by late evening.

Where to Stay

• Triberg or Hornberg: Ideal central hubs nestled directly along the steepest gorge section, offering cosy, traditional guesthouses (Gasthöfe) within walking distance of trailheads.
• Gengenbach: Perfect for couples wanting a romantic, fairy-tale village atmosphere with boutique half-timbered hotels at the northern gateway of the line.

Budget

• International Train (Return): €80–€180 per person (advance booking on DB/NS International yields significant discounts).
• Local Transit: Many hotels and guesthouses provide the KONUS Guest Card upon check-in, granting unlimited free travel on regional trains and buses throughout the Black Forest. Without it, a Baden-Württemberg-Ticket day pass costs around €34 for two people.
• Accommodation: €90–€160 per night for a charming double room in a local inn.
• Food & Dining: €40–€70 per person daily for hearty regional meals, bakery breakfasts, and coffee.
• Approximate Total (Couple, 3 days): €550–€850.

Know Before You Go

• KONUS Card Perks: Confirm before booking if your lodging issues the KONUS Card; it covers the entire Schwarzwaldbahn between Offenburg and Singen free of charge for the duration of your stay.
• Upper Deck Seating: Regional Express trains do not offer seat reservations; board early at Offenburg or Konstanz to secure upper-deck seats on the right side (heading south) or left side (heading north) for optimal gorge views.
• Luggage Strategy: If making day-stops along the route, note that smaller intermediate stations like Hornberg or St. Georgen lack luggage storage lockers; leave heavy bags at your accommodation or at larger stations like Offenburg and Villingen.