Summer on the Feldberg: Active holidays for families in the Black Forest

As summers in the valley get hotter and hotter, the Feldberg offers a pleasant respite from the heat. At 1,493 metres, it is the highest peak in the Black Forest and lies at the heart of the Feldberg Nature Reserve, the oldest nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg. Around 280 kilometres of hiking trails, mountain lakes such as the Feldsee, the Feldberg Tower and the Bismarck Monument characterise the region and make the Feldberg in the Black Forest a destination in its own right for summer holidays.

Key points at a glance

Swimming is prohibited in Feldsee, but the nearby Schluchsee and Titisee are ideal for a swim.
There are walking trails to suit all ages, from the short ‘Wichtelpfad’ for children to the challenging ‘Feldbergsteig’.
With the Hochschwarzwald Card (free for stays of 2 nights or more), one train journey to the summit is also included per stay.
Even when it rains, a holiday with children is still a success, thanks to Fundorena, water parks and childcare for children aged 6 months and over.

A fern sets the rules

Why are you not allowed to swim in Feldsee?

Lake Feldsee lies around 380 metres below the summit in the southern Black Forest. Swimming is prohibited here. The reason is the spiny-spored bristlewort (Isoetes echinospora), a rare underwater fern that is now found in Germany only in Feldsee and Titisee. According to the Southern Black Forest Nature Park, even contact with the shore damages this sensitive plant, which is why boats and other water sports equipment are also kept out of the water.

You can head to Titisee and Schluchsee instead: whilst the bathing spot at Titisee is perfect for swimming, Schluchsee – one of Germany’s cleanest lakes for swimming – attracts visitors with boat hire, a sailing school and opportunities for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. So swimming at the Feldberg is no problem at all – it’s just a short trip away.

A swimming holiday in the Black Forest

From the cable car to the evening buffet

What is a typical day’s holiday on the Feldberg like?

A typical day illustrates just how much there is to do at Feldberg.

In the morning: The Feldbergbahn, the cable car on the Feldberg, takes you up to the Seebuck at 1,450 metres in just a few minutes (operating from May to November, weather permitting). Near the mountain station are the Bismarck Monument and the Feldberg Tower, with a viewing platform on the 11th floor – a favourite with nature lovers, offering views as far as the Alps on a clear day. Those who prefer hiking can walk down to the Feldsee; for a swim before lunch, head to the Titisee or the Schluchsee.
Lunchtime: A culinary treat awaits: after a day of leisure in the sun, the food tastes twice as good. In our restaurants, bars and cafés, you can enjoy freshly prepared specialities whilst the children choose their favourite dish from the buffet. Here, every meal is a moment of pure enjoyment.
Afternoon: Plenty of activity awaits: children can let off steam to their heart’s content in the spacious outdoor play areas around the hotel. From the toddler’s playground with a tube slide, through the Bobby Car track, to the adventure playground with a zip line and climbing tree, there’s guaranteed to be something for the whole family. Alternatively, there’s Fundorena, childcare, or – for those looking for more activity – a spot of mountain biking in the Southern Black Forest Nature Park.
In the evening: The day draws to a close with coffee, cake and an evening buffet, either indoors or on the terrace.

If you prefer something a bit more peaceful, swap the mountain railway for the Wichtelpfad; horse riding in the surrounding area is also possible (see the Hochschwarzwald-Card website for details). The summer toboggan run at Hasenhorn near Todtnau, around 15 kilometres away, is also well worth a visit.

Outdoor play area Culinary highlights

Hiking on the Feldberg in summer

Which walking route is right for your family?

Hiking on the Feldberg in summer doesn’t necessarily mean the same route for everyone. Whether you have young children, a pushchair or are looking for a more challenging hike, there’s a suitable trail for every situation.

For children aged between 4 and 10, the Wichtelpfad is just the ticket – a themed trail through the forest telling the story of Velt, the Feldberg gnome. It’s best to leave pushchairs at the hotel; baby carriers can be hired from the hotel’s childcare service in exchange for a cash deposit.

If you’re using a pushchair or wheelchair, the tarmac-surfaced summit circular trail is a better option. It leads past the mountain railway to the Bismarck Monument and the Feldberg Tower, up to the Feldberg summit and back to the Feldberger Hof.

For a more challenging hike, try the Feldbergsteig, a moderately difficult premium hiking trail that passes Feldsee; the Westweg also skirts the summit here. Taking the mountain railway saves you the initial climb.

A direct comparison of the three routes:

Path	Target audience	Length / Duration	Distinctive feature
Gnome Trail	Children aged 4 to 10	approx. 2 km, 1 to 2 hours	A themed trail with historical features; not suitable for pushchairs; ends at the woodland playground
Summit Circular Walk	Families with pushchairs, wheelchair users	approx. 2–3 km from the upper station	Paved, leads via the Feldberg Railway to the Bismarck Monument and the summit, ending at the Feldberger Hof
Feldberg Trail	Adults, older children	moderate difficulty, half a day to a full day	Premium walking route past Feldsee; can be shortened by taking the Feldbergbahn

In summary: Take your toddlers along the Wichtelpfad, take the pram on the Summit Circular Walk, and if you’re a fitness fanatic, tackle the Feldbergsteig!

The perfect holiday during the summer holidays

The Feldberger Hof: the perfect base for your summer holiday with children

Is the hotel really suitable for babies? Is it worth the effort even without snow? Here are 4 reasons why:

Childcare for children aged 6 months and over, 6 days a week, with a focus on the main target group aged 2 to 11
Hochschwarzwald Card: free with a stay of two nights or more; around 100 leisure activities plus a free return journey on the Feldbergbahn
Situated in the heart of the Feldberg Nature Reserve, at an altitude of around 1,300 metres, directly opposite the valley station
Children’s Hotel Award

Another tip: if you plan your summer holiday well in advance, you’ll have the widest choice of rooms.

Frequently asked questions about the Feldberg in summer

Is a summer holiday on the Feldberg worth it even without snow?

Yes, the Feldberg is a destination in its own right even without snow, with 280 kilometres of hiking trails, several mountain lakes and the Feldberg Railway in operation, regardless of the ski season.

Can you go swimming on the Feldberg?

Not directly on the Feldberg; swimming is prohibited in Feldsee to protect a rare plant. The nearby Titisee and Schluchsee offer swimming spots as well as canoeing, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding.

How much does the cable car to the Feldberg cost?

The Feldberg Railway operates with seasonal ticket prices. You can find the current terms and conditions on the official Feldberg Railway ticket page. With the Hochschwarzwald Card, one return journey is free per stay. As well as single tickets, there are also family fares for the up and down journeys.

Is the Feldberg currently closed?

Not usually. In the event of strong winds of around 58 km/h or more, or in the event of technical faults, the Feldberg Railway may suspend services at short notice; this also applies during the maintenance weeks before and after the season. It’s worth checking the live webcams before you set off.

Does the Feldbergbahn run in summer too?

Yes, from early May until November as a gondola lift. It takes walkers and cyclists to the Seebuck and the Bismarck Monument in just a few minutes. Book your summer holiday at the Feldberger Hof now and experience the Feldberg outside the ski season.

When is the Feldbergbahn season?

The Feldbergbahn’s summer season usually begins in early May and lasts until November. During this time, it operates as a closed cable car to the Seebuck at an altitude of 1,450 metres. This means the summer season follows on seamlessly from the winter service, so the Feldberg remains accessible by cable car almost all year round.

What is there to do on the Feldberg?

Hiking, swimming and trips up to higher altitudes are the top activities in summer – from the Feldbergbahn to the Seebuck, via the Wichtelpfad trail, to swimming in the Schluchsee. Nature lovers can also enjoy the views from the Feldberg Tower and the hiking trails in the nature reserve. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can visit Fundorena or the water parks at the Feldberger Hof.