The 15 Best Black Forest Tours & Day Trips

1.Gässle, Bächle and More City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,632 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $13Our pick

Follow a German-speaking guide through Freiburg’s old town, from the Bächle and Münsterplatz to Konviktstrasse, Gerberau, Rathausplatz, and the Martins gate. You’ll see gargoyles, mosaics, historic buildings, and two town halls. Guides such as Iris, Annabelle, and Dr. Tamara Spitzing are known for clear stories and warm, engaging tours.

“This tour was interesting and inspirational. I learnt a lot about the Münster: the great, gothic cathedral in town and talked to some of the people with me. Very informative, social and interesting. Would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Freiburg.”

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2.City Walking Tour with Drag Queen Betty BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 525 reviews · from $40

Join Black Forest drag queen Betty BBQ for an 85-minute walk through Freiburg. She combines historical facts, personal anecdotes, sarcasm, and current city gossip, showing you more than the famous Minster. The tour is in German, for adults 18 and older, with groups usually ranging from 20 to 60 people.

“Betty BBQ is just lovely and her tour is the perfect combination between on point historical facts and short anecdotes to spice things up. Recommend it wholeheartedly!”

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3.Guided City Tours with Actors

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 459 reviews · 1h 30m

You’ll walk Freiburg for 90 minutes with a German-speaking actor playing Catharina Stadellmenin, accused of witchcraft, or a 16th-century harlot. Both routes visit the old town, streams, medieval gates, Rathausplatz, Adelhauser Klosterplatz, and the Old Court House. Expect dark tales, humor, and lively history for a private group of up to 30.

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4.Black Forest Tour by car – start Offenburg or Freiburg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 347 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) Top rated

Travel by private, air-conditioned car through the Black Forest from Freiburg or Offenburg. Your English-speaking local guide shapes the day around your interests, pace, and comfort, with flexible stops and bottled water included. Simone is one guide you may meet. Lunch, entry fees, and personal purchases cost extra.

“We had the most wonderful experience on our Black Forest tour with Simone! From the moment we met her, her warmth and positivity set the tone for a truly special day. She’s incredibly knowledgeable not just about the history and culture of the region, but also about the hidden gems that make the Black Forest so magical.”

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5.Baden-Baden, Black Forest and Strasbourg Day Trip from Frankfurt

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 297 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $354

Travel from Frankfurt by comfortable coach or van to Baden-Baden, Lake Mummelsee, and Strasbourg. A guide such as Thomas, Peter, William, or Willy leads the day, with a Baden-Baden walk and Strasbourg Petit Train ride included. Expect beautiful scenery, two countries, and a very full 11-hour schedule with limited free time.

“You see a lot of very interesting things, but unfortunately there’s just not enough time to deep dive into all three visits”

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6.Rust: Rulantica Water Park Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 289 reviews · 1 day · from $37

Spend a full day at Rulantica, Europa-Park’s year-round water park in Rust. Choose from more than 50 slides and attractions, including Vikingløp and Tønnevirvel, or slow down in heated pools, bars, and relaxation areas. Entry covers the water park, while Hyggedal’s saunas and steam bath cost extra and can be booked onsite.

“Das Bad war völlig überfüllt; man musste 40 Min. warten, um 2 Min. eine Wasserrutschbahn im Reifen herunterzurutschen. Bereits eine Stunde nach Eröffnung waren ALLE Liegen per Handtuch in Beschlag genommen; ich fand als 76jähriger Besucher den ganzen Tag keine einzige Sitz- oder Ruhegelegenheit.”

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7.Sightseeing Highlights Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 184 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $17

Meet your German-speaking guide at the Tourist Information and walk from the museum mile to Casino Baden-Baden, Friedrichsbad, Caracalla Therme, and the Old Town. Guides such as Herr Schitter and Guillermina bring the 19th-century spa era to life. Wear non-slip shoes.

“Die Führerin hat kurzweilig erzählt und viele Hintergrundinformationen vermittelt. Für uns hat sich die geführte Tour auf jeden Fall gelohnt”

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8.Highlights of the old town

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 167 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $17

Meet your guide outside the Tourist Information on Rathausplatz for a 90-minute walk through Freiburg’s old town. You’ll learn how the Bächle streams work, see Haus zum Walfisch, study the Münster from outside, pass the historic department store, and finish at Augustinerplatz. Tours run in German, English, or Spanish, with guides such as Johannes, Ilknur, and Stefan sometimes leading the walk.

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9.Tour of the city with cathedral visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 167 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $21

Meet your German-speaking guide at Rathausplatz for a 90-minute walk through Freiburg’s Bächle, lanes, squares, Haus zum Walfisch, and historic department store. The tour ends inside the cathedral, where a required headphone system keeps the guide clear, even in a large group. Guides include Stefan and other experienced local leaders.

“Am besten war unser Gide sowie deren Erzählungen. Gerne wieder.”

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10.Veni, vidi, vino – wine hike and tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 144 reviews · 2h 30m · from $81

Join a German-speaking guide such as Evi or Katja for a 2.5-hour walk up Freiburg’s Schlossberg. You’ll ride the Schlossbergbahn, taste four wines and one secco from Lena Flurbacher winery, hear about local wine and Freiburg’s hill, and keep the tasting glass as a souvenir.

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11.Hey, Hallöchen, Freiburg! – The Travestie City Tour with Betty BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 124 reviews · from $40

Join Black Forest drag queen Betty BBQ for an 80-minute walking tour through Freiburg, including Cathedral Square. Expect city history, nightlife stories, local gossip, humor, and possibly a Schnäpsle along the way. The tour is conducted in German, returns to its starting point, and welcomes groups of up to 60 people.

“Betty is a superstar! The tour is in German, so I didn't get all of it, but it is still a great way to see this beautiful city.”

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12.English Tours of the Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 108 reviews · from $14

Follow an English-speaking guide from Rathausplatz through Freiburg’s Old City, with stops at the cathedral, Münsterplatz market, Merchants’ Hall, Konviktstraße, Schwabentor, Augustinerplatz, and Martin’s Gate. John may lead the walk, adding local stories, odd details, food tips, and practical advice for the rest of your visit.

“Very interesting. I appreciated the guide's local knowledge and insights tailored to the group he was leading. Plus clear language and directions and encouragement of questions.”

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13.Exciting City Tour with sightseeing and history

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 103 reviews · 2 hours · from $27

Join a German-speaking guide for a two-hour walk through Freiburg’s old town. See Rathausplatz, the Gothic cathedral, Colombischlössle, the Bächle, city gates, the Bermuda Triangle, Schlossberg, and Konviktstrasse. Guides such as Paula add curious anecdotes, while the relaxed pace helps you get oriented.

“Sympathische Stadtführerin mit gutem Hintergrundwissen und einigen kuriosen Anekdoten dabei.Hat sich besonders über unsere diversen Nachfragen gefreut. Guter Start um sich in Freiburg zu orientieren.”

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14.Guided Pub Crawl with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 99 reviews · 4 hours · from $53

Join a German-speaking guide, often including Sara, at Hackl's zapfBar in Freiburg's old town. Over four hours, visit five popular pubs, enjoy a welcome shot, three small beers or wine spritzers, and two special shots. This is a social night out, not a historical tour, and some venues permit indoor smoking.

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15.From Strasbourg: Black Forest and Baden Baden Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 95 reviews · 8 hours · from $253

This eight-hour small-group trip from Strasbourg takes you across the German border to Baden-Baden, Mummelsee Lake, Black Forest viewpoints, and Sasbachwalden. An English-speaking guide such as Thierry, Jerome, or Pauline drives a modern minivan for up to eight people. You get guided sightseeing, free time for lunch, and a taste of Germany’s famous wine country.

“It was a fabulous day trip from Strasbourg. Best way to get to know Baden Baden and also see the surroundings, visit the Black Forest and some of its pittoresk villages and the Mummelsee. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and therefore the tour was very informative. Definitely would recommend!”

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