Curator’s statement
The Black Forest is one of those rare destinations that blends everything I love about travel: history, culture, nature, great food, wellness, and even sports like golf. When the weather is right, it’s magical: lush landscapes, charming towns, and stunning views. What makes it even more special is the adventure of the road trip itself, weaving through Germany, France, and Switzerland. It’s a place where every stop feels like a new story waiting to unfold.
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Day 1: Arrive in Zürich
Arrive in Zürich and check into a hotel either downtown or near the airport, depending on your arrival time.
If time allows, enjoy a relaxed walk around Zürich’s Old Town (Altstadt), which offers charming streets, lake views, and high-end shopping.
Insider tip: Grab a coffee at Café Schober and walk along Bahnhofstrasse for a quick taste of the city’s elegance. Or, if you’re staying near the airport, take the quick 10-minute train ride into the city—it’s fast, clean, and reliable.
Day 2: Begin your road trip
Pick up your rental car (from downtown or the airport) and begin your scenic road trip.
Stop in Basel for a quick lunch or museum visit. The Kunstmuseum is stunning.
Arrive in Freiburg and check into Colombi Hotel, a Black Forest classic.
Have dinner at Dattler for panoramic views over the city.
Day 3: Explore the Black Forest
Triberg Waterfalls
Spend the day exploring the Black Forest—think nature, culture, and cute towns. Go to Triberg Waterfalls!
Visit Gengenbach, a fairytale village with timber-framed houses (Christmas calendar town).
Stop for photo ops, local bakeries, and Black Forest cake.
Insider tip: Download a local driving route from Schwarzwald Tourismus—they suggest scenic routes that most tourists miss.
Day 4: Depart for Baden-Baden
Colmar
Depart for Baden-Baden
Stop in Colmar for lunch, where you’ll find charming Alsatian vibes with pastel houses and canals.
Arrive at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, a luxurious stay in Baden-Baden.
Have dinner at the Casino Baden-Baden. Dress up for a glam evening.
Insider tip: The casino is one of the most elegant in Europe—bring your passport to enter.
Day 5: Enjoy a spa day & afternoon wine tour
View from the hotel's room at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
Start with spa time at Villa Stéphanie, part of Brenners.
Optional activities include golf at Golf Club Baden Baden, light hiking, or forest bathing along the nearby Black Forest trails.
Enjoy an afternoon wine tour in the Baden region, known for Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)—a good one is Sven Nieger.
Have dinner back at the hotel.
Insider tip: Book spa and wine tours in advance—this is a wellness hot spot, and it gets booked up quickly.
Day 6: Travel to Switzerland
Lobby views at Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
Leave Baden-Baden.
Make a lunch stop in Strasbourg. Eat at Le Clou for Alsatian cuisine.
Continue toward Switzerland, arriving at Bürgenstock Resort, perched above Lake Lucerne.
Check in and enjoy lake views and a relaxing evening.
Insider tip: Arrive before sunset—the golden hour views over Lake Lucerne from your room are spectacular.
Day 7: Spend the morning at Bürgenstock Spa & visit Lucerne
Bürgenstock Alpine Golf
Spend your morning at the Bürgenstock Spa, golfing at Bürgenstock Alpine Golf, or hiking with panoramic lake views.
Take the funicular and lake boat combo to Lucerne for the afternoon.
Have lunch at La Bestia, a hidden culinary gem in Lucerne.
Optional: Rent a boat for a private lake day or sunset cruise.
Day 8: End your trip on a sweet note
Panoramic infinity pool at the Bürgenstock
Enjoy the panoramic infinity pool at the Bürgenstock.
Drive back to Zürich. Stop at the Lindt Home of Chocolate for a sweet ending on the way back.
Have lunch at Fischer Fritz, a lakeside local favorite for fish dishes.
Return your rental car and catch your flight or check into a nearby hotel if flying out the next day.
Insider tip: The Lindt Factory has a short tour and shop—perfect if you’re short on time and want gifts!
Need to know
Best time to go: May through September for great weather and scenic drives.
Car rental: Make sure it includes vignettes for Switzerland.
Packing: Bring layers—the weather can shift quickly.
Dining: Book top restaurants in advance.
Spas: Check spa dress codes—some have nude areas.
Offline maps: Cell signal can drop in remote areas.
Travel Advisor
Maria Chapman
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