A Magical Day in Triberg!
Have you ever wanted to visit a place but had no idea how to get there? That was us as we set out for an adventure in Germany’s Black Forest. We had a GPS but no set destination—just a desire to explore.
After some quick research, I found that Triberg, a charming town in the heart of the Black Forest, was famous for three things: its stunning waterfalls, handmade cuckoo clocks, and the legendary Black Forest cake. That was all the motivation we needed!
Our drive from our apartment near Stuttgart took about an hour and a half (a late start didn’t help). Without a concrete plan, we parked on a quiet street and made our first stop—cake! The café where we had our first taste of authentic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte has since closed, but rest assured, this decadent treat is easy to find in Triberg.
If you’ve only had Black Forest cake in the U.S., you’re in for a surprise. The German version varies by region, with some recipes including cherry schnapps (Kirschwasser) and others keeping it alcohol-free. My favorite version, more like a pie than a cake, came from that now-closed café.
As we enjoyed our treat, we noticed people in elaborate costumes—we suspect they were part of a symphony performance at the convention center near the restaurant. If only we’d known in advance!
Afterward, we drove past a stunning Gothic church and 
parked near Triberg’s famous waterfall. At 163 meters (534 feet), it’s the tallest in Germany. Two bridges cross the falls, but hiking to the top wasn’t for me—I have a healthy fear of heights! My husband made it to the first bridge (shown here) but opted out of the second, a rope bridge. I didn’t blame him!
Next, we set out in search of a handmade cuckoo clock. With so many shops to choose from, we settled on one known for its handcrafted pieces. The craftsmanship was stunning! We splurged on a clock—not the priciest, but a treasured keepsake that still hangs in our home today. Some of the clocks cost thousands of euros!
Before dinner, we explored a small local museum, which turned out to be a delightful surprise. It featured Triberg’s history, sparkling crystal collections from local mines, and a working miniature train tracing the Black Forest’s railway routes. For half a euro, we watched the tiny trains in action—like kids at heart! The museum also had displays of traditional Black Forest attire, including the region’s famous hats, some even adorned with fruit.
Dinner was a mix of tradition and adventure. My husband indulged in his favorite—venison (wildebeest)—while I played it safe with schnitzel. The alternative, pigs’ knuckles, wasn’t even a consideration! To my surprise, the schnitzel was excellent.
The Black Forest earns its name from the dense tree coverage, which allows little sunlight to filter through. At dusk, the trees appear almost black—a hauntingly beautiful sight.
We had an unforgettable day in Triberg, filled with discovery, culture, and delicious food. I’d return in a heartbeat! Have you ever visited a place expecting it to be “just okay,” only to be completely wowed? Share your experiences in the comments.