Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Germany - 2 days)
Route Overview
Black Forest High Road: The Ultimate B500 Loop from Stuttgart
Discover one of Germany’s most iconic driving experiences along the legendary Schwarzwaldhochstraße (B500). This scenic road trip begins and ends in Stuttgart, combining sweeping mountain roads, dense forests, and cultural highlights in one unforgettable journey.
Drive deep into the heart of the Black Forest, famous for its dark pine forests, panoramic viewpoints, and traditional villages. The Black Forest High Road is one of Germany’s oldest and most scenic routes, offering dramatic ridgeline views and smooth, flowing curves perfect for driving enthusiasts.
Along the way, discover tranquil lakes, historic towns, and classic German hospitality before looping back to Stuttgart to complete this rewarding circular route.
Route Highlights
- Schwarzwaldhochstraße / Black Forest High Road: Stretching from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, this road offers flowing curves and long sightlines at altitudes of 800m to 1,000m. It is widely regarded as one of Europe’s premier "Grand Touring" roads.
The Stuttgart Connection
No German adventure is complete without honouring its mechanical roots. This route is designed to start and finish at the doorsteps of:
- The Porsche Museum: A futuristic landmark celebrating decades of performance engineering.
- The Mercedes-Benz Museum: A chronological journey through the history of the automobile.
Itinerary
- Day 1: The Black Forest Highway (Schwarzwaldhochstraße)
- Day 2: Autobahn Driving Experience & Return to Stuttgart
Why choose the Black Forest High Road route?
- One of the best scenic drives in Germany
- Perfect for a weekend escape
- Combines nature, culture, and iconic driving roads
Trip Information
- No of Days: 2
- Estimated Daily Drive: 3 hrs 36 mins
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Estimated Max Elevation: 1,093m (3,585ft)
Basic Itinerary
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the B500 so famous for drivers?
The B500 is known for its smooth, flowing curves and long sightlines. Unlike the tight, jagged hairpins of the Alps, this road allows for a more rhythmic, "Grand Touring" style of driving. It runs along the main ridge of the Black Forest, offering sweeping views of the Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountains in France.
How long does it take to complete this itinerary?
This route is designed as a 2-day trip, with relaxed daily driving times of around 3.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for stops and exploration.
What is the "Stuttgart Connection"?
Since the route begins and ends in Stuttgart, it is designed to bookend your trip with automotive history. We recommend visiting the Porsche Museum or the Mercedes-Benz Museum before you depart or after you return to pay homage to the engineering that built the cars you'll be driving.
What is the best time of year to drive this route?
The route can be driven year-round, but spring through autumn offers the best conditions. Autumn is particularly popular for its vibrant forest colours.
What is the maximum elevation?
The route reaches an estimated maximum elevation of 1,093m (3,585ft). While it is high enough to offer dramatic "above-the-clouds" vistas, it is much more accessible year-round than the high-altitude passes in Switzerland or Italy.
What should I eat along the way?
You cannot drive the Black Forest without trying Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake). Many of the mountain hotels along the B500 serve authentic versions made with local Kirsch (cherry brandy).
I enjoyed the mix of forest curves and high-speed sections; is there a similar short-break itinerary?
If you liked the "Forest and Speed" combination of the Black Forest and the Autobahn , take a look at our San Francisco Loop. It offers a similar contrast, moving from the winding forest roads of the Donner Pass to the sweeping coastal speeds of the Pacific Coast Highway.