About this Destination
Wild Heart of the Black Forest
Established in 2014, the Black Forest National Park represents Baden-Württemberg's commitment to wilderness conservation. Covering 10,062 hectares in the central Black Forest, this protected area allows nature to run wild, with some areas left untouched by human intervention for over 100 years.
Wildlife and Conservation
The park serves as a refuge for rare animal and plant species, including the peregrine falcon (the world's fastest bird) and the pygmy owl (Europe's smallest owl). The pristine forests provide habitat for deer, wild boar, and countless bird species in an ecosystem allowed to develop naturally.
Hiking and Trails
The park offers excellent hiking opportunities, including sections of famous long-distance trails like the Westweg, Germany's oldest marked hiking trail from 1900. Popular routes include the Ruhestein loop trail that passes the scenic Wildsee lake and traverses the park's protected wilderness areas.
Visitor Center
The National Park Center at Ruhestein features both the historic Villa Klumpp and a striking new building designed to resemble stacked tree trunks. Open Tuesday-Sunday (10am-5pm November-April, 10am-6pm May-October), it provides educational exhibits about the park's ecology and conservation efforts.
Conservation Philosophy
The park operates under the principle "Let nature be nature," allowing natural processes to proceed without human interference. This approach creates a unique opportunity to observe how Central European forests develop when left to their own devices, providing invaluable scientific insights into natural ecosystem dynamics.