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If you’re craving an adventure that combines the natural beauty of Germany’s Black Forest with a taste of French culture, this private full-day tour is a compelling option. Offered as a flexible, personalized experience, it takes you through scenic routes, charming villages, and iconic sights, all in just about 7 to 8 hours. With a knowledgeable guide at your side and a comfortable Mercedes Benz V Class, it promises a relaxed yet enriching day.
What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the blend of iconic landmarks and hidden gems—like the historic Baden-Baden Casino and Strasbourg’s stunning cathedral—paired with the chance to explore nature spots such as Mummelsee and Geroldsau Waterfall. On the flip side, the itinerary involves some time on the road, so if you’re after a slow, immersive experience, this might feel a bit rushed.
This tour fits travelers who want an efficient, guided overview of the Black Forest’s highlights without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal for those who value expert commentary, scenic drives, and the freedom to customize the day’s activities. Families, couples, or small groups eager to see two countries in one outing will find this trip particularly appealing.
Key Points
Personalized experience: The tour is private, with a flexible guide who can adapt to your interests.
Includes scenic highlights: Think waterfalls, lakes, and panoramic roads, plus cultural landmarks.
Comfortable transportation: New, air-conditioned Mercedes Benz V Class with WiFi makes the journey pleasant.
Learn from knowledgeable guides: Reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and deep regional knowledge.
Taste local flavors: Opportunities for wine tasting and enjoying Black Forest cake.
Cost and value: At $1,173.97 for up to 6 guests, it offers a comprehensive day with tailored touches.
A Detailed Look at the Itinerary
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Starting Point: Baden-Baden Casino
Your day begins at the famous Baden-Baden Casino, a building often celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the world. While the admission ticket isn’t included, the exterior alone, with its historic charm and elegance, sets a luxurious tone. As Marlene Dietrich once said, it’s a place you absolutely should see if you’re in the area. Many reviewers, like Chrissie, loved the quick peek—”Caesar was amazing! We saw so much in just one day,” she shared, highlighting how this iconic site is a perfect photo opportunity and a taste of Baden-Baden’s glamorous heritage.
Lichtentaler Allee and Medieval Ruins
Next, a stroll along Lichtentaler Allee, a tranquil boulevard lined with rose gardens and views of the ruins of medieval castles at Ebersteinburg and Hoh Specht. Walking here, you get a sense of Baden-Baden’s noble past intertwined with natural beauty. Reviewers appreciated this peaceful moment, noting the vivid memories of the lush scenery and historic ambiance.
The Black Forest High Road
Driving along the Black Forest High Road is often a highlight, and rightly so. As Germany’s oldest scenic route, it’s over 85 years of age and stretches for more than 60 kilometers. The sweeping views, framed by dense forests and rolling hills, are unforgettable. Many travelers have mentioned the scenic drive as a wonderful way to see the Black Forest’s signature landscape without spending hours hiking.
Adventure at Klettergarten Mehliskopf
For a dose of adrenaline and family fun, the Mehliskopf climbing and bobsled park offers activities suitable for all ages—climbing walls, downhill carts, and bobsled rides. Although the ticket isn’t included, visitors often find this a fun, active stop. One reviewer called it a “diverse entertainment” spot, noting that both adults and kids can enjoy the variety of outdoor activities amid the forest.
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Mummelsee: The Black Forest’s Fairy Tale Lake
One of the most loved stops is Mummelsee, the largest of the Black Forest lakes. At 18 meters deep and sitting at 1,036 meters elevation, this lake feels like stepping into a fairy tale. You can walk around its 800-meter circumference, indulge in local cuisine, or shop for Black Forest souvenirs. Of course, the highlight is trying a slice of Black Forest cake, which many reviewers, including Chrissie, praise as a must-try treat during the visit.
Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral
Crossing the border into France, your next stop is Strasbourg’s Cathedral Notre Dame, a magnificent structure with over a thousand years of history. The blend of French Gothic architecture and local Alsace charm makes this an impressive cultural stop. Visitors like Tara appreciated the “friendly and knowledgeable” guides, and many felt the brief hour was enough to appreciate the cathedral’s beauty and history.
Geroldsau Waterfall
Just a quick 10-minute walk from the Black Forest, Geroldsau Waterfall offers crystal-clear waters tumbling over rocks. It’s a serene spot that provides a natural respite after a busy morning. Reviewers mention it as a “beautiful, typical waterfall,” perfect for photos and a quick refresh.
Back to Baden-Baden: Roman Roots
Returning to Baden-Baden, you’ll explore the Roman baths and the Florentine Mountain. Our guides highlight the ancient Roman history hidden beneath the city’s streets—ruins of baths and villas that date back 2,000 years. Many visitors find this fascinating, especially as the Roman influence is still visible in the town’s thermal baths and architecture.
What Makes This Tour Special?
This experience isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s crafted to give you a real taste of the Black Forest’s diverse attractions. The guides’ local knowledge shines through, as they provide context and stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Reviewers frequently mention how friendly and helpful guides like Martin and Phillip are, helping with small details like buying cuckoo clocks or recommending the best wine cellars.
The scenic drives along iconic routes like the Black Forest High Road and through picturesque villages make the journey visually stunning. The Mercedes Benz V Class provides comfortable, climate-controlled transport, ensuring you’re relaxed between stops. Plus, the WiFi onboard means you can share photos or look up interesting facts during the drive.
The customization potential adds to the value—guides are happy to reserve restaurants or organize wine tastings, which elevates the experience from a simple tour to a tailored day out.
The Value
At just under $1,200 for up to 6 people, this private tour offers excellent value considering the personalized attention, the variety of highlights, and the inclusive comforts. While tickets for attractions aren’t included, many stops—like the cathedral and the Roman ruins—are free or low-cost, making the day largely cost-effective.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is perfect for small groups or families seeking a flexible, guided overview of the Black Forest and Strasbourg without the stress of planning. It’s suited for travelers who want to see major sights comfortably, learn local stories, and enjoy some culinary treats, like Black Forest cake or wine tastings.
If you prefer a slow, immersive experience, this might feel a little hurried. But if your goal is to cover lots of ground, this tour offers a smart, well-organized way to do it. It caters especially well to those who value expert guidance and tailored experiences—like booking a fine restaurant or making spontaneous stops.
The Sum Up
This private Black Forest tour from Baden-Baden to Strasbourg offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and local flavors—all in a single day. The flexibility provided by the guides ensures you get a personalized experience, whether that means focusing on natural wonders like Mummelsee, historical landmarks like Baden-Baden’s Roman baths, or cultural highlights in Strasbourg.
While the itinerary is packed, the comfort of modern transport and the wealth of commentary from enthusiastic guides make it a memorable outing. It’s particularly suitable for small groups wanting a seamless, curated day with opportunities to sample regional wines and enjoy Black Forest delicacies.
If you’re looking to see multiple highlights without the hassle of self-driving or extensive planning, this tour delivers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery—definitely worth considering.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children? The tour can be tailored to family needs, especially since activities like climbing or bobsledding are kid-friendly, and child seats are available if needed.
How long does the drive between stops take? While exact travel times aren’t specified, the itinerary covers diverse locations within approximately 7 to 8 hours, with enough time allocated for each sightseeing spot.
Are tickets included in the price? No, admission tickets for sites like Baden-Baden Casino are not included, so you might want to budget a little extra for these.
Can I customize the itinerary? Yes, guides are flexible and can help reserve restaurants or organize wine tastings, making the day more tailored to your interests.
Is the tour conducted in a group or privately? It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized experience.
What is the best time of year for this tour? While the tour is available year-round, spring and summer offer the best weather for outdoor activities and scenic drives.
