Todtnau Travel Guide

City Mountain town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

A Black Forest village beneath steep fir slopes, Todtnau serves waterfalls, toboggan runs and hiking trails. Guests arrive for Todtnau Waterfall, winter skiing on Feldberg and wood-smoked Black Forest ham in local inns.

Main image
Costs
Moderate - $80-140/day
Expect $80-140 per day for lodging, mountain activities, and summer tobogganing or skiing.
Safety
Very safe; outdoor risks
Very safe typical Black Forest town; outdoor-sport risks are the main concern.
Best Time
Dec-Mar (winter) and Jun-Sep (summer)
Winter for skiing; summer for hiking, mountain biking, and the toboggan run.
Time
Weather
Population
5,072
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good mountain roads and regional buses; car recommended for maximum flexibility.
Popularity
Popular with German outdoor tourists and families seeking nature and adventure sports.
Known For
Todtnau Waterfall, Black Forest hiking, alpine coaster (summer toboggan), skiing, mountain biking, Feldberg proximity, scenic roads, traditional Black Forest architecture
Todtnau features the Todtnau Waterfall and a popular alpine coaster (summer toboggan), drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Why Visit Todtnau? #

Tucked into the southern Black Forest, Todtnau attracts nature lovers with its waterfall, mountain trails and year-round outdoor activities. The Todtnau Waterfall and an exhilarating summer toboggan run offer contrasting thrills, while nearby Feldberg provides skiing and extensive hiking routes. Traditional Black Forest guesthouses serve hearty regional dishes after active days outdoors.

Top Things to Do in Todtnau

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Todtnau Waterfall (Todtnauer Wasserfall) - See Todtnau Waterfall cascading through wooded gorges on marked walking trails.
  • Hasenhorn Coaster and cable car - Ride the Hasenhorn Alpine coaster and cable car for family-friendly mountain views.
  • Todtnau village centre - Wander the village centre for traditional Black Forest houses and cafés.
Hidden Gems
  • Ravennaschlucht (Ravenna Gorge) - Follow footpaths through Ravennaschlucht, passing a dramatic viaduct and shaded ravine.
  • Local schnapps distillery visits - Tour a family schnapps distillery to learn production and sample fruit brandies.
  • Quiet alpine meadows near Todtnau - Find lesser-used meadow paths for wildflowers, picnics and peaceful mountain time.
Day Trips
  • Feldberg - Drive to Feldberg for higher-altitude trails, alpine meadows and panoramic summits.
  • Freiburg im Breisgau - Visit Freiburg for the Münster, medieval lanes and lively market at Munsterplatz.

Best Time to Visit Todtnau #

Visit Todtnau from late spring to early autumn for hiking, waterfalls, and open alpine pastures. Winters are snowy and popular with winter-sport enthusiasts but can be cold and changeable.

Winter
December - February · -6°C to 2°C (21°F to 36°F)
Snowy, cold winters offer cross-country skiing and nearby ski resorts; expect short daylight and icy trails - best equipped travelers only.
Spring & Autumn
March - May & September - November · 2°C to 15°C (36°F to 59°F)
Cool, changeable weather with melting snow and vivid foliage; ideal for waterfall hikes, quiet trails, and fewer crowds outside peak summer.
Summer
June - August · 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F)
Mild, often rainy summers are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and waterfall viewing; bring layers for cooler upland temperatures and sudden showers.

Best Time to Visit Todtnau #

Climate

Todtnau's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1465 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

128 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-4°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
14.9h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.7h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.3h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

136 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

152 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

How to Get to Todtnau

Todtnau is best reached via Freiburg (rail hub) or EuroAirport with a connecting regional bus into the Black Forest. There is no direct long-distance rail to Todtnau; buses from Freiburg are the usual public-transport solution.

By Air

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP): EuroAirport is the common international gateway for the southern Black Forest. From the airport take rail services into Basel or Mulhouse and onward by train to Freiburg im Breisgau, then a regional bus to Todtnau; total travel time typically ranges from 1.5-3 hours depending on connections. Combined fares for the rail+bus leg are commonly in the €15-35 range.

Freiburg (by rail from other airports): If you arrive via Frankfurt (FRA) or Zurich (ZRH), take a long-distance train to Freiburg Hbf and then a regional bus toward Todtnau. Travel times vary by origin but expect at least 2-4 hours from major hubs.

By Train & Bus

Train: Todtnau does not have a direct long-distance rail link; the nearest major rail hub is Freiburg Hauptbahnhof. From Freiburg take a regional bus (Südbaden or RVS services) into the southern Black Forest and on to Todtnau - bus journey times are commonly 60-90 minutes from Freiburg.

Bus: Regional buses from Freiburg and neighbouring towns run to Todtnau and are the practical public-transport option. Timetables are more frequent in daytime and during ski/hiking seasons; check local RVS/SWEG schedules for exact times.

How to Get Around Todtnau #

Todtnau’s centre is compact and walkable, making it a good base for hiking and winter sports. Regional buses connect Todtnau with nearby towns and the Feldberg area; a car gives more flexibility for exploring the Black Forest. Biking is popular in summer; in winter, check local transport for ski shuttle services and seasonal timetable changes.

Where to Stay in Todtnau #

Budget
Town centre / near Todtnauer Wasserfall - $35-70/night
Todtnau in the Black Forest has budget inns and guesthouses, many near hiking trails and ski lifts. Small-town availability.
Mid-Range
Near ski lifts / valley - $80-140/night
A number of comfortable hotels and family-run properties offering regional cuisine and easy trail access. Popular outdoors base.
Luxury
Nearby spa resorts / Feldberg area - $150+/night
Todtnau has few true luxury hotels; luxury seekers should target larger Black Forest spa resorts a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Todtnau #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Todtnau's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
German
Burger
Cake
Italian
Fish
Soup
Asian
Fries
Kebab
Pasta
Pizza
Salad
Hot Dog
Barbecue
Ice Cream
Coffee Shop
Steak House
Kaiserschmarrn

Nightlife in Todtnau #

Nightlife is quiet and centred on guesthouse bars, beer gardens and hotel lounges. Activity increases during ski season and summer events, but otherwise evenings are calm and community‑focused.

Shopping in Todtnau #

Shopping is limited to small local shops, bakeries and outdoor retailers catering to hikers and skiers. You’ll find practical goods and souvenirs rather than large shopping centres. For bigger purchases or brand stores, regional centres such as Freiburg are the nearest options.

Nearby Cities #