Lake Titisee Tours

Overview
Formed by glaciers some 10,000 years ago, Lake Titisee is nestled in the heart of Black Forest National Park. The ancient alpine waters of this popular vacation destination draw outdoor sports enthusiasts year-round, from hiking and boating in summer to ice skating and skiing in the mountains when temperatures drop.

The Basics
The resort town of Titisee-Neustadt—packed with shops, restaurants, and spa hotels—is the base camp for Lake Titisee vacations. Highlights include a lakefront promenade and factories of famous German cuckoo-clock makers Hönes and Drubba. At 2,790 feet (850 meters), the highest lake in the Black Forest is a draw for swimmers, hikers, and pleasure-boat cruisers in summer. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding as well as ski jumping at Hochfirstschanze. Many guided Black Forest tours stop at Lake Titisee.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Swimming is allowed in the lake, but the water temperature is chilly year-round due to the high altitude.
• Boats ranging from paddleboats to electric cruisers can be hired from lakeshore outfitters.
• Public restrooms are available at the tourist information office.
• Look for the region’s signature Black Forest gateau cake on bakery and cafe menus throughout town.

How to Get There
Lake Titisee is located in Black Forest National Park in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the city of Freiburg, about a 1.5-hour drive south of Zurich in Switzerland and less than two hours' drive from Strasbourg in France. It's most easily reached by vehicle, though there is a direct train connection to Freiburg.

When to Get There
Summer has the best weather for swimming and boating, but expect the town of Titisee-Neustadt to get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Visit in fall for fewer crowds and to hike among colorful foliage.

Best of the Black Forest
A lush landscape of thick forests, shaded trails, and half-timbered towns, Germany’s Black Forest seems ripped from the pages of a Grimm’s fairy-tale. Nature escapes abound, from hiking in Schwarzwald National Park to biking through the Upper Danube Valley Nature Reserve or a misty walk beneath the Triberg Waterfalls. For more urban adventures, check out Gothic architecture in Freiburg or book a relaxing soak in one of Baden-Baden’s mineral spas.