Black Forest to Bavaria Route

Southern Germany offers motorhome travellers a concentration of scenic beauty unmatched anywhere in Central Europe. This route connects two of the country’s most celebrated regions—the legendary Black Forest and the Alpine foothills of Bavaria—through landscapes of forests, lakes, and mountain panoramas.

The Black Forest—Schwarzwald—extends far beyond cuckoo-clock clichés. Its dense forests, plunging valleys, and spa towns have drawn visitors for centuries, from Roman emperors to nineteenth-century aristocrats. Freiburg, the region’s unofficial capital, provides a cultured introduction with its Gothic cathedral and car-free old town. The Black Forest High Road traverses the highest ground, offering viewpoints that extend to the Alps on clear days, while the valleys of the Kinzig and Gutach reveal traditional farmhouses and watermills.

Crossing into Bavaria, Lake Constance—shared with Austria and Switzerland—provides transition, its sailing waters and island-gardens offering relaxed exploration. The German Alpine Road then traces the mountain frontier through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery: Oberammergau, famous for its passion play; Garmisch-Partenkirchen, gateway to Germany’s highest peak; and eventually to Berchtesgaden, where the Eagle’s Nest provides uncomfortable historical context amid extraordinary beauty.

German motorhome infrastructure makes this journey straightforward. Stellplätze with good facilities exist throughout, and the road network—including some excellent mountain passes—accommodates all vehicle sizes. A week allows comfortable exploration; combine with Austrian extensions for more ambitious journeys. The region suits all seasons: summer for hiking, autumn for harvest festivals, winter for Christmas markets and skiing access.