Family Adventures in the Black Forest

Marcus Leach and his family explore the beautiful Black Forest in Germany, enjoying the excellent family-friendly activities and the peaceful surroundings.

Our first encounter with the Black Forest was fleeting. After three weeks in Austria, we planned a brief stopover at Camping Kleinenzhof on the journey back to Calais. But it didn’t take long, barely an hour after arriving on site, to realise we would need to return for a proper stay.

And that’s exactly what we did this summer. We headed back to Germany not only to enjoy one of the finest family campsites we’ve experienced in Europe, but to truly explore the Black Forest. Nestled in the heart of the forest, the campsite is surrounded by a sea of trees, with the constant hum of nature as a calming backdrop.

If you travel with children, you’ll know that a campsite needs more than decent facilities, a shop and a restaurant. It also needs enough additional activities and entertainment options to keep younger travellers engaged and entertained. This is where Kleinenzhof really excelled. Not only does it have an adventure playground, indoor swimming pool, sports complex and petting zoo with friendly animals, but also two excellent wooden rafts that can be used on the river that runs through the heart of the site and an array of pedal cars, trucks and buggies. 

All of this meant that we could have quite easily not left the site at all. However, thankfully we did as there are just as many excellent family-friendly activities in and around the surrounding area. Here’s our pick of the best family-friendly activities….

Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald: This 1,250-metre long boardwalk takes you high above the forest canopy, with fun and educational stops along the way to keep both children and adults engaged. However, it’s what awaits at the end that is the best part. A huge spiralling observation tower offers amazing views of the surrounding area, as well as a brilliant 55-metre tunnel slide that takes you back down to the bottom. 

WILDLINE Suspension Bridge: This 218-metre-long bridge stretches high above the forest floor, giving an exhilarating view of the treetops and valleys below. It’s an adrenaline rush for both kids and adults, and the surrounding trails make it easy to combine with a family-friendly walk through the Black Forest. For those who capture a ‘birdseye view’ photo you can claim a lovely certificate to remember your visit by. 

Hike around Wildsee Lake: We are a family that loves exploring on foot, and this 5km trail meanders through the serene Black Forest, offering gentle terrain suitable for all ages. Along the way you'll encounter peaceful lake views, opportunities for picnics and the chance to spot local wildlife. It's a perfect blend of nature and relaxation, and makes for a really enjoyable few hours enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding forest. 

Adventure Bikepark: If like us you love a bit of two-wheeled adrenaline then the Adventure Bikepark in Bad Wildbad is not to be missed. With trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned riders, it’s a great place to enjoy the forest on two wheels. The park provides clearly marked routes, rental bikes if you haven’t brought your own and dedicated zones for younger riders to practice safely. 

Adventure Forest Sommerberg: Our kids love an adventure playground, and this one is superbly built from natural materials giving it a sense of being an extension of the forest. It features more than twenty play and learning stations designed for both children and adults to enjoy together. From balance beams and rope swings to a forest ball track, maze and ziplines, there’s enough to keep you busy for a few hours. 

Triberger Waterfall: About an hour’s drive from the campsite, you’ll find Triberger Waterfall, one of the highest in all of Germany. There’s a network of well-maintained paths and viewing platforms, making it easy for families to explore safely. Along the trails, informative signs give insight into the local flora, fauna and history, so it’s as educational as it is beautiful. 

LEGOLAND Deutschland: About an hour and forty minutes’ drive from the campsite, LEGOLAND Deutschland offers a completely different kind of adventure. Perfect for a day trip, it’s a world of colourful creativity and imagination, with rides, interactive experiences and, of course, incredible LEGO creations that are worth the visit alone. Although really the best part is the rides. Our advice is get the queue hopper ticket and make the most of your day there. 

So, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, the Black Forest and Camping Kleinenzhof offer the perfect base for a family holiday.

• If Marcus has inspired you to explore France – or if you would like more information on either of the sites mentioned, visit camc.com/overseas.