Overview
The Black Forest is located in Southwestern Germany in the state (Bundesland) of Baden-Württemberg. It includes the North, Middle and South Black Forest Nature Parks (Naturparks Nord- und Sudschwarzwald), although the North and Middle are often jointly referred to simply as the North.
The Black Forest itself begins in the north around Karlsruhe and Pforzheim and trends south-south-west towards Freiburg im Breisgau and Basel, in Switzerland. The forest is bordered on the West and South by the Rhine Valley. On the East it is bordered by the Swabian Alb (Swaebische Alb).
The highest point in the Black Forest is the Feldberg at 1493m (4,898 ft).
Other high summits include the Herzogenhorn, Seebuck, Belchen, and Schauinsland.
Getting There
The Black Forest is riddled with small towns and roadways, in addition to railways. Access to any area is extremely easy.
Closest airports are Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden and Freiburg/Basel.
The hiking trails and roads blend together, so often you'll find yourself walking along roads for extended periods on the way from towns to the summit.
Red Tape
No Red Tape. Hiking trails are all open and signs with directions are posted
very regularly.
Camping
Camping is allowed in certain areas within the Naturparks.