Winter in the Black Forest: Waterfalls, Christmas Markets & Days Out around Triberg

• The Triberg Waterfalls are a winter experience too: ice formations, deeply snow-covered forest and far fewer visitors than in summer.
• Triberg itself no longer hosts a Christmas market – the former “Triberger Weihnachtszauber” was discontinued.
• Alternative Christmas markets in the region include Villingen-Schwenningen, Rottweil and Freiburg – check current dates with the tourist information office in advance.
• With the KONUS guest card you travel for free on buses and regional trains throughout the Black Forest – perfect for winter excursions.
• The apartment is well heated – after a winter walk, unwind with the smart TV, dining area and the balcony looking out over the snow.

In winter the waterfalls become a world of their own: icicles hang over the rocks, the mist of the falls freezes into hoarfrost on the trees and the paths are much quieter than in summer. A late-morning visit, once the sun reaches the Gutach valley, is especially atmospheric.

One important tip: paths can be slippery in freezing conditions. Wear shoes with good grip and stick to the marked routes – the lower and middle walkways are the safest in winter. As a guest of the Ferienwohnung Auszeit you enter for free with your KONUS guest card.

Anyone visiting Triberg in advent will look in vain for the famous “Triberger Weihnachtszauber”: it was discontinued after more than ten years and no longer takes place. Instead, the region offers several lovely Christmas markets that are easy to reach with the apartment as your base.

Popular options include the Christmas markets in Villingen-Schwenningen with its old-town charm, in Rottweil with its historic centre, and the large Freiburg Christmas market. All three lie within the KONUS area, so the regional train ride is free with your guest card.

Exact dates and opening times change every year. It is worth checking the towns' websites or asking at the Triberg tourist information office (Hauptstraße 10) before you set off.

There are plenty of walking trails around Triberg that remain walkable in winter – while snow is on the ground, check current trail conditions at the tourist information office. With enough snow, snowshoe hikes are a great experience; rental and guided tours are offered in the region.

The town itself is charming in winter too: the Black Forest Museum, cafés serving Black Forest gateau and small shops are only a few minutes' walk from the apartment. And after a day outdoors, the well-equipped kitchen is waiting for you to cook and wind down.

• Dress in warm layers – evenings in the Black Forest get cold quickly.
• Wear shoes with good grip for wet and icy paths.
• Use the KONUS guest card: free bus and train travel to Christmas markets and excursion destinations.
• Check Christmas market dates in advance – most markets run from late November until just before Christmas.
• Christmas, New Year and the school holidays are popular: book early.