If you find yourself at the Triberg Waterfalls in the town of Triberg im Schwarzwald still surrounded by snow, don’t freak out… the pretty white stuff only enhances the beauty of Germany’s most famous waterfalls. There must be something to them, over a half-million people a year come to Triberg to see this natural attraction.
And if you think that’s the only thing to see in this Black Forest town, you’ve got another thing coming; you won’t even know where to start. Good thing I’m here to help, starting by suggesting you start your trip to Triberg at the local Tourist Office.
Theses nice folks have maps that’ll detail many of the city’s attractions, along with the countless cycling and hiking trails. This is where you’ll meet if you want a 2-hour guided tour that start at 2:30 on Wednesday afternoons. If you’re here between Easter and October, you can tag along to a Saturday tour at 10 am.
Let me say that no trip to Triberg should ever be without seeing the carvings at the Town Hall, located at Hauptstraße 57. The detail of these carvings are exquisite, and the work of a man with a vision back in 1926.
Nor, should you miss a trip to the gallows. Don’t worry, you’re not in any danger of being hanged — the last one was way back in the late 1700s — twelve of whom where hanged for witchcraft. Dark history, or not, the countryside surrounding the gallows is some of the prettiest in Germany.
Wait, I spoke too soon. If you’re willing to climb the 127 steps of the Stöcklewaldturm, you’re treated to views of the Alps and Swabian Alb. Some might argue they’re the prettiest places in Germany.
We can discuss it over coffee, or better yet, over a beer after the keg’s been tapped at Triberg’s 2-day Ham Festival (hello, Black Forest Ham). This is but one of many events held throughout the year, like the Summer Festival in August, and the Waldfest (Forest Festival) in July.
Some folks come for the parties, some come to see how cuckoo clocks are made. Triberg lies along the scenic Deutsche Uhrenstraße or German Clock Route, and boasts the world’s largest cuckoo clock.
And some people come to see one of the loveliest Baroque churches anywhere — known around here simply as Wallfahrtskirche Maria in der Tanne. It started simple enough back in the 1600s, where a few miracles were said to have happened — and a lone man put a statue of Mary into a tree.
These are but a mere taste of things to do in Triberg, any time of the year.