Things To Do
in Donaueschingen

Cured and smoked ham from the region, often served thinly sliced with bread or as part of a cold plate; available at delis and local markets.

Must-Try!

Layered chocolate sponge with cherries and kirsch liqueur—a must-try at local cafés and bakeries.

Stuffed pasta (similar to ravioli) usually filled with meat and spinach—served in broth or pan-fried; common in Swabian-influenced menus.

Freshwater trout from local rivers or lakes, often pan-fried or served with almond butter in regional restaurants.

Local market day (check specific weekday) offering regional produce, cheeses, breads and sausages—good for pick-up picnic items and tasting local specialties.

In winter, a small festive market offers mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts and local sweet treats—cozy street-food options during the Advent season.

Germans value punctuality—arrive on time for tours, appointments and social meetings.

Respect quiet hours (often late evening and night) and local rules about waste sorting and recycling—bins are sorted and fines can apply for incorrect disposal.

A brief handshake and eye contact when meeting; use formal address (Sie) unless invited to use first names and du.

Keep noise levels reasonable in public spaces, especially residential areas; queue politely and respect local customs.

Tipping is customary but modest—typically round up the bill or leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service. For taxis, round up or add 5–10%; for hotel porters and housekeeping, a couple of euros is appreciated.

Cards (Visa, Mastercard, sometimes Maestro) are increasingly accepted but small shops, markets and some rural inns may be cash-only. Carry some euros for markets and small purchases; contactless payments are common in larger establishments.

Warm days with temperatures often pleasant for hiking and cycling; expect busy weekends as locals and tourists head to the Black Forest lakes and trails. Pack sunscreen and insect repellent; many outdoor events and festivals run in summer.

Crisp air and vivid fall foliage make this an excellent time for photography and hiking; rainfall increases occasionally and temperatures cool quickly in the evenings. Harvest festivals and wine events happen regionally—bring layers.

Cold with possible snow in town and heavier snow in higher Black Forest elevations—good for cross-country skiing and winter hiking nearby. Many attractions have reduced hours; dress warmly and check road conditions for mountain passes.

Melting snows and budding forests bring waterfalls and green meadows; variable weather means packing a light rain jacket and layers. Spring is quieter for tourism and pleasant for walking and local sightseeing.

A dramatic gorge with well-marked trails, wooden walkways and varied scenery—suitable for full-day hikes and nature photography.

Lakeside and forest trails around Schluchsee offering gentle to moderate routes, swimming spots and panoramic viewpoints.

Highest peak in the Black Forest with alpine views, marked paths and year-round hiking or winter sports options; accessible by car from Donaueschingen.

Easier walks across the Baar plateau with pastoral views, small woods and historical villages—good for half-day outings and cycling.

International airport about 1.5–2 hours by car or train; good for many international connections and comfortable rail/bus links into southwest Germany.

Major German airport roughly 1.5–2 hours by car or regional train service; offers domestic and international flights and rail connections via Stuttgart.

Smaller regional airport on Lake Constance about 1–1.5 hours by car; convenient for regional flights and easy access to the southern Black Forest.

Regional airport about 1.5 hours away by car; serves some European routes with connections to the region by train and road.