Triberg is located in the middle of the Black Forest. The town of approximately five thousand people has one of the tallest series of waterfalls in the Gutach River, the Triberg Waterfalls, which have relatively easy public access. Triberg is also known for its beautiful countryside as well as cuckoo clocks. While living in Germany, a visit to this beautiful town should not go amiss.
Triberg Highlights
The Black Forest Museum
The Black Forest Museum is in Triberg and has the largest collection of barrel organs in Europe. There are also wood carvings and traditional costumes on display.
Maria in der Tanne Church
This Baroque church, which is just outside of Triberg, was a place of pilgrimage and built at the beginning of the 18th century. The legend attached to this church dates back to 1644. It is said that a young girl was cured of an eye disease by the water from a nearby spring. The following year a local tailor was cured of leprosy at the same place. In gratitude he put a small statue of the Virgin Mary in a hole in a tree, and this is how the church got its name ‘Mary in the Tree.’
Next to the church (which has an elaborate high altar) you will find the Mesnerhäuschen (the sacristan’s house), a small half-timbered building that is the second oldest house in Triberg. It dates back to 1697.
Europe’s Biggest Cuckoo Clock
It seems that everywhere you go in Triberg you see cuckoo clocks. If you wish to buy one as a souvenir, then head for Oli’s Schnitzstube or the House of a 1,000 clocks, where you will find hand-carved cuckoo clocks of superior quality. You will also find Europe’s biggest cuckoo clock here – you can’t miss it!
The Nature Discovery Park (Naturerlebnispark)
This is a great place to take children who can romp and play in natural surroundings. There is also a stage where cultural events are held against the backdrop of the beautiful Black Forest, with seating for around 300 people.
Burggarten
At one time there was a castle in Triberg, although it no longer exists. The castle was built during the 13th century. However the castle gardens are now open to visitors and you can have a look at the ruins, which are all that remain of the castle. The gardens are perfect if you need to rest after a hard day of walking around Triberg on a shopping expedition.
Holzgeschnitzter Rathaussaal
The carved wooden council chamber is a masterpiece, with its depictions of Black Forest life. It is open to the public from 8:30 until 12:30 Mondays to Fridays and from Monday to Thursday it is open from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Eating and Drinking in Triberg
Bergseestuble Inn
This is a restaurant located at Cl.-Maria-Hofbauer-Str. 19 and it is great for meals or simply coffee and cakes. Try the venison goulash for a change of taste, and don’t forget to try a slice of real Black Forest Gateau!
La Cascata Ristorantino Cafe Bar
This café-bar serves very good Italian cuisine and is centrally located at Haupstrasse, 83. This place is great for pasta and pizza (and ice cream) and makes a pleasant change from German meals.
Tresor Restaurant
The Tresor Restaurant is also on Hauptstrasse at number 63. The dining room used to be a bank vault, so the interior is different to that of the usual restaurants. The beer and fish and chips are particularly recommended.
Getting There
By car, Triberg is approximately 3 hours from Kaiserslautern and Wiesbaden, and 1.5 hours from Stuttgart. Please check the Deutsche Bahn website for train options.
Featured image by Andrey_Popov