Ravenna Gorge

TL;DR: Ravenna Gorge is Germany’s most stunning hidden hiking paradise in the Black Forest, featuring dramatic waterfalls, a historic railway viaduct, and the country’s most enchanting Christmas market. Perfect for day trips from Freiburg, this 4-mile moderate hike offers incredible value with authentic Black Forest experiences away from crowds.

Picture this: you’re standing beneath a towering 37-meter stone railway bridge while a vintage train thunders overhead, surrounded by ancient forests and cascading waterfalls that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Welcome to Ravenna Gorge, the Black Forest’s best-kept secret that’s about to become your new favorite escape.

Why Ravenna Gorge Should Top Your Black Forest Bucket List

The Ravenna Gorge was nicknamed the Höllental (“Hell’s Gorge”) by retreating French troops in 1796 – but don’t let that intimidate you. What those exhausted soldiers saw as hellish, we get to experience as pure magic. This narrow, steep-sided valley carved by the wild Ravenna stream is where nature meets history in the most spectacular way.

The gorge isn’t just another pretty hiking spot – it’s a top 10 hike for all of Germany according to AllTrails, and once you experience its unique blend of natural beauty and fascinating history, you’ll understand why adventure seekers from around the world make the pilgrimage here.

What Makes Ravenna Gorge Absolutely Unique

The Dramatic Waterfalls Everyone Talks About

The wild Ravenna stream makes its way over many cascades and waterfalls. The two largest of these are the Large Ravenna Fall with a height of 16 metres and the Small Ravenna Fall with 6 metres. But here’s the thing – it’s not just about the big ones. Every twist and turn reveals new cascades, creating a symphony of water that accompanies your entire journey.

The Iconic Railway Viaduct

The star of the show? The 37-metre-high Ravennabrücke, the viaduct of the Höllentalbahn. This isn’t just any bridge – it’s part of Germany’s steepest railway line, and watching vintage trains cross this architectural marvel while you hike below is an experience you won’t get anywhere else in Europe.

Historic Treasures Hidden in Plain Sight

Right at the gorge entrance, you’ll discover the St. Oswald Chapel (built in 1148) – one of the oldest chapels in the entire Black Forest region. But wait, there’s more: the Sternen estate, where Marie Antoinette stayed in 1770 and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1779. Yes, you’re literally walking in the footsteps of royalty and literary giants.

Planning Your Perfect Ravenna Gorge Adventure

The Trail That Delivers Everything

Distance: 4.0-mile loop trail
Duration: Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 54 min to complete
Difficulty: Moderate with some steep sections
Elevation Gain: 728 ft

The beauty of this hike is its variety. A mixed bag of flat to very steep with at least half being alongside the beautiful gorge. You’ll start easy, then climb alongside rushing water through dense Black Forest, passing old saws, mills and a rope factory, taking hikers through the Ravenna Gorge.

When to Visit for Maximum Impact

Peak Season: March to October is the most popular time of year to visit
Sweet Spot: April to October for optimal weather
Insider Tip: Weather was perfect, overcast/sunny 12-16 degrees (you don’t want hot for this type of hike)

Avoid the height of summer if you want a more peaceful experience. Not many people at all which made it even better (I wouldn’t do it in the height of summer) – spring and fall offer the perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Essential Gear for Your Gorge Adventure

Must-Haves:

• Proper walking boots a must! – The rocky terrain and wooden walkways can get slippery
• Drinking water – There’s a café halfway, but bring backup
• Weather-appropriate layers – Be careful when it rains, as the wooden walkways and steps can become slippery

Leave at Home: definitely unsuitable for strollers – this is a proper hiking trail

Getting There: Your Gateway to Adventure

From Freiburg (The Popular Route)

If you are coming from Freiburg take a train to Hinterzarten. Trains depart every 20 minutes, the train ride lasts 30 minutes. This scenic train journey through the Black Forest is almost as beautiful as the destination itself.

Starting Points That Work for You

Option 1: Hinterzarten Train Station
Our self-guided hiking tour starts outside of the train station in Hinterzarten – perfect for car-free travelers

Option 2: Hofgut Sternen Parking
from the Ravennaschlucht parking lot at Hofgut Sternen (fee-based parking lot) – The car park was €5 for 5 hours

Budget-Friendly Transportation

Train tickets from Freiburg are reasonable, and you can buy train tickets at the train station. If you’re driving, the parking fees are modest considering what you’ll experience.

The Experience: What Your Day Actually Looks Like

The Perfect Hiking Timeline

If you are a fit person, calculate 3-4 hours round-trip. If you take breaks, have a picnic on the waterfalls or just want to take it easy, consider more time. Real hikers report It took us 4 hrs which included an hour at the cafe/souvenir shops, we ambled some parts, stopped here and there.

The Midway Oasis

Here’s something special: There is a halfway point of souvenirs/cafe (all important black forest gateau), wc’s etc. This isn’t just any rest stop – you’re at the historic Hofgut Sternen, where you can taste authentic Black Forest cake while surrounded by centuries of history.

Family-Friendly Features

Good news for families: many trailgoers have described Ravenna Gorge Trail as good for kids and families. The moderate difficulty and fascinating sights keep younger adventurers engaged throughout the journey.

Beyond the Hike: Unmissable Experiences

The Historic Hofgut Sternen Complex

In the heart of the Ravennaschluct is a small tourist-stop collection of buildings now known as the Hofgut Sternen. This isn’t your typical tourist trap – it’s a living piece of history offering:

• Authentic Glass-Blowing Workshop: interesting glass-blowing workshop where you can watch skilled artisans at work
• Traditional Cuckoo Clock Shop: that Black Forest staple, a cuckoo clock shop featuring some of the region’s finest timepieces
• Historic Hotel and Restaurant: Decently-priced hotel, pretty good restaurant

The Bone Chapel Mystery

Don’t miss the 12th century Chapel of St. Oswald, where you can peer into a low window and see the piles of bones in the crypt. Burial space was at a premium for the trio of surrounding mountain villages the church served, so any deceased were dug up after a few dozen years in the ground to make room for new burials, and the bones tossed in here. It’s macabre but fascinating – pure medieval history you can actually touch.

Germany’s Most Magical Christmas Market

Winter Wonderland Like Nowhere Else

If you thought Ravenna Gorge was special in summer, wait until you experience Germany’s Most Magical Christmas Market: Ravenna Gorge. Imagine yourself with a mug of hot mulled wine in hand, surrounded by lights as a train zooms overhead on a beautiful stone viaduct with arches illuminated against the night sky.

What Makes This Market Extraordinary

One of the reasons the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is so unique is because it’s in the Black Forest Highlands, removed from larger more popular German cities. It takes more effort to get there, and because of this, you’re rewarded with one of the most cozy markets you’ll find.

The Setup: 40 wooden huts beneath the Ravenna Viaduct create an intimate atmosphere you won’t find at larger Christmas markets.

Special Features: At the market, you can find a Christmas Post Office where postcards can be sent to Santa. Within the gorge on the outside of the main area of market stalls, there’s an illuminated Nativity Trail.

Christmas Market Logistics

Important: The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is open during specific days and times and requires a ticket for entry. Book in advance – this intimate setting means limited capacity.

Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget

Luxury Experience: Hotel Hofgut Sternen

Welcome to the nature and adventure resort Hofgut Sternen, at the entrance of the impressive Ravenna Gorge. This is where Marie-Antoinette stayed here on her way to Paris, and Goethe was also a guest here.

Why Stay Here:

• A modern and clean hotel with great food, both in breakfast and in their restaurant at dinner. The hotel location is great, and if you travel and want to go to Ravenna gorge the hike begins at the hotel
• Historic charm meets modern comfort
• double rooms from €99 online

Unique Black Forest Experience: Ravenna Lodge

For something special, consider Ravenna Lodge takes special requests. Guest reviews rave about the experience:

“amazing location for all locations in the black forest area and more, from Alsace France to Rhine Falls Switzerland. Clean, with all the facilities”

“We had a wonderful stay in this beautiful house. The location is so unique with an amazing view over the waterfall and bridge”

Budget-Friendly Options

The area offers various guesthouses and camping options. Camping Ravenna: A well-equipped campsite located right beside the river, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Ravenna Gorge Experience

Smart Timing Strategies

The tourists are brought here in coaches, but on the way to the viaduct it quickly becomes quieter until almost no more bus tourists get lost in the gorge. Translation: venture beyond the main tourist area for a more authentic experience.

What Locals Know

We didn’t need cash or snacks (as we were advised) but that’s because we chose to eat in the cafe and they take card payments. The Hofgut Sternen café accepts cards, but bring cash for smaller vendors.

Photography Gold

The combination of the historic viaduct, rushing waterfalls, and dense forest creates incredible photo opportunities. The lighting is particularly magical in the early morning and late afternoon.

Extending Your Adventure

After the hike you can spend some time in the town of Hinterzarten shopping or eating at one of the many places. This charming Black Forest town is perfect for extending your day trip.

Food & Culture: Taste the Black Forest

Authentic Local Cuisine

No Black Forest experience is complete without trying the regional specialties:

• Black Forest Cake – Get the authentic version at Hofgut Sternen
• Black Forest Ham – Traditional smoked delicacy
• Local Schnaps – Perfect after a long hike

Cultural Immersion

The glassblowing workshop and cuckoo clock demonstrations aren’t tourist gimmicks – they’re living traditions. Take time to appreciate the craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations.

Making It Happen: Your Action Plan

Essential Bookings

1. Christmas Market: Book tickets well in advance – capacity is limited
2. Accommodation: Hotel Hofgut Sternen books up quickly, especially in peak season
3. Self-Guided Tours: Several companies offer app-based hiking guides for €12-17 per person

Weather Considerations

We had bad weather the previous days, so the torrent was quite full – which actually made for a more dramatic experience. Don’t let a little rain deter you; just be prepared with appropriate gear.

Accessibility Notes

This hike is definitely unsuitable for strollers and requires a reasonable fitness level. The wooden walkways and rocky paths demand attention, especially in wet conditions.

The Bottom Line: Why Ravenna Gorge Delivers

Ravenna Gorge isn’t just another scenic hike – it’s a complete Black Forest experience that combines natural beauty, authentic history, and cultural immersion in a way that larger tourist destinations simply can’t match. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, Instagram-worthy photos, or a deeper connection to German culture, this hidden gem delivers on every level.

If you are in the Black Forest, especially the High Black Forest, I highly recommend you take the time to do this hike. It’s not just a recommendation – it’s practically mandatory for anyone wanting to truly experience what makes the Black Forest legendary.

Pack your hiking boots, charge your camera, and prepare for a day that will remind you why sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones that require just a little extra effort to reach. Ravenna Gorge is waiting to show you why it’s quickly becoming one of Germany’s worst-kept secrets.

Ready to experience Ravenna Gorge for yourself? Start planning your Black Forest adventure today – this magical destination rewards those who venture off the beaten path with memories that last a lifetime.