In the southern Black Forest, sun-kissed highlands meet bubbling thermal springs. From Königsfeld to Badenweiler, exercise, prevention, and joie de vivre take center stage. Here, health is not prescribed, but experienced—among vineyards, springs, and sweeping views.
Health resorts in the southern and northern Black Forest are characterized by a climate that promotes good health, offering cool, fresh air, light, and sufficient sunlight. Cool stimuli can help to strengthen the body and support the immune system. Daylight can help to alleviate the “winter blues.”
Sunlight is also important for vitamin D production. The health resorts in the southern and northern Black Forest include:
In healing caves, such as the former Teufelsgrund silver mine in Münstertal, a place with a healing cave spa, the cool climate with high humidity is used to treat respiratory diseases. Overall, exercise in a healing climate is simply good for you, can strengthen your immune system, and boost your metabolism.
In addition to the air and nature, it is also the water that offers relaxation and well-being in health resorts. Water can have a positive effect on our health – for example, in the form of Kneipp therapy. In addition to water treatments, it also includes the elements of nutrition, medicinal plants, and balance to harmonize body, mind, and soul. Only towns that offer all five healing factors of the therapy and have appropriately trained specialists and natural water sources are allowed to call themselves Kneipp health resorts. The health resorts that bear the title of Kneipp spa/health resort include:
In the forests of the health resorts of the southern and northern Black Forest, exercise, relaxation, and regeneration can be combined: through forest bathing, on health trails, or through conscious breathing in the clear mountain air. The forest helps to prevent illness and promote health. For example, through hiking, cycling, or outdoor activities. Above all, however, it helps prevent stress. Unfortunately, stress is part of everyday life for many people – which makes places where body and mind can find peace all the more valuable. The forest in the southern Black Forest is one such source of relaxation. In Japan, it is called “Shinrin Yoku” – “bathing in the forest air.” It's not about hiking at a fast pace, but about conscious perception: standing still, breathing, listening, letting go. Health resorts that offer forest bathing include Bad Dürrheim, Schluchsee, Lenzkirch/Saig, Schönwald, and Todtmoos. Spending time in the forest can help reduce stress levels and give you new energy. Plants such as spruce trees, ferns, and mosses emit fine fragrances, known as terpenes, which can have a calming effect. Coniferous forests in particular can help to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, while mixed forests can support the cardiovascular system. Those who move with their senses open will experience how movement can slow down and give rise to new strength.
And those seeking relaxation after exercise and fresh mountain air will find it in the region's spas and thermal baths. The health resorts with the designation “mineral/thermal spa” include, for example:
The Markgräflerland region in the southern Black Forest offers a Mediterranean lifestyle. Named after the Margraves of Baden, it delights visitors with its picturesque landscape, culinary diversity, magnificent vineyards, idyllic wine villages, and mild climate. In spring, thousands of cherry trees blossom here, creating a riot of color. In addition to wine and sunshine, the spas offer soothing hot springs. The region is also known for its excellent cuisine, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy country inns and wine taverns serving regional wines and specialties. The wines thrive in the hills between the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest. The best way to experience the wine, cuisine, and landscape is to hike the “Markgräfler Wiiwegli” trail, which has several stages between Bad Bellingen and Freiburg. There are also mindful walks with breathing exercises and perception training, bike paths, and hiking trails.
Places with spas in the Markgräflerland region include Badenweiler with the Cassiopeia Therme, where thermal water bubbles up from artesian springs, Bad Bellingen with the Balinea Therme, which offers everything from classic thermal baths and saunas to modern wellness facilities, and Bad Krozingen with the Vita Classica Therme, where bathing and sauna pleasures are at home.
In addition to nature, sometimes an urban complement is also needed to feel good. In the southern Black Forest and Upper Rhine region, these are the cities of Freiburg and Bad Säckingen. They invite you to stroll through the historic old town, enjoy culture and history, Baden cuisine, and small cafés.
In addition to health resorts and wellness facilities, the southern Black Forest also offers nature for your well-being. Fresh mountain air, sunshine, and forests give you new energy, while hot thermal springs provide warmth and serenity. Between the spring region, the Upper Black Forest, the Upper Rhine, and the Markgräflerland, prevention can become an experience—with beautiful landscapes, clear air, and culinary delights.
Schwarzwald-Tourismus:
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/schwarzwald/regionen
naturgesund-bw:
https://naturgesund-bw.de/heilbaeder-und-kurorte/#/article/1bdb3d42-7699-44a1-976e-d88e5831b328
Cassiopaia Therme:
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/attraktionen/cassiopeia-therme-thermalbaeder-8b456395ea
Balinea Therme:
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/attraktionen/balinea-therme-e2125caa92
Vita Clasica-Therme:
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/attraktionen/vita-classica-therme-bad-krozingen-7e8a63f797
Erhol dich Magazin:
Erhol dich! Das Magazin über Walderholung und mehr
S. 20/21/22/23, S. 28/29, S. 38/39, S. 52/53
Markgräfler Wiiwegli:
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/touren/markgraefler-wiiwegli-e0f1590f52
Waldbaden:
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/veranstaltungen/waldbaden-entspannung-pur-warum-uns-wald-heilklima-gesuender-macht-b5541a2ce9
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/veranstaltungen/waldbaden-fuer-kinder-mit-ihren-eltern-3fc70c5a77
https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/attraktionen/therapiewald-todtmoos-a35530351c
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