Lake Titisee

The resort town of Titisee-Neustadt—packed with shops, restaurants, and spa hotels—is the base camp for Lake Titisee vacations. Highlights include a lakefront promenade and factories of famous German cuckoo-clock makers Hönes and Drubba. At 2,790 feet (850 meters), the highest lake in the Black Forest is a draw for swimmers, hikers, and pleasure-boat cruisers in summer. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding as well as ski jumping at Hochfirstschanze. Many guided Black Forest tours stop at Lake Titisee.

• Swimming is allowed in the lake, but the water temperature is chilly year-round due to the high altitude.

• Boats ranging from paddleboats to electric cruisers can be hired from lakeshore outfitters.

• Public restrooms are available at the tourist information office.

• Look for the region’s signature Black Forest gateau cake on bakery and cafe menus throughout town.

Lake Titisee is located in Black Forest National Park in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the city of Freiburg, about a 1.5-hour drive south of Zurich in Switzerland and less than two hours' drive from Strasbourg in France. It's most easily reached by vehicle, though there is a direct train connection to Freiburg.

Summer has the best weather for swimming and boating, but expect the town of Titisee-Neustadt to get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Visit in fall for fewer crowds and to hike among colorful foliage.

A lush landscape of thick forests, shaded trails, and half-timbered towns, Germany’s Black Forest seems ripped from the pages of a Grimm’s fairy-tale. Nature escapes abound, from hiking in Schwarzwald National Park to biking through the Upper Danube Valley Nature Reserve or a misty walk beneath the Triberg Waterfalls. For more urban adventures, check out Gothic architecture in Freiburg or book a relaxing soak in one of Baden-Baden’s mineral spas.