Ravenna Gorge

The Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht) near Breitnau in the southern Black Forest is one of the region's most beautiful short hikes, framed by a soaring stone railroad viaduct at its entrance. Wooden walkways and stairs lead you past rushing waterfalls, moss-covered boulders and old mills up toward the resort village of Hinterzarten. Located about 18 km (11 miles) southeast of Freiburg, it makes an easy half-day trip, and in winter it hosts one of Germany's most atmospheric Christmas markets.

What to See

The Ravenna stream has carved a narrow gorge on its way down to the Höllental ("Hell Valley"). The marked trail follows it for about 4 km (2.5 miles):

• Great Ravenna Falls: a 16-meter (52-foot) cascade, the scenic highlight.
• Little Ravenna Falls: a 6-meter drop surrounded by ferns and moss.
• Großjockenmühle: a picturesque mill from 1883 at the top of the gorge, fed with water through its roof.
• Ravenna Viaduct: the nearly 40-meter-high stone bridge of the Höllental Railway between Freiburg and Donaueschingen, best seen from the meadows by the Hofgut Sternen inn.

Hiking the Gorge

The most popular route is the Heimatpfad Hochschwarzwald, a loop from Hinterzarten of roughly 7.2 km (4.5 miles) with 174 meters of climbing, taking about 2.5 hours. It passes historic sawmills, mills and a rope-maker's workshop before descending through the gorge. For a shorter outing, start at the hikers' parking lot by Hofgut Sternen and walk up the gorge and back.

Expect steep stairs, wet steps and narrow footbridges. Wear proper hiking shoes; the trail is not suitable for strollers.

Winter Closure

The municipality of Breitnau officially closes the gorge in winter because ice makes the stairs and ladders dangerous. Anyone who enters does so at their own risk.

Christmas Market

Since 2010, the space beneath the illuminated viaduct has hosted a magical Christmas market. As of October 2026, it runs November 26 to December 20, 2026, Thursdays through Sundays. Timed tickets are sold online only (presale from October 14, 2026): adults pay €7.50 in the afternoon or €9.50 in the evening. Shuttles run from Hinterzarten, Himmelreich, Titisee and Freiburg's central bus station; on-site parking requires an advance time-slot booking.

How to Get There

From Freiburg Hauptbahnhof, take the S1 or S11 Höllental Railway to Hinterzarten and follow the signed path through the Löffeltal valley and under the B31 highway to Hofgut Sternen. The Deutschlandticket is valid, and many Black Forest guest cards include free regional transit. By car, take the B31 from Freiburg toward Titisee-Neustadt; there is a hikers' parking lot at Hofgut Sternen.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, especially in late spring when the waterfalls are full, or in autumn colors. Combine it with nearby Lake Titisee for a classic Black Forest day trip from Freiburg.