Driving the B500: A Guide to the Ultimate Black Forest High Road

Why the B500 is a Must-Drive Road

If there’s one road that truly defines the joy of driving in Germany, it’s the B500, famously known as the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse or Black Forest High Road. Often ranked among the best driving roads in Germany, its combination of sweeping curves, fast, open straights, and breathtaking views over the Rhine valley make it an unforgettable experience.

While a forest road might conjure images of tight, tree-lined tracks, the B500 is quite the opposite. It is a wide, wonderfully surfaced A-road that carves its way across the rolling hills of the northern Black Forest, offering a smooth, flowing drive that allows you to truly enjoy your car’s performance.

Navigating the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse

The B500 officially runs from the spa town of Baden-Baden in the north to the Swiss border in the south. However, the most celebrated and scenic section for drivers is the 60km stretch that runs from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. It’s this northern part of the route that has earned the B500 its legendary status.

The Best Stretch: Baden-Baden to Kniebis

The drive begins with a series of tight switchback turns as you climb out of Baden-Baden and into the forest. After this initial ascent, the road opens up beautifully. For the next 40km, you’ll be treated to a sequence of fast, sweeping bends and straights that cut across the top of the forest—it’s pure driving pleasure.

As you approach the summit near Hornisgrinde, the highest point in the northern Black Forest, the views are simply spectacular. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the forest and the Rhine valley below. This section from Baden-Baden to Kniebis is, without doubt, the highlight of the drive.

Tips for Driving the B500

To get the most out of your drive, timing is everything. The B500 is incredibly popular with locals, bikers, and tourists alike, so it can get very busy, especially on sunny summer weekends.

TOP TIP: To experience the road at its best, plan your drive for an early summer morning on a weekday. The roads will be clearer, allowing you to enjoy the route without getting stuck in traffic. Also, be mindful of the fixed speed cameras dotted along the route—this is a road to be enjoyed, not a racetrack.

Make it an Ultimate Drive

Ready to experience the sweeping curves of the Black Forest for yourself? Our Black Forest & Baden-Baden Driving Tour puts you behind the wheel on the B500 and other incredible local roads, with luxury hotel stays and a pre-planned route to ensure a perfect journey.