




Then we found Simone and Black Forest Tours and thank goodness we did. She worked with us quickly and efficiently to set up the perfect trip. Instead of renting a car and navigating the roads, the hikes and the luggage, all of that was done for us.
We stayed in towns I did not come across in my research, and the reason for that is they are small, authentic German towns that are not swamped with tourists. You will feel immersed in the culture of these medieval towns as you will likely be the only tourists.
The hotels were always comfortable after a long days hike, and each one had something special about it. A couple inns had spa amenities (one of which was quite luxurious), another had a restaurant in which we enjoyed the best dinner of our entire trip. Another inn had a terrace that looked onto a pasture that was lovely for a glass of wine at the end of the long day of hiking.
The hikes were amazing. Simone gave us a very detailed book that detailed the hikes, but following along on the app was also a security blanket. We basically couldn't get lost. The history and noteworthy stops Simone provides in the book are something I would have never been able to do on my own. We summited some amazing vistas, enjoyed home baked treats from huts along the way, and enjoyed the amazing greenery along the way. In the book Simone is very upfront about the difficulty of each hike, and ways to make them harder or easier. We did all of the hikes with all of the bonus hikes, and we thought it was worth it. Often it was a long day of hiking, but looking back on it we had such an amazing time all we remember is how fun it was walking from town to town each day.
I had contacted some other companies to arrange this inn to inn hike for us, but they are not based in the Black Forest like Simone. I cannot recommend this experience enough, it was a highlight of our life.
After a month-long European vacation filled with dozens of tours, every member of our family agrees that our day with Black Forest Tours was far and away our favorite. Why? Because this company has something that we have never seen anywhere else. They LOVE this area, they are extremely knowledgeable, and they truly CARE deeply about creating a unique experience that you will never forget. We were treated like family from the start. This might sound overstated, but it's not. Days before the tour, we received a survey asking about our interests. Simone responded with ideas based on our answers and curated the perfect day for us. We went hiking, saw waterfalls, went on an amazingly terrifying bridge, rode the best toboggan coaster, and sampled the most amazing foods, all while our guide was getting to know each member of our family. The experience was one that immediately became one of our greatest life memories.
What was really shocking was that, after reading through other reviews, I realized that our experience was so different from everyone else's and yet they all loved it. This company truly listens to what you want and knows enough about the area to focus on the parts that you might enjoy most (although I do not think you can go wrong there!). In a world where people seem to be going through the motions and looking for the next instagram photo-op, this was a truly authentic experience with people who are passionate about showing you the best of this incredible area. In a perfect world, this is what all tours would be like. We can't wait to go back!
Both our tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable and able to answer our questions with ease. Barbel took us on a walking tour of the market area and the old town surrounding telling us about the history and construction of the bachle, the dates on the houses, the river stone walks and unique designs and the market unit measures etched into the cathedral foundation. Doro took us through the market stalls purchasing items for our lunch later on and filling us in on the different stands, their business models, quality of goods, etc. Each provided excellent advice on shops, restaurants, museums and interesting facts that added to our understanding and enjoyment on Freiburg.
Both guides were able to sidestep potential issues that could have derailed the tours. Doro dealt with the rain but was still able to find us a dry spot to eat and Barbel's cathedral tour was delayed by a funeral service and she was able to seamlessly move on to return later. Both took their time to answer our questions and made our time with them more than enjoyable.
The routes were lovely and spectacular, we were given all the information we needed for a successful hike and all logistics were catered for. Fully recommend booking a holiday with Black Forest Tours.
Our group of six was very pleased with the itinerary Simone arranged for us. She asked us what we were interested in, and then used her extensive knowledge of the Black Forest to make our tour one we will always remember.
I was the contact member for our group, and I enjoyed working with Simone. She was very flexible and offered suggestions to make our tour a memorable one.
Whenever I had a question, she always responded in a very timely manner.
I, and the other members of our group, highly recommend Simone and Black Forest Tours
This Black Forest Tour trip with a three day hike in the forest was much more than we expected. Simone was so helpful in putting together the material which was available online and in our hotel room when we arrived the first day.
The selection of the hotels and places to stop were excellent, along with a comprehensive guide (printed and in an APP). My sister and I walked the three-day St. Peter's Way trail and it was wonderful. We used both the printed guide and the GPS APP and we were never lost or confused along the way. Simone pointed out some highlights to watch for, and we did, taking advantage of her expertise. Yes it did sprinkle a little one of the days on the hike (last day), but otherwise, the weather was bright and sunny and we were so lucky to have that.
The hotel staff at each hotel were very welcoming and charming, noting that we were with Black Forest Tours. It made us feel special and our luggage arrived each day at the next hotel without any problems.
We appreciated all the support that Simone provided, even though we did not have to use any emergency numbers that she gave us. As older women, one over 70, the walk was an absolute delight and within our means - we did use trekking poles which were recommended for anyone doing the hike.
We would highly recommend this tour to anyone, young or old - we truly felt like we were in the Fairy Tale land of the German Folk Stories.
And Simone's comprehensive detailed guides (printed and online with GPS) gave us the gift of traveling in confidence with no worries.
Simone has an intimate knowledge of the Black Forest area so she provides history, and insight into this large region of Germany. With our tour we were able to stop in towns and areas that I would have missed on my own or with a large group. Yes, we did see the famed Cuckoo Clocks of the Black Forest but more importantly Simone was able to provide a true Black Forest Experience.
Simone's organizational & communication skills are astounding from the very first email response right up to the details for your departure day. So the trip was extremely well organized with more than adequate information regarding navigation and transport options if needed. The scenery on the trails was sensational, the villages beautiful and the accommodation was so much better than expected. I used the new navigation app which worked well although I did make one navigational error but that was my fault for being a bit lax. Overall the Black Forest Tour was a great multi day hike and a most worthwhile experience! Thank you Simone.
kind regards
Kenn
When we arrived in our first town at the train station, we were immediately met by a driver who took us to the first hotel: a lovely spa hotel in the mountains where the next morning we'd start our adventure. The room was relaxing with a balcony view of the small town church and village below. In our room, we found a bag filled with maps, goodies, and information from Simone Brixel detailing our next 5 days hiking.
After breakfast the next morning, we started our hike through the Black Forest which was amazing. We couldn't believe the views and sights that we saw on just the first day. After a hard hike (we had small day packs and hiking poles which really helped), we arrived at the next town and the next hotel with our suitcases waiting for us in our room. The hiking was challenging but extremely fun even in the rain. The directions provided by Simone were detailed and extremely accurate and easy to follow.
Each hotel was fantastic (although some were better than others) but we enjoyed them all. Each town had charm and was off the beaten path which was exactly what we were looking for. The food was excellent, the people were nice, and the experience is not to be missed.
I cannot recommend Black Forest Tours enough and can't wait to head back for another experience with them.
Simone catered the entire day to us and made us feel comfortable the whole time. It was a huge relief having someone that was very familiar with the area and language. We never felt rushed or uncomfortable. Simone has spent a lot of time in the U.S and understands the cultural differences that come with traveling to a new country you aren’t familiar with. She even went over and beyond a normal tour guide and helped us navigate the rest of our time in Europe, not just The Black Forest.
I recommend anyone traveling to the Black Forest area of Germany to book a tour with the Black Forest Tours. You will not regret visiting the beautiful area and having a knowledgeable tour guide by your side!
Am sure the guided tour must by a better option.
Here is an excerpt from Rick Steve’s travel blog:
‘Freiburg and Baden-Baden vie to be the leading home-base city for those visiting the Black Forest. While Baden-Baden has an old spa-and-casino elegance, Freiburg is much younger and livelier. I explored Freiburg with Simone Brixel, a local guide who always makes my visits much more enjoyable and meaningful.’ – Rick Steves, Travel Lessons from Germany’s Black Forest



Here are some of the videos travelguru Rick Steves took while we were touring the Black Forest together:
Thank you Michelle for putting this fun video together after our tour:
Here is a a slide show a visitor put together after touring with me:
We also offer corporate retreats, events and team-building in the Black Forest. Here is a short video of a multiple-day hiking tour we set up for a US-based company:
Lonely Planet Magazine’s February 2018 Edition ’52 Best Weekends Away′:
I am very excited that our Black Forest Hiking Trail has been featured in Lonely Planet Magazine’s February 2018 Edition as one of ’52 Best Weekends Away 2018′:



Wizz Magazine’s 2019 October Edition:
Wizz Magazine visited the Black Forest in summer of 2019. The article describing our road trip together was published in the October 2019 edition of Wizz:









Germany National Tourist Office, 2020 Resource Guide:



Read what people think about our downloadable tours (2gotours) here.
I want to say THANK YOU to all the visitors from around the world who chose me and my guides to spend a few hours of their precious vacation time with. I love that you are curious & adventurous travellers interested in exploring an off-the-beaten path area like the Black Forest.:



































































































































