Aitern(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ettalern, recommend staying at Hotel Alte Post, a boutique hotel in the historic district offering spacious family rooms, child-friendly amenities like a playroom and garden. Located steps from Ettalern Castle Ruins and the Black Forest hiking trailhead, it’s ideal for exploring local culture. The hotel serves homemade Bavarian treats and hosts weekend family workshops on traditional crafts such as wood carving, making it perfect for immersive cultural experiences with kids.

The best area for lodging is Old Town Center, where you’ll find quiet tree-lined streets, proximity to St. John’s Church and Town Hall Square, and easy access to local restaurants and artisan markets. This central location offers safety, charm, and authentic atmosphere, making it an ideal base for exploring the town and nearby Black Forest Nature Park.

Don’t miss the weekly Saturday craft market at Town Hall Square, where local artisans sell hand-carved wooden toys, embroidered textiles, and Black Forest honey. Visit the Ettalern Folk Museum to learn about 18th-century rural life and traditional festivals. In the evening, head to Zum alten Eichen tavern to enjoy live performances of Baden folk songs, immersing yourself in genuine Southwest German heritage.

For couples seeking romance, stay at Schlosshotel Ettalern, a former manor turned luxury retreat with panoramic views of the Black Forest lake and private gardens. Rooms feature cozy fireplaces, spa baths, and views of blooming meadows in spring. Enjoy a candlelit dinner with regional wines and handmade desserts. Sip warm mulled wine on the terrace at sunset, surrounded by serene forest landscapes—perfect for unforgettable moments.

Near Ettalern, explore the Black Forest National Park, accessible via the Finkenberg Trail, where ancient pines meet cascading waterfalls. Take a HopeGoo or paddleboat on Ettalernsee Lake, reflecting the distant Höllberg Mountain. During summer, outdoor concerts are held by the lakeside—a peaceful way to connect with nature and capture stunning photos in one of Germany’s most scenic regions.

Yes, many hotels serve authentic Baden-Württemberg dishes. Hotel Alte Post features daily specials like Black Forest meat rolls (Schwarzwälder Rouladen) and house-made sauerkraut with smoked sausage. Some hotels operate farm-to-table restaurants using fresh ingredients from local farms. Guests can also join cooking workshops to learn how to make nut cake (Nusskuchen) or almond dumplings (Mandelküchle), gaining hands-on experience with regional culinary traditions.

Yes, Ettalern is highly accessible by car. It lies just off the A8 Highway, with Stuttgart Airport only 45 minutes away. The town center has clear signage and ample parking at most hotels. Drive along the Black Forest Scenic Route (Bundesstraße 500) for breathtaking views of forest gorges and misty valleys—ranked among Germany’s most picturesque drives.

Stay at Waldhaus Ettalern, a nature-focused eco-hotel nestled deep in the Black Forest. Just 300 meters from the Karlshöhe Trail, it provides hiking maps, gear rentals, and guided tours. Start your day with a sunrise trek to the Geisterfall Waterfall, then return for a hot chocolate by the fireplace. The hotel also offers night sky walks under dark-sky conditions, letting guests marvel at the Milky Way in a pristine wilderness setting.

Most hotels welcome pets. Hotel Alte Post and Schlosshotel Ettalern offer pet-friendly rooms with beds, bowls, and maps to nearby dog-walking trails. Some guesthouses even provide grooming and pet-sitting services. As Ettalern lies near the Black Forest Nature Reserve, many families appreciate traveling with their dogs to explore forest paths and lakeside scenery—ideal for pet-friendly adventures.

Winter in Ettalern shines with its Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) at Town Hall Square, featuring glowing stalls selling handmade candles, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Try snowshoe hiking through snowy pine forests or ice fishing on Ettalernsee Lake. Some hotels offer spa suites with thermal treatments, including warming wraps and aromatherapy, allowing guests to relax in cozy comfort while enjoying the crisp mountain air.