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

In Dornau, the standout choice is Althof Hotel Dornau, a boutique hotel blending Bavarian charm with modern comfort. Nestled in the town center, it’s steps from St. Mary's Church and the historic Old Market Square. The rooms feature authentic timber framing, underfloor heating, and panoramic windows offering mountain mist views at sunrise. The hotel serves a locally sourced breakfast with homemade bread, artisanal jam, and fresh cheese—perfect for immersing in authentic southern German countryside life.

The town center of Dornau offers the ideal location for lodging. It’s within walking distance of key landmarks like the Town Hall, Old Market Square, and Dornau Castle Ruins. Lined with 18th-century half-timbered houses, the area exudes historic charm, especially in the evenings when warm lights glow through the windows. With numerous restaurants—from family-run eateries to Michelin-recognized German cuisine—the center is safe, quiet, and highly accessible for exploring the region’s culture and nature.

Visitors to Dornau should not miss the annual Black Forest Folk Festival, held every summer. Locals don traditional attire, playing accordions and wooden flutes while performing folk dances on the Old Market Square. Guests can join workshops in pottery-making, honey wine brewing, and a traditional Alpine-style barbecue feast. The Dornau Museum also hosts rotating exhibitions on local mining history and forest ecology, offering deep insight into the region’s transformation from 17th-century quarrying to today’s sustainable tourism model.

Yes, Dornau is ideal for families. The town features the Children’s Nature Trail, with interactive signs explaining local flora and fauna. The Dornau Nature Education Center offers free guided tours and hands-on workshops—such as building pinecone bird feeders or observing stream life. Althof Hotel Dornau provides family suites with cribs and playrooms. Additionally, the nearby Black Forest Zoo offers animal feeding sessions and kid-friendly guided tours, making it a perfect destination for memorable family adventures.

Must-try dishes in Dornau include Schwarzwälder Sauerkraut Schopf—a hearty stew of sauerkraut, pork knuckle, and potato mash—served with house-cured sausages. Another highlight is the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, a rich layered cake made with fresh cherries, chocolate, and cherry liqueur. Restaurants like Zum Roten Hirsch and Berggasthof Dornau use ingredients from regional farms, emphasizing sustainability. Some recipes have been passed down for generations, offering a true taste of Black Forest heritage.

The most efficient route from Munich to Dornau is via ICE train to Freising Station, then transfer to a regional train to Dornau Railway Station, taking about 2 hours. For more flexibility, rent a car: drive south on the A9, pass Augsburg, then take the B301 toward the Black Forest. The scenic journey winds through lush landscapes. HopeGoo vehicles in advance is recommended due to narrow, mountainous roads. Train tickets can be purchased online via Deutsche Bahn with e-ticket support.

Couples will love strolling along the forest paths at dusk, following the Mörnitz River where gentle sounds of water and birdsong create a serene atmosphere. Stay in a private balcony suite at Althof Hotel Dornau, with views of the misty hills. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Höhenblick Rooftop Restaurant, featuring a chef-curated menu paired with fine German wines. Don’t miss the evening bonfire storytelling session, where locals share tales of Black Forest spirits and legends around a crackling fire—a uniquely intimate experience.

Dornau has a temperate oceanic climate with distinct seasons. Spring (April–June) brings mild temperatures and blooming cherry trees—ideal for hiking. Summer (July–August) averages 20–25°C but may bring afternoon thunderstorms; pack a lightweight rain jacket. Autumn (September–October) offers stunning fall colors, perfect for photography. Winter (November–March) is cold with frequent snowfall, closing some mountain roads—but creates breathtaking winter scenery. Check German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts before traveling and pack waterproof and thermal layers accordingly.

Photography enthusiasts should visit: the Gothic spire of St. Mary's Church at golden hour; the Old Market Square with its half-timbered houses, especially under winter snow; the reflection bridge over the Mörnitz River for mirror-like shots; and the morning fog trails at the edge of the Black Forest, ideal for long-exposure photography. The ruins of Dornau Castle, entangled with ivy, provide dramatic contrast. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens, and shoot during the first and last light hours for maximum impact.

Dornau excels in handmade and natural goods. The weekend market at Old Market Square features local artisans selling Black Forest wood carvings, handwoven wool scarves, and natural beeswax candles. Dornauer Handwerk offers custom services like engraved wooden boxes or personalized silver jewelry. Grün & Holz, a local organic shop, sells house-made jams, truffle oil, and Black Forest honey—packaged in eco-friendly designs. Many items come from centuries-old family workshops, combining craftsmanship with authentic regional identity, making them meaningful souvenirs.