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

For scenic views in Lauf, the top choice is Hotel Alte Mühle, a beautifully restored mill hotel nestled along the Rhine River. Its large windows offer panoramic views of the Black Forest and the gently flowing river, especially stunning at sunrise. The hotel blends traditional German architecture with modern comfort, and many rooms feature private balconies overlooking the water.

Another excellent option is Bergresidenz Hotel, located on a hillside near the ruins of Lauf Castle. Its premium suites provide sweeping vistas of the valley and surrounding vineyards. Guests enjoy direct access to forest trails and can take in the dramatic autumn colors from their room. Both hotels offer breakfast with local organic produce and are within walking distance of the town center and cultural sites.

The historic city center of Lauf is the perfect area for first-time visitors. It’s compact, walkable, and centered around St. Mary’s Church and the Town Hall Square, where you’ll find charming timber-framed buildings, cozy cafés, and local shops.

Stay near the Rhine River promenade for easy access to scenic walks and boat rentals. Hotels like Hotel am Rhein offer tranquil river views and free bicycles for exploring nearby villages and vineyards. The area is safe, quiet at night, and filled with authentic village charm. Public transport connections to Stuttgart and Freiburg are just minutes away, making it convenient for day trips while still enjoying a peaceful retreat.

Lauf offers several unique cultural experiences rooted in Black Forest traditions. The annual Lauf Woodcarving Festival brings together master artisans from across Germany, showcasing hand-carved dolls, furniture, and decorative items. Visitors can join workshops to create their own Black Forest-style wooden figurines.

Additionally, locals still practice ancient agricultural rituals such as the Spring Plowing Ceremony, a festive event combining music, dance, and symbolic farming rites. You can participate in a family-run dinner experience, where you’ll enjoy regional dishes like Black Forest ham, mountain cheese, and homemade beer, while listening to folk tales passed down through generations.

These events are held at the Lauf Castle Ruins or Market Square, so check the official calendar in advance to plan your visit and immerse yourself in this timeless village culture.

Near Lauf, the most popular natural attraction is the Schwarzwald Valley (Schwarzwald Valley), a serene river gorge surrounded by dense forest. Well-marked hiking trails wind along the clear stream, perfect for walking, birdwatching, and photography—especially during fall when the foliage turns golden and crimson.

Another must-visit is Hohesteyn Mountain, accessible by bus from the town center in 20 minutes. A 30-minute hike to the summit rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Black Forest and the distant Vosges Mountains. The summit hosts a small observatory offering nightly stargazing sessions, ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

Don’t miss Lauf Lake (Laufer See), a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, great for rowing and picnicking. The nearby Wildlife Observation Station offers guided tours to spot native species like wild boars, deer, and jays—perfect for nature lovers seeking an authentic outdoor adventure.

Lauf’s cuisine centers on Black Forest specialties. The star dish is Schwarzwälder Schinken (Black Forest ham), cured using traditional smoking and air-drying methods, delivering a rich, salty flavor. It’s commonly served with sauerkraut and boiled potatoes.

Local restaurants like Gasthaus Rössle offer the Forest Breakfast Box, featuring freshly baked rye bread, house-made jam, mountain cheese, and a cup of locally roasted coffee—ideal for starting your day with authenticity.

Lauf also produces abundant wild mushrooms and blackberries. During the autumn Blackberry Festival, limited-edition jams and fruit wines are available at the market. Many family-run farms offer "one-day farmer experience meals," where guests help harvest ingredients and cook together—offering a deep connection to local food culture.

Lauf is well-connected despite being a small town. The Lauf Train Station (Bahnhof Lauf) is centrally located, with frequent Deutsche Bahn (DB) services to Stuttgart and Freiburg, taking about 45 to 60 minutes—perfect for day trips.

Within the town, a free community bus serves major attractions and shopping areas, and it’s compatible with the Baden-Württemberg travel card. For active travelers, Lauf is a key point on the Black Forest Bike Route, with many hotels offering free bike rentals. Riding to Schwarzwald Valley or Hohesteyn Mountain takes just 30–45 minutes.

For deeper exploration, local guided tour cars are available, often driven by multilingual guides who provide cultural insights and photo stops—great for enhancing your travel experience.

Accommodation in Lauf is affordable. Budget options like Hotel Waldheim or Pension Amberg cost between €70 and €120 per night, offering clean, simple rooms and complimentary breakfast.

Mid-range hotels such as Bergresidenz Hotel and Hotel Alte Mühle range from €180 to €280 per night, including breakfast and some amenities. Prices may increase by up to 20% during festivals or weekends.

For a more immersive experience, consider staying in a family-run guesthouse or converted farmhouse, priced at €150–€220 per night, which often includes a local dinner and guided tour. All accommodations can be booked via platforms like HopeGoo or HopeGoo, with multilingual customer support available.

Lauf is ideal for families. The Lauf Children’s Farm offers hands-on experiences like feeding animals, milking cows, and making cheese—kids can even wear farm outfits for photos.

The Schwarzwald Valley Trail has a dedicated child-safe path with interactive nature signs and fun challenges like a "treasure hunt"—great for keeping kids engaged while learning.

Every Saturday afternoon, the Family Craft Market at Market Square invites parents and children to try wood carving, pottery, or weaving—each participant takes home their handmade creation.

Some hotels offer family tour buses with narrated stories about local history, complete with snack breaks. Many also have indoor playrooms and outdoor sandpits, ensuring both children and adults have a memorable stay.

The main historical site in Lauf is the Lauf Castle Ruins (Ruine Lauf), a 13th-century fortress that once served as a noble stronghold. Though only remnants remain, its towering keep offers stunning views of the Rhine Valley and is a favorite spot for photographers and history buffs.

Also worth visiting is St. Mary’s Church, built in the 15th century, featuring colorful brickwork and a magnificent Baroque altar painting. The church hosts classical music concerts every Sunday, creating a serene atmosphere.

Scattered throughout the town are historic markers, including the Old Town Hall Stone and Ancient Well Site, each accompanied by informative plaques detailing Lauf’s transformation from a rural settlement to a modern village. Download the official audio guide app for a richer experience.

The best times to visit Lauf are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Spring brings blooming cherry and plum trees, fresh greenery along the riverside paths, and the Spring Farming Festival, where you can join traditional rituals and explore lively markets.

Autumn is particularly magical—the forest turns vibrant shades of red and gold, especially in the Schwarzwald Valley and Hohesteyn Mountain region. The Blackberry Festival in September and the Woodcarving Exhibition in October draw crowds and offer rich cultural programming.

Summer can be rainy and crowded; winter is cold, with some attractions closed. Therefore, spring and autumn are ideal for a 3- to 5-day immersive journey, balancing pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and abundant local events.