7 Best Things to Do in Triberg, Germany
Located in the Black Forest of southern Germany, Triberg is a small town known for its cuckoo clocks, waterfalls, and small-town charm. While it might be a small town, there are plenty of things to do in Triberg for travelers who might be visiting for the day.
7 Best Things to Do in Triberg, Germany
When in Triberg for the day, these are the things you should be checking out:
1. Triberg Waterfalls
One of the unique features of Triberg is that it has the tallest accessible waterfall in Germany.
These waterfalls were initially formed by two faults in the granite.
What we appreciated about this set of waterfalls is that they were very easy to visit!
The main entrance to the waterfall can be reached by foot from the town center easily through a gentle, inclined walking path.
There are three different routes up the seven stages of the waterfalls, but the waterfall nearest the bottom is the largest and has a nice viewing platform.
2. Greifvogel-und Eulenpark
Triberg also has a small bird park just beyond the waterfalls.
You can learn about different local species of birds, see a bird show (done in both English and German) & see some bird up close in their cages.
3. House of 1,000 Clocks
Looking for an interesting attraction to check out in Germany? Make sure you take time to see House of 1,000 Clocks in Triberg.
This fascinating museum is home to a wide variety of timepieces, from traditional clocks and watches to whimsical designs.
If you’re a clock aficionado or just enjoy checking out unique museums, this is one place you won’t want to miss!
4. Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum)
One of the most popular things to do in Triberg is to visit the Schwarzwaldmuseum.
It is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Black Forest region.
The museum houses exhibits on topics such as mining, clock-making & wood working.
There is also an extensive section of the museum that displays the beautiful craftmanship of the carnival organs.
Guests can see traditional dress & folk costumes, including the bollenhut (traditional woolen hats women wore).
There is also a section that makes you feel as though you have walked into a mine with many different crystals on display.
A visit to the Schwarzwald Museum is a must for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating region of Germany.
5. World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock
Just a short drive from the city center of Triberg is the World’s largest cuckoo clock.
This massive timepiece stands at a height of over 16 feet and weighs over 1,000 pounds.
It is quite impressive and worth the time to see it from the outside, especially if you time it to arrive near the top of the hour, where you can see the cuckoo.
Inside is an over-priced gift shop and clock shop, along with an opportunity to see how the clock works.
For a small fee, guests can see the inner workings of the clock as well as the cuckoo.
6. Vogtsbauernhof: Black Forest Open Air Museum
Just a short 20-minute drive from Triberg is the Black Forest Open Air Museum.
This outdoor museum allows visitors to explore historic buildings from different eras on a 17-acre farm, giving a perspective on how people lived in this region hundreds of years ago.
Here is some of what you will get to experience:
Historic Buildings
The museum is one of the most visited open-air museums in Germany.
What makes this museum so amazing is that guests will get to see several buildings, many of which are fully furnished.
The buildings on this site have been reconstructed from villages throughout the Black Forest.
Visitors can explore each of the buildings at their own pace.
Types of buildings you’ll be able to walk through include:
- Storehouse
- Bakery
- Stillhouse
- Grain Mill
- Sawmill
- Village School
- Barn
The furnished homes are filled with authentic period items. You will get a true understanding of the simplicity of the time.
Farm Animals
There are many different types of farm animals throughout the open-air museum, including cows, chickens, goats, and donkeys.
Families can enjoy them from a distance or close-up, depending on your comfort level!
Historic Trade Skill Demonstrations
The Black Forest Open Air Museum also offers daily demonstrations of several trades and crafts.
These change out throughout the month, so check the calendar to see what types of demonstrations will be there are the day you’ve chosen to visit.
Guests can watch the blacksmith demonstrate his craft, watch a miller grind corn in his wheel-driven water mill, or watch linens being made.
The details of the blanket were stunning and it was exciting to be able to see her create a piece of art just like it would have been done centuries ago.
7. German Clock Museum in Furtwangen (closed til 2026)
Another place to visit that isn’t far from Triberg is the German Clock Museum in Furtwangen, which is home to clocks from all over the world.
The German Clock Museum is home to some beautiful clocks that have been restored and are in full working order.
Some of the types of clocks you will find are pendulums, grandfather clocks, cuckoo clocks, and a range of wall clocks.
The first part of the German Clock Museum walks you through the history of clocks.
You will find a range of astronomical and scientific instruments such as sundials, Orreries and Barometers.
Iron Gear Clocks
In the 15th and 16th Centuries, wrought iron gear clocks were controlled by the action of a verge and foliot.
Because of wear & tear, many of these clocks broke down, and very few survived.
There are several at this museum.
German Cuckoo Clocks on Display
While the history of the Cuckoo Clock is not cemented, you will get to see what is believed to be the oldest known Black Forest Cuckoo clock, dating around 1780-90.
You will also see the largest collection of German Cuckoo Clocks anywhere! There are different sizes, details and animated features, but all have the same overall style.
Don’t miss the giant cuckoo that is sitting on the top floor.
The bird will sound & move during the quarter hours.
Black Forest Clocks with Animated Figures
While we were visiting the museum, there was a special exhibition on Animated Clocks.
These clocks are pretty incredible.
Instead of a Cuckoo, these clocks have automated figures that do everything from chopping wood to drinking a beer!
The World Clock is on the bottom level of the museum, is definitely an eye-catching piece.
It dates back to the mid-19th century and features numerous components, like the phases of the moon and various moving objects.
Demonstrations
Docents will announce the demonstration and guests will make their way to the bottom level, where they will can see different types of clocks in action along with a merry-go-round organ with punched-card control.
The demonstrations last about 10-15 minutes.
Triberg is a hidden gem that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover eager to explore stunning waterfalls, a fan of rich cultural history ready to dive into the world of cuckoo clocks, or someone simply looking for a cozy spot to relax and soak in beautiful scenery, this charming town in Germany won’t disappoint.
How to get to Triber
Triberg is along the main railway line through the Black Forest between Karlsruhe and Konstanz.
The train station is an uphill walk to the actual town so look into taking the bus service to get you into the town center.
Those who are driving will find Triberg at the junction of the B33 (Villingen-Schwenningen with Hausach) and the B500 (which goes to Freiburg).
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