A holiday at Traube Tonbach traube tonbach is about enjoying the finer things in life: beautiful surroundings, exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality and time to slow down. But there is another reason this renowned Black Forest retreat deserves attention, particularly for travellers who dislike leaving their four-legged companions behind. Traube Tonbach takes its dog-friendly offering seriously, welcoming dogs as part of the holiday rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Set in the wooded Tonbach Valley near Baiersbronn, the family-run hotel is surrounded by walking paths, forest trails and streams. It is an ideal setting for a getaway with a dog, with nature beginning practically at the hotel doorstep. And while the property is known internationally for its fine dining and wellness facilities, it has made a clear effort to ensure that canine guests enjoy a comfortable stay too.
A Warm Welcome for Four-Legged Guests
At Traube Tonbach, dogs are welcomed with their own collection of thoughtful amenities. Each canine guest receives a comfortable dog bed, food and water bowls, helping them settle into the room from the moment they arrive. There is also a small departure gift for dogs, a lovely detail that reflects the hotel's attention to the entire travelling party.
The hotel charges €40 per dog per night. Dog-friendly accommodation is available in selected room categories and must be requested in advance, as simply adding a dog to a reservation does not automatically guarantee a suitable room. It is worth contacting the hotel before booking to confirm availability and discuss the most appropriate accommodation.
For guests who would like to enjoy an evening meal or spend some time at the spa, a dog-sitting service can be arranged on request. The hotel also provides a special 'Dog in Room' sign for the door, helping staff know that a dog is staying inside while its owners are away. Guests are asked to inform reception if their dog will be alone in the room during housekeeping.
Rooms and Suites With a Sense of Place
Accommodation at Traube Tonbach reflects the hotel's connection to its surroundings. Natural materials, warm colours and references to Black Forest craftsmanship create interiors that feel welcoming rather than formal. Many rooms and suites feature balconies with direct views of the forest, bringing the landscape into the experience.
The hotel offers a variety of categories, from comfortable double rooms to spacious suites and family apartments. The larger accommodation options are particularly appealing for longer stays, with additional living space and room for families to settle in. New rooms and suites introduced in August 2026 add a more contemporary dimension to the collection, with an emphasis on natural light, comfort and views of the surrounding woodland.
The overall feeling is one of understated country-house comfort: a place to return to after a day outdoors, with enough space to make staying in just as appealing as heading out.
A Culinary Destination in Its Own Right
For many guests, the food is reason enough to make the journey to Baiersbronn. Traube Tonbach has long been one of Germany's most important addresses for fine dining, and its restaurants offer several distinct interpretations of regional and international cuisine.
The celebrated Schwarzwaldstube, awarded three Michelin stars, is the property's culinary centrepiece. Its menus reflect a sophisticated approach to French-inspired gastronomy, shaped by exceptional ingredients, precision and a deep respect for flavour. The restaurant has played a significant role in establishing Baiersbronn's international reputation as a food destination.
At Restaurant 1789, awarded one Michelin star, the cooking takes a more contemporary direction. Seasonal ingredients meet Asian influences and unexpected combinations, creating a menu that feels creative while remaining grounded in the quality of its produce.
For a more relaxed meal, Restaurant Schatzhauser brings together Swabian and Baden specialities with international favourites and fine cuts of grilled meat. Its setting, with views across the Tonbach Valley, makes it an especially appealing choice for a leisurely lunch.
The culinary offering continues at Restaurant Silberberg, where breakfast is served alongside an evening menu; the cosy Blockhütte, a lovely place to stop after a walk; and Rosengärtle, which serves lighter lunches, cakes, coffee and ice cream. There is also a hotel bar for evening drinks and a pool bistro for refreshments between swims. Few countryside hotels offer quite this range of dining experiences under one roof.
Spa and Wellness: Time to Slow Down
The hotel's Spa & Resort provides another reason to extend a stay. The extensive wellness area is centred on water, warmth and relaxation, with swimming facilities, saunas, treatments and spaces designed for unwinding. An outdoor heated pool is particularly inviting, especially when the surrounding Black Forest is wrapped in autumn colour or winter snow.
Guests can choose from a range of massages and beauty treatments, while the fitness facilities offer space to maintain a workout routine. The spa's atmosphere is in keeping with the wider hotel: restorative rather than showy, with the surrounding landscape always part of the experience.
After a morning spent hiking or an evening enjoying one of the gourmet restaurants, a few unhurried hours here feel like a natural part of the stay.
A Hotel for All Generations
Despite its reputation among food lovers, Traube Tonbach is not exclusively a couples' retreat or a destination for adults. The hotel has developed a substantial programme for families, with activities that make it possible for different generations to enjoy the Black Forest together.
Its programme includes guided hikes, sports and activity classes for adults and children, cultural excursions and seasonal themed weeks. The KSC football camp and swimming weeks are among the recurring family highlights. Family apartments and larger accommodation categories provide additional flexibility for guests travelling with children.
The Traube Tonbach Court is another part of the hotel's family offering, with space for children to play and take part in activities. It is a thoughtful contrast to the more contemplative atmosphere of the spa and gourmet restaurants, giving the property a broader appeal than its fine-dining reputation might initially suggest.
Exploring the Northern Black Forest
The landscape surrounding the hotel deserves just as much attention as its restaurants. Guided walks through the Northern Black Forest are a wonderful way to discover the region, with forest trails, open clearings and panoramic viewpoints changing character with the seasons.
The nearby Black Forest National Park offers a particularly rewarding day out. Its protected landscapes include dense woodland, moorland and walking routes that reveal the quieter side of this part of Germany. Cycling and e-bike excursions are also excellent ways to explore the hills and neighbouring villages.
Baiersbronn itself is worth discovering, with traditional architecture, local food culture and a strong connection to the surrounding countryside. For a change of scenery, the historic spa town of Baden-Baden makes an appealing excursion, while the Black Forest High Road offers one of the region's most scenic drives.
In winter, the area takes on a different atmosphere, with snow-covered trails and opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities. In warmer months, long walks, cycling and afternoons spent on a terrace become part of the rhythm of a stay. The hotel also organises cultural excursions and seasonal programmes, helping guests experience more of the region beyond its immediate surroundings.
Everything You Need, Even for Your Dog
Travelling with a dog often means packing considerably more than expected. Traube Tonbach helps make the experience easier with its on-site Traube Lädle, where guests can find dog accessories, food and quality grooming products.
The reception team can also offer personalised recommendations for walks and hikes, helping owners make the most of the surrounding countryside. For anyone who wants to enjoy some time independently, dog-sitting can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
The hotel does maintain a few boundaries. Dogs are not allowed in the spa or wellness area, nor on the sunbathing lawn. This means that guests planning a spa afternoon or a long swim will need to arrange suitable care for their companion.
These restrictions are understandable in a property that caters to a wide range of guests, and the hotel's designated dog-friendly spaces make it possible to enjoy much of the experience together.
Traube Tonbach is a rare combination of historic family hospitality, destination dining and a genuine connection to the natural world. Its story stretches back more than 230 years, yet the hotel continues to evolve, with refreshed accommodation, an extensive wellness offering and a programme that welcomes both couples and families.
For food enthusiasts, the opportunity to experience the Schwarzwaldstube and Restaurant 1789 is a compelling reason to visit. For everyone else, there are forest walks, restorative spa time, thoughtful service and the pleasure of spending a few days in one of Germany's most beautiful rural settings.
What makes Traube Tonbach particularly memorable is the way these elements come together. It is not simply a hotel with celebrated restaurants or a spa in a scenic location. It is a place where the Black Forest, the Finkbeiner family's hospitality and a long-standing passion for good food all feel like part of the same story.
Official website: www.traube-tonbach.de
