Staufen in the Black Forest

Map: Black Forest

Key Facts

• Location: at the western edge of the Southern Black Forest, 20 km south of Freiburg
• Autobahn A 5 exit at Bad Krozingen (No. 64a)
• 280-720 m above sea level
• 8,400 inhabitants
• Districts: Grunern, Wettelbrunn

Description

Staufen is situated on the western edge of the Black Forest, where the Münstertal valley opens out onto the Rhine Plain, south of Freiburg in the Markgräflerland region. Its most famous resident was Johann Georg Faust, who served as the inspiration for Goethe’s masterpiece; for this reason, Staufen is also known as the "Faust City."

The town’s heritage-listed center—featuring the market square, town hall, and market fountain—is well worth a visit, as are the ruins of Staufen Castle, perched high atop the Schlossberg hill. Numerous hiking, cycling, and mountain biking trails of varying difficulty wind through the surrounding vineyards and forests.

Photo: View from the pedestrian zone to the castle

Photo: Town Hall