A nature adventure trail, permanent exhibitions dedicated to two painters, and recurring events offer different themes to explore in Bernau im Schwarzwald. August is particularly relevant when choosing your travel dates: Hans Thoma Day and the Holzschneflertage with their nature park market take place on different weekends. In addition, Carnival, art, and the Rot-Kreuz cross-country skiing center offer further ideas for planning your trip.

A nature adventure trail for the whole family

The nature adventure trail in Bernau has 15 play, storytelling, and information stations and is designed for the whole family. The three types of stations offer different ways to experience the trail: through play, stories, and information. If you visit Bernau with your family, the trail is a specific attraction to consider when choosing your travel dates. It offers a different focus from the August events or the paintings in the permanent exhibitions.

Two August weekends, two event dates

Hans Thoma Day is celebrated every year on the second weekend in August. On the third August weekend, Bernau hosts the Holzschneflertage and a nature park market each year. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, distinguishing between the weekends will help: Hans Thoma Day falls on the second weekend, while the Holzschneflertage and nature park market take place on the third. The programs may change from year to year, so check the event information for the specific year before booking.

Paintings by Hans Thoma and Karl Hauptmann

A permanent exhibition in a museum in Bernau displays around 50 works by the painter Hans Thoma (1839–1924), who was born in Bernau. A smaller permanent exhibition in a museum in Bernau is dedicated to the Black Forest landscape painter Karl Hauptmann (1880–1947) and includes 14 of his paintings. The two exhibitions differ in scale: Hans Thoma is represented by a selection of around 50 works, while Karl Hauptmann has a smaller display of 14 paintings. The artists’ biographies also provide distinct connections to the region: Thoma was born in Bernau, while Hauptmann is described as a Black Forest landscape painter.

Carnival and cross-country skiing nearby

Throughout Carnival week, people from Bernau gather from around 6 p.m. on the slopes above their districts. This recurring event therefore takes place at a different time of year from the two August weekends and is held in the evening. If you are planning your trip around it, check the current program locally.

Nearby, the Rot-Kreuz cross-country skiing center is located in a side valley between Bernau and Todtmoos. Skiing conditions vary seasonally. If you are considering a visit to the center, keep both its location between the two towns and the conditions for the relevant season in mind.

A distinct historical perspective on Waldshut

In the wider Waldshut travel area, Kaiserstraße offers another historical point of interest. When it became a pedestrian zone in 1989, the town stream was moved back to the middle of the street and three fountains were rebuilt. This transformation of the urban space adds a distinct perspective on Waldshut’s history to the themes of Bernau.

When to travel and how to find a hotel

If you are looking for hotels in Bernau, it is best to decide on your travel dates first. The August events take place on different weekends, Carnival has its own period, and skiing conditions at the cross-country skiing center vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Altenrond, Stühlingen, Albbruck, Görwihl, Weilheim, Dachsberg, Herrischried, Lottstetten.

Go to the main travel overview: Waldshut.