If you’ve never heard of Zavelstein, you’re not alone. I hadn’t either—until my boyfriend’s family planned a weekend getaway there to celebrate his mother’s 65th birthday.
There were 17 of us—all Germans and most visited this town several times. After a day, I understood why they loved it.
Located in the Black Forest of Germany, Zavelstein offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
I’ll be honest—I had high expectations for the Black Forest. Although it has a dense forest, I don’t think it’s very different than any other forest in Germany.
But what truly made this trip unforgettable was not just the scenery but where we stayed.
We stayed at Hotel Kronelamm, a wellness hotel where you can soak in a warm pool, sweat it out in a sauna, or even do yoga with a view of the endless forest.
If you’re wondering whether this town is worth a visit, the answer is yes. It’s a cozy retreat away from city life. And here’s everything you need to know for a perfect first trip to Zavelstein.
Where is Zavelstein?
Zavelstein is a small town in the Black Forest, located in the Baden-Württemberg region of southern Germany.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Stuttgart. The town is known for its charming castle ruins, picturesque hiking trails, and wild crocus flowers.
What is Zavelstein Known For?
Despite its size, this town has a rich history. The town is famous for the Zavelstein Castle Ruins, a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century.
Zavelstein also has rolling hills, dense forests, and vibrant meadows that change with the seasons. Old German houses with timber lining are also scattered around the town.
In spring, Zavelstein is known for its wild crocus bloom. In winter, it transforms into a quiet, snow-covered retreat perfect for cozy weekends.
Zavelstein vs. Bad Teinach-Zavelstein
You might see Bad Teinach-Zavelstein mentioned when looking up the area, and that’s because Zavelstein is part of Bad Teinach-Zavelstein.
Bad Teinach-Zavelstein is a spa town known for its thermal baths and wellness retreats.
Although you’ll find one wellness hotel in Zavelstein, Bad Teinach is where you’ll find more thermal pools, saunas, and wellness hotels.
However, I find it better to stay in Zavelstein because it’s less crowded (except during crocus season) and has the unspoiled vibe of a little town.
Best Time to Visit Zavelstein
This town is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for:
- Spring (March-April): This is the time to see the famous wild crocus bloom. The hills turn into a colorful carpet of purple and white flowers, and the weather is mild.
- Summer (June-August): Best for hiking and exploring the Black Forest, with long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures.
- Fall (September-November): A quieter season with beautiful autumn colors in the forest, perfect for scenic walks.
- Winter (December-February): Ideal for a cozy, peaceful getaway, especially if you love the charm of snow-covered forest and a warm sauna.
Where to Stay in Zavelstein
As I mentioned, the best way to experience Zavelstein is by staying in a wellness hotel—it’s absolutely worth every euro!
My Top Pick: Best Hotel in Zavelstein
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hotel Kronelamm
✅ Incredible forest views
✅ Excellent wellness facilities
✅ Michelin Gourmet Cuisine
1. Hotel Kronelamm
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | 📍 Zavelstein | ✅ Book it!
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Zavelstein, I can’t recommend Hotel Kronelamm enough.
This wellness hotel is the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, and gourmet dining.
They have cozy rooms and luxurious suites, heated pools, and multiple saunas. Also included in your stay are the daily wellness programs with breathtaking panoramic views of the Black Forest.
Did I mention that they also have a 1 Star Michelin restaurant?
For two nights, I felt completely relaxed and pampered in this exclusive wellness paradise.
We started each day with a hike in the Black Forest—even with a free local guide—and then soaked in the warmth of their saunas and pools. We even joined a progressive muscle relaxation session!
And the food? Absolute heaven. From their buffet and lunch breakfast to the fine dining dinner, every meal was a treat for the senses.
I also loved their Swabian originals, regional specialties, and wellness-curated options (vegan, lactose-free, organic, etc.). Whatever your preference, you’ll find something—if not everything—to love here.
2. Hotel Therme
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | 📍 Bad Teinach-Zavelstein | ✅ Book it!
Another excellent spa hotel just a short drive away from Zavelstein is Hotel Therme. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, exceptional breakfast, and still unparalleled views of the Black Forest.
The real highlight? The incredible spa facilities. There’s a heated outdoor pool, a huge jacuzzi, and a large indoor pool.
You’ll also find steam rooms, a cold plunge pool, and dry saunas—perfect for unwinding after a long day. There are even cozy relaxation areas by the pools where you can read in peace.
You’ll also find beautiful walking and hiking trails right next to the hotel. The hotel is only 2 km from Zavelstein so you can easily see the ruins of Zavelstein Castle and the old houses on foot.
“I don’t know why this hotel has only 4 stars. From all sides, it looks like a 5-star hotel. The service is excellent, and the food is fantastic.” – Aleksei (Read more reviews)
Best Things to Do in Zavelstein
1. Stay in Zavelstein’s Wellness Hotel
As I’ve mentioned several times, the best way to experience this town is by staying at their wellness hotel.
From the second floor and above, you can see the dense Black Forest. While you can see the trees while hiking, at a higher elevation, you get a broader view of the forest’s density.
Spend your late mornings, afternoons, and evenings soaking in their steamy waters or relaxing in outdoor saunas, surrounded by crisp air and scenic forest views.
I’d recommend arriving early, taking a walk around the town and the Black Forest, and spending enough time in their wellness facilities and programs.
2. Explore Zavelstein Castle Ruins
(Entrance Fee: Free | Open Year-Round)
If you can’t stay at Hotel Kronelamm, you can also see the impressive views of the Black Forest from the town’s iconic castle ruins.
While the ruins aren’t massive, this medieval fortress has the best view of the town — especially if you visit at sunrise or sunset.
3. Experience Crocus Bloom
(Best Time: March to Early April | Free to See)
If you visit in early spring, you’re in for a rare natural spectacle—the wild crocus bloom. Every year, thousands of purple and white crocuses blanket the meadows around the town, creating a stunning sea of flowers.
When we visited, we saw the very first blooms. My boyfriend’s parents mentioned that it gets crowded when the flowers are in full bloom. We still plan to visit again, and I’ll update you if we do!
Pro Tip: The best spots for crocus viewing are along the Crocus Hiking Trail and near the castle ruins!
4. Hike the Black Forest Trails
(Varies by Trail | Best in Spring, Summer, and Fall)
Zavelstein is surrounded by lush hiking trails. You can walk, run, or jog through the forest and even around the historic houses in town.
Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer trek, the Crocus Hiking Trail is especially stunning in spring, when the landscape is covered in purple wildflowers.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes (that can get dirty), especially in winter and fall when the trails can get muddy!
5. Try Traditional Swabian Cuisine
As part of Southwestern Germany, Zavelstein is a great place to try authentic Swabian cuisine.
One of the highlights of our trip was sitting down to enjoy Maultaschen, a hearty Swabian ravioli dish.
Along the hike in the Black Forest, you’ll also find Wanderheim. This hiking lodge serves up traditional Swabian specialties—from rich Spätzle dishes to barbecue feasts, fondue nights, and even lively hut parties.
The food is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned—we ordered platters for 12 people (in a group of 17), and we still had leftovers to take home!
Berlinz Krone Restaurant also offers a wellness-inspired gourmet menu if you’re looking for something a bit more refined.
6. Walk Through Zavelstein’s Historic Streets
This town is lined with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, just like the famous German fairy-tale towns.
You can wander without a plan—walk through the forest, pass through another charming town with old houses, and eventually find your way back to Zavelstein. You can even pass by the town’s three donkeys – Lisa, Martha, and Karl!
Since it’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination, you won’t have to deal with crowds—just peaceful streets, fresh forest air, and plenty of picture-perfect spots.
7. Visit Bad Teinach’s Thermal Baths
(Entrance Fee: ~15-27€ | Open Daily)
Although Hotel Kronelamm doesn’t offer a day pass, you can drive to Bad Teinach instead.
The waters there are believed to have healing properties, flowing from the depths of the fresh, energizing, and mineral-rich Black Forest rock.
You can purchase a day pass at Hotel Therme to experience thermal baths yourself.
Final Thoughts: Why Zavelstein is Worth the Trip
If it’s your first time visiting Zavelstein, this charming town is a great way to experience the Black Forest beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s small, peaceful, and full of local charm—exactly the kind of place where you can slow down and truly enjoy the moment.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Germany, why not add this town to your itinerary? And while you’re at it, check out my guide to Germany’s most famous castle!
