Posted by St. Blasien is a small spa town in the southern Black Forest, best known for its impressive cathedral with one of the largest domes in Europe. Compared to busy lake resorts like Titisee, St. Blasien feels quieter, more elegant, and strongly shaped by nature and history.
This guide is written in English for international travelers and focuses on sights, activities, accommodation, and practical planning tips.
Black Forest tours & experiences (GetYourGuide)
Looking for guided walks, cultural tours, or day trips in the Black Forest? St. Blasien is a great starting point.
Where is St. Blasien?
St. Blasien lies in the southern Black Forest, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The town is surrounded by forested hills and valleys and sits at an altitude of around 770 meters.
- Approx. 30 km from Titisee
- Approx. 35 km from Freiburg
- Close to the Swiss border
Because of its location, St. Blasien feels more alpine than many other Black Forest towns and is popular with visitors looking for calm landscapes and fresh air.
Why visit St. Blasien?
St. Blasien attracts travelers who prefer culture and nature over busy promenades. The town developed around a historic monastery and later became a spa destination.
- Impressive cathedral with a huge dome
- Quiet spa-town atmosphere
- Excellent hiking and nature walks
- Good base for exploring the southern Black Forest
Main sights in St. Blasien
St. Blasien Cathedral (Dom St. Blasius)
The cathedral of St. Blasien dominates the town. Its massive dome (over 36 meters in diameter) is one of the largest north of the Alps and can be seen from far away.
Inside, the cathedral feels bright and surprisingly simple. The white interior, combined with the scale of the dome, creates a calm and almost monumental atmosphere.
- Free entry (donations welcome)
- Short visit: 20–30 minutes
- Photography allowed (without flash)
Former Benedictine monastery
The cathedral is part of a former Benedictine monastery complex. Today, several historic buildings are used for education and administration, but the layout still shows how important St. Blasien once was as a religious center.
Spa park & town center
St. Blasien is compact and easy to explore on foot. The spa park and surrounding streets are quiet, clean, and well-maintained. Cafés and small restaurants focus more on relaxed dining than on mass tourism.
Online tickets Europapark Rust: The amusement park is in the west of the Black Forest near the Rhine and the border with France. After Corona there is a lot going on again in Europa-Park Rust. That’s why many visitors buy tickets cheaper online in advance: >> You can buy tickets online on the well-known ticket website Getyourguide
Hiking & nature around St. Blasien
The area around St. Blasien is excellent for hiking, forest walks, and light mountain tours. Trails often start directly from town, so you don’t need a car for short excursions.
Popular options include:
- Forest paths toward Menzenschwand
- Valley walks along small rivers
- Longer hikes toward Feldberg
Related Black Forest guides
St. Blasien in winter
In winter, St. Blasien becomes a quiet base for snowy walks and cross-country skiing. While it is not a major ski resort itself, several winter sports areas are reachable within a short drive.
- Winter hiking trails
- Cross-country skiing nearby
- Good access to Feldberg ski areas
More: Winter sports in the Black Forest
Day trips from St. Blasien
Titisee
Lake Titisee is much busier than St. Blasien but worth a visit for boat trips and lakeside cafés.
Schluchsee
A larger and calmer lake, ideal for swimming in summer and long walks.
Freiburg
A lively university city with a historic old town and many restaurants.
Where to stay in St. Blasien
Accommodation in St. Blasien focuses on spa hotels, guesthouses, and small family-run hotels. Prices are often slightly lower than in the busiest lake resorts.
Hotels in St. Blasien (Booking.com)
Compare hotels, guesthouses, and apartments in and around St. Blasien.
Food & local cuisine
Restaurants in St. Blasien typically serve traditional Black Forest and Baden dishes. Expect hearty meals rather than experimental cuisine.
- Black Forest ham
- Käsespätzle
- Game dishes (seasonal)
- Homemade cakes in cafés
More about food in the Black Forest
Best time to visit
- May–September: best for hiking and sightseeing
- December–February: winter scenery, snow walks
- Spring & autumn: quieter, very good for relaxed trips
Climate & safety
St. Blasien is very safe and well-organized. Weather can change quickly due to altitude, so layered clothing is recommended even in summer.
Conclusion
St. Blasien is an excellent choice for travelers who want a calm Black Forest experience with cultural depth. The cathedral alone is worth the visit, but combined with hiking, spa hotels, and easy day trips, the town works well for both short stays and longer holidays.
The largest dome structures in the world include the Florence Cathedral, St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and the Pantheon in Rome / Italy.