Development of overnight stays in the Black Forest
Overnight stays in the Schwarzwald are rising. Der Schwarzwald has established itself as Germany's most successful tourism region, recording a historic high of 23.32 million overnight stays in 2024. Following the pandemic-related slumps of 2020/2021, the region has not only surpassed its pre-crisis 2019 figure by more than 10%, but is setting new benchmarks for sustainable tourism in Germany.
Executive Summary
The hotel sector is benefiting disproportionately from this boom, accounting for the largest share of all overnight stays at 63.2%. This development presents excellent investment and business opportunities for the hospitality property sector.
Overnight stays 2024
Growth vs. 2023
Hotel share
vs. Pre-COVID (2019)
Overnight Stay Trends 2019–2024
(in millions)
The trajectory of overnight stays in the Schwarzwald represents a remarkable success story, marked by distinct turning points. Starting from a solid base of 21.2 million overnight stays in 2019, the region experienced the most dramatic downturn in its tourism history.
Total overnight stays (m)
Hotels & hospitality (m)
Hotel share (%)
Change vs. prior year
Key observation: The hotel sector proved extraordinarily resilient. Despite dramatic fluctuations, the hotel share of total overnight stays held steady at 63.2%, underscoring the structural strength of the sector and guests' preference for professional hotel accommodation.
Regional Market Analysis
Southern Schwarzwald – Market Leader
With 8.9 million overnight stays (38.2%), the Southern Schwarzwald dominates tourism activity. This region benefits from its proximity to Switzerland, the highest elevations in the Schwarzwald, and an excellent tourism infrastructure. The areas around Titisee-Neustadt, Feldberg, and the Dreiländereck (tri-border area) in particular record consistently high demand.
Northern Schwarzwald – Growth Region
The Northern Schwarzwald achieves 6.7 million overnight stays (28.7%) and shows the strongest percentage growth of all sub-regions. Its proximity to the conurbations of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, combined with attractive wellness offerings in Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt, makes this region particularly appealing to short-break visitors and business travellers.
Hochschwarzwald – Peak Seasonal Region
With 4.8 million overnight stays (20.6%), the Hochschwarzwald displays the most pronounced seasonal structure. Winter and summer seasons reach similarly high peak figures here, enabling optimal year-round occupancy for hoteliers.
Seasonality and Occupancy OptimisationThe seasonal analysis reveals a remarkably even distribution of overnight stays throughout the year, providing hoteliers with a reliable planning basis. Although the traditionally strong summer months of July and August continue to dominate, the shoulder seasons are steadily gaining in importance.
Occupancy optimisation: The improved distribution across all months gives hotels the opportunity to optimise their annual occupancy and become less dependent on seasonal fluctuations.
Peak Season (June – August)
The summer months continue to record the highest demand, with 8.0 million overnight stays (34.3% of annual volume). Family holidaymakers, hikers, and cyclists characterise the guest mix.
Shoulder Season Potential
Particularly noteworthy is the strengthening of the transitional months of March/April and September/October. These periods offer hotels optimal conditions for premium pricing in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The analysis of accommodation structure clearly demonstrates the dominance of professional hotel accommodation. This market position offers excellent prospects for both established hoteliers and investors in hospitality property.
Accommodation Structure and Market Opportunities
Hotels – Market Leader (63.2%)
Hotels and Hotels Garni (bed-and-breakfast-style hotels) clearly dominate the market with 14.74 million overnight stays. Guests' preference for professional service, reliable quality, and comprehensive amenities underscores the attractiveness of hotel investments in the Schwarzwald.
- Parahotellerie (para-hotel sector, comprising self-catering and non-traditional accommodation) – Growing Complementary Market (25.6%)
Holiday apartments and holiday homes account for 5.97 million overnight stays, catering primarily to longer stays and family groups. This segment offers complementary potential for diversified hotel portfolios.
Investment opportunity: The stable 63.2% market dominance of the hotel sector, combined with record-high overall figures, creates an ideal environment for hotel investments and expansions.
🔍 Success Factors and Market Dynamics
Positive Market Dynamics
- Nature-based tourism boom: Increased demand for authentic, nature-oriented experiences
- Wellness and health: Schwarzwald as Germany's leading wellness destination
- Active tourism: Hiking, e-bike tours, and outdoor activities as growth drivers
- Culinary excellence: Regional cuisine and Schwarzwälder specialities as a USP
- Digitalisation: State-of-the-art booking and service technologies
- Sustainability: A pioneering role in environmentally conscious tourism
Structural Advantages
- Geographic location: Central position in Europe with excellent accessibility
- Infrastructure: Outstanding transport links and tourism infrastructure
- Diversity: Varied landscapes catering to a wide range of target groups
- Quality standards: Traditionally high standards in the hotel sector
- Events and culture: A year-round programme of events and cultural highlights
Challenges and Risk Management
Critical success factors: Despite the excellent market position, structural challenges exist that require proactive management.
Staffing Challenges
The shortage of skilled workers in the hotel sector represents the greatest operational challenge. Approaches to addressing this include improved working conditions, digitalisation to increase efficiency, and innovative recruitment strategies.
Cost Dynamics
Rising energy, staffing, and raw material costs are weighing on margins. Successful hotels are addressing this challenge through efficiency improvements, sustainability investments, and strategic pricing.
Climate Change and Sustainability
Changing weather conditions require adaptation strategies for both the winter and summer seasons. At the same time, guests' sustainability requirements are continually increasing.
Market Outlook and Future Scenarios
Short-term Forecast (2025)
For 2025, we anticipate stabilisation at a high level with moderate growth of 1–3%. Overnight stays are likely to fall between 23.5 and 24.0 million, with an increased focus on quality improvement and sustainability.
Medium-term Development (2025–2027)
The medium-term outlook will be shaped by:
- Sustainable tourism: Certified eco-hotels as a growth segment
- Digitalisation: AI-supported services and fully automated processes
- Wellness expansion: Medical wellness and health tourism as a premium segment
- Year-round optimisation: Improved occupancy during traditionally quieter shoulder seasons
Long-term vision: The Schwarzwald is further positioning itself as a destination for sustainable premium tourism, with a focus on wellness, nature, and authentic experiences.
Strategic Recommendations for Investors and Hoteliers
For Hotel Investors
- Location selection: Focus on established tourism areas with development potential
- Concept development: Target-group-specific offerings (wellness, family, business)
- Sustainability investment: Green technologies as a differentiating feature
- Digitalisation: Modern booking and management systems
For Existing Hoteliers
- Quality drive: Continuous improvement of service standards
- Staff development: Investment in personnel and training
- Revenue management: Optimised pricing and occupancy management
- Collaborations: Partnerships with local suppliers and service providers
For Hospitality Property Specialists
- Market monitoring: Continuous tracking of developments
- Advisory expertise: Specialisation in Schwarzwald-specific requirements
- Network development: Strong connections with local stakeholders
- Trend anticipation: Early identification of new business models
Conclusion and Outlook
The Schwarzwald has established itself as Germany's most successful tourism region and offers investors and hoteliers exceptional market opportunities. With 23.32 million overnight stays in 2024, not only was a historic record achieved, but the structural strength of the region was also demonstrated.
The dominance of the hotel sector, with a 63.2% market share, underscores guests' preference for professional accommodation and creates a stable foundation for investment. The simultaneous strengthening of all sub-regions and the improved year-round distribution of overnight stays considerably reduce investment risk.
Investment recommendation: The Schwarzwald currently offers a unique combination of proven market success, structural stability, and further growth potential. For specialist hospitality property investors, the region represents a first-class opportunity.
The future outlook remains sustainably positive. The trend towards nature-based, sustainable tourism plays to the Schwarzwald's strengths, whilst digital transformation is opening up new potential for efficiency and service. Hotels that adapt early to changing guest needs and invest in quality and sustainability will benefit disproportionately from the continuing boom.
© ABSOLUT Gastronomie – Your specialist for hospitality and hotel property in southern GermanyData sources: Statistisches Landesamt Baden-Württemberg, Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH, Destatis, Statista & Colliers
As at: July 2025 | All rights reserved