Gutach Valley

The Gutach valley runs northwest from Triberg along the B33 road, 8 km to the main attractions. The Vogtsbauernhof is the flagship: a 60,000 square metre open-air museum with 20 original 16th-to-19th-century Black Forest farm buildings moved to the site and restored. Working demonstrations include bread baking in wood-fired ovens, spinning and weaving, glass blowing, traditional Schwarzwaldhof farm life, and seasonal craft workshops. Admission EUR 12 adults, EUR 6 kids 6-17, free under 6, family ticket EUR 28. Allow 2-3 hours minimum; the site is large and the demonstrations are genuinely interesting for kids. Open April to early November, 9 AM to 6 PM peak season.

The Schwarzwald-Sommerrodelbahn is the summer alpine slide 3 km further up the road in Gutach-Schanze. The 1,150-metre track runs down the hill on rails with brake control. Kids 3-7 ride with an adult (one ride takes two); ages 8 and up can ride alone. Rides EUR 3.50 single, EUR 20 for a 6-pack. Open April to October, weather dependent. A chair lift takes riders back to the top. The slide is the reliable kid hit on any Triberg visit. Queues 15-30 minutes on peak summer weekends, often walk-on in shoulder seasons. For families, the natural full-day plan is: morning at Vogtsbauderhof, lunch at the museum cafe (EUR 8-14 plates), afternoon at Sommerrodelbahn, dinner back in Triberg. Both are on the same road so driving between them is 5 minutes.