Ravennaschlucht

BreitnauHöllental

A wild gorge in the Höllental: wooden bridges above the Ravenna stream, two waterfalls and, high above, the roughly 40-metre viaduct of the Höllental railway.

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Die Ravennaschlucht im südlichen Schwarzwald

Der Ravennabach zwischen moosbewachsenen Felsen in der Schlucht, oben rechts Wanderer auf dem Pfad

Eine Gruppe Wanderer steht am Ufer des Ravennabachs auf moosbedeckten Steinen im lichten Wald

Blick den Stamm einer dick mit Moos bewachsenen Buche hinauf in das frische Laub und den blauen Himmel

Holzbrücke über den Bach in der Ravennaschlucht, bemooste Felsen im Wald — © Ravennaschlucht Source

If you have ever felt that the Black Forest holds something magical, the Ravenna gorge will confirm it. Between moss-covered rocks, rushing waterfalls and dense fir woods, a place opens up that seems to have stepped out of a book of fairy tales.

The path through the gorge is no stroll – and that is exactly what makes it special. Over small wooden bridges, along steep slopes and past crystal-clear water, you go step by step deeper into this wild ravine. Every metre feels like a small adventure, with the rushing of the Ravenna stream as a constant companion.

And then, almost reverently, it suddenly stands before you: the Ravenna bridge. A mighty viaduct spanning the gorge – about 40 metres high, built of rough stone, a monument of the old Höllental railway. The sight is simply imposing. Come at the right moment and you may even see a train cross the bridge – a moment that burns itself into memory.

If you take your time, the Ravenna gorge gives you more than nature. It gives you quiet, respect for the force of the elements, and that particular moment in which you forget everything around you. A place that shows what makes the Black Forest special.

Address and contact

Address: 79874 Breitnau
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Website: ravennaschlucht-schwarzwald.de
Opening hours: Always accessibleOn the Advent weekends a Christmas market is held in the gorge – admission is charged for it. Parking costs 4 € per day, in cash or via the Parkster app.hours updated on September 6, 2026

Features

Type: Schlucht mit Wasserfällen und Bahnviadukt
Length: 4 km
Height: Ravennaviadukt rund 40 m über der Schlucht, 224 m lang, neun Bögen
Facilities: Großer Ravennafall (16 m) · Kleiner Ravennafall (6 m) · Holzbrücken und Stege · Ravennaviadukt der Höllentalbahn · Weihnachtsmarkt an den Adventswochenenden

Questions and answers

When is it open, and is there a season?

The gorge is freely accessible; there are no opening hours. The exception is the Advent weekends with the Christmas market – for those there are tickets online.

What does admission cost?

Admission is free. Only on the Advent weekends, when the Christmas market is held in the gorge, is a charge made.

How much time should I allow?

Two to three hours. The gorge is 4 kilometres long and the path runs over wooden bridges and walkways along steep slopes – not a stroll but a hike, and one to bring sturdy shoes for.

What time of day is it at its best?

Stand at the viaduct at the right moment and you will see a Höllental railway train cross it – that is the moment worth waiting for.

What is the Ravenna bridge, and how high is it?

A stone viaduct of the Höllental railway that spans the gorge on nine arches: 224 metres long and about 40 metres high. The first bridge was built in 1885 for the opening of the Höllental line, rebuilt in 1923 for heavier locomotives, blown up in April 1945 and reopened in December 1947.

Are there waterfalls in the gorge?

Two: the Great Ravenna Falls at 16 metres and the Small Ravenna Falls at 6 metres.

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