Bikepark Todtnau

Bikepark Todtnau is one of the old names of German downhill: riding started here in 1996, and the place still feels more like a focused sporting venue than a polished resort. The base sits by Brandenbergstrasse on the edge of Todtnau, in a steep Black Forest valley, so the day has a simple rhythm: take the lift, choose a line and come back down with enough strength left in your hands and brakes.

The park has three main trails with similar lengths and about 450 metres of vertical drop. The black Downhill line is a race track for experienced riders, the red Wildride adds a jumpier character, and Downhill Flow is the smoother red option where you can work on speed and corners. Absolute beginners should be cautious: even the more accessible lines assume that you can already brake off road, stand on the pedals and read changing surfaces.

Todtnau's strength is its compact setup. Everything is based around one lift area, the pricing is clear, and the town is close after the last run. Riders coming from Freiburg or Basel get an intense day out without long transfers. For mixed-ability groups it is worth agreeing a plan early: steadier riders can repeat Flow and Wildride while faster friends spend their energy on the race line.

The safety rules matter here. The park requires protective equipment and explicitly asks riders to inspect trails before riding them. Use the signed P2 parking area and expect wet roots, steep sections and a long descent to tire your arms quickly. The best day in Todtnau starts with warm-up laps rather than race pace.