NATURION Hotel Hinterzarten

This inn has existed since 1683. Matthias Schwer is the 4th generation of the family to carry on the tradition. Here, just outside St Märgen at an altitude of approx. 1 030m, a father-and-son team cook up quality seasonal fare, including local game, and classics such as maultaschen and schnitzel. There is an à la carte menu, the "Tradition" set menu and the vegetable "Gemussmenü" (only by ordering in advance). Comfortable guestrooms and holiday apartments for overnight guests.

This historical Black Forest establishment in an idyllic location is thoroughly inviting. Inside, an attractive upscale dining space exuding bags of regional charm awaits. Affording magnificent views of the lake, the terrace beckons in summer. The menu takes its cue from the seasons and includes dishes such as Black Forest trout fillets with pickled cherry tomatoes, courgettes and parsley mashed potatoes or French corn-fed poularde breast, tender young beans and thyme pasta. There is also a "Gourmetmenü" comprising five or eight courses with wine pairings. Options are more limited at lunchtime

Open from noon to 8.30pm, Brasserie Barbara is an appealing daytime alternative to the fine dining restaurant here at the Auerhahn "wellness hotel", which is just across the road from the lake, Schluchsee. The bright, friendly atmosphere is inviting. The completely open kitchen produces cleverly devised dishes that are both bold and pleasingly uncomplicated. Based on top-notch ingredients, they are deeply rooted in regional culinary tradition. Options on the appealing à la carte menu include starters such as "Black Forest croquetas" or beef tartare with french fries, followed by a main course

Following the reopening of Hotel Auerhahn, owner Marius Tröndle (who also runs Mühle in Schluchsee) has appointed an ambitious new head chef to lead his fine dining restaurant. After stints at various MICHELIN-starred establishments, Yann Bosshammer now oversees a kitchen dedicated to modern, seasonally inspired dishes crafted from premium regional produce, such as "grilled salsify, quince, black garlic" or "Albbruck brook trout, tonka bean, pear". If you are not staying at the hotel, book your table for the "Fine Dining Menu" in advance. The setting is lovely; the beautifully modernised space