Café Schäfer, on the main street of Triberg im Schwarzwald, is widely credited with holding the original recipe for Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, the Black Forest cherry cake that has become one of Germany's best-known desserts internationally. Alongside the signature cake, the café serves a Black Forest ham platter and Kirsch-soaked cake slices, keeping the menu focused squarely on regional specialties rather than a broad food offering. The dining room has a traditional Black Forest café atmosphere, with wood detailing and a cosy, unhurried feel suited to an afternoon coffee and cake stop rather than a full meal. It is open Wednesday to Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed only on Tuesdays, giving it broader availability than many Black Forest restaurants that close midweek. Walk-ins are generally welcome, though groups are advised to call ahead given the café's popularity with visitors specifically seeking out the original Kirschtorte recipe. Its location in Triberg, near the town's well-known waterfalls, makes it a natural stop for visitors combining a Black Forest sightseeing day with a taste of the region's most famous dessert.
| Price | € (cake and coffee €6–12 / $6–13) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Wed–Mon 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Tue |
| Reservations | Walk-ins welcome; groups should call ahead |
| Address | Hauptstraße 33, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald, Germany |
Signature dishes
- Original Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
- Black Forest ham platter
- Kirsch-soaked Black Forest cake slices
Good to know
- Known for
- Bakery-café credited with holding the original recipe for Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
Weather through the year in Germany
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Hauptstraße 33, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald, Germany
48.1306, 8.2298 View on map
Highlights
- Credited with the original Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte recipe
- Signature Black Forest cherry cake made in-house
- Cosy, traditional Black Forest café atmosphere
- Open Wednesday to Monday, closed only on Tuesdays
- Convenient stop near the Triberg waterfalls
Tips for visiting
- Groups should call ahead given the café's popularity with dessert-seeking visitors
- Visit any day except Tuesday, when the café is closed
- Order the original Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte as the must-try item
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Triberg waterfalls
- Arrive in the early afternoon to avoid the busiest tour-group crowds
Accessibility
The café has step-free street-level access.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Does Café Schäfer really hold the original Kirschtorte recipe?
It is widely credited as the holder of the original Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte recipe, a claim central to its reputation.
What day is it closed?
It is closed only on Tuesdays and open the rest of the week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Is it close to the Triberg waterfalls?
Yes, it sits on Triberg's main street, a short walk from the town's well-known waterfalls.