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Cash only in the Black Forest: visitor magnet surprises tourists!
On August 30, 2025, the Ruhestein National Park Center in Karlsruhe will attract guests, but will only offer cash payment for entry.
Cash only in the Black Forest: visitor magnet surprises tourists!
In the heart of the Black Forest, more precisely at Ruhestein at around 900 meters above sea level, the National Park Visitor Center attracts around 60,000 visitors every year. Since opening in October 2020, the location has become a popular base for exploring the scenic natural area. But there is a small but noteworthy restriction: entry can only be paid in cash. As [SWR] reports, this topic always surprises guests.
Groups of visitors, like one from the Catholic rural youth recently, stood in front of the cash register and had to improvise to get cash. A sign with the clear statement “Cash only possible – Cash only” was obvious. Many tourists, especially from abroad, find it strange to only have to handle cash in times of digitalization. Americans in particular are surprised by this regulation and often express astonishment. Despite the possible problems with digital payment methods, which in the past led to the termination of the contract with a payment service provider, the center is sticking to its cash policy for now.
A day at the national park center
What awaits guests at the Ruhestein National Park Center? In addition to an interactive exhibition on the theme of “wilder forests”, there are many other interesting attractions available. A cinema, the Bridge of Wilderness and the Tourist Information Shop complete the offering. It's worth planning a whole day to enjoy the nature of the northern Black Forest, even when the weather is less nice. Entry to the center is free, while the exhibition requires a fee. However, visitors should note that the house rules must be observed and should contact us in advance if there are specific restrictions.
The souvenir shop next to the center offers a good emergency solution for visitors who need to withdraw cash. Ursula Pütz, the head of the visitor center, describes this as a practical way out of the current situation. Your concerns about the possible digital payment methods currently being examined by the Ministry of the Environment clearly show that time does not stand still.
- Jährlich etwa 60.000 Besucher
- Beliebter Ausgangspunkt für Touristen
- Kino und interaktive Ausstellung im Nationalparkzentrum
The visitor center remains a very special natural destination, easily accessible to anyone wanting to discover the beauty of the Black Forest – although handling cash can be a bit of a challenge for some. Further information about tours in the national park and activities is available at Tours in the National Park.