Bernau in the Black Forest is a valley between 800 and 1415 metres above sea level with a population of about 1900. The 8 kilometre long municipality is subdivided into Altenrond, Bernau-Dorf mit Goldbach, Bernau-Hof, Bernau-Innerlehen, Bernau-Riggenbach mit Schwendele, Gaß, Kaiserhaus, Oberlehen und Unterlehen.

Bernau-Hof is at the base of the 1415 metres high Herzogenhorn, the second highest mountain in the Black Forest. The climatic health and winter ski resort is a well renowned playground for skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, paragliders, and holds an annual sledge dog race. Bernau is the birthplace of the famous painter Hans Thoma and has a permanent exhibition of the artist.