 Hinterzarten was founded in 1148.In the beginning, Hinterzarten was actually called "Hinter der Straß" (behind the street), and Breitnau to the north was "Vor der Straß" (in front of the street).Between 1708 and 1750 the village's name changed to Hinterzarten, partly because of a small river in the area called Zartenbach.