The school was established by educator Kurt Hahn in 1932 and from the beginning accepted girls and boys.

Under the Nazi regime, Hahn was forced to emigrate to Scotland where he founded Gordonstoun School as well as later Outward Bound, Round Square and the United World Colleges.

The school is in the postal district of Hinterzarten, although much of the building lies on the territory of neighbouring Breitnau.

Among other things, Birklehof prides itself in giving students real responsibility in the running of the school.

In 2009, the newest building project was completed with the inauguration of the rebuilt Neubirkle boarding house.