The name of one of the greatest forests of Germany and the world - the Black Forest - often conjures up images of a dark, sinister place. Don't let the name fool you. The Black Forest in Germany is one of the best places you can go to explore some of the beautiful landscapes that nature and the country has to offer…
Sitting in the south west corner of the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest borders France, Switzerland, and the Neckar River. It is said to be home of the Brothers Grimm and many of their fairytale characters. Hänsel and Grethel were being led into this very forest, leaving breadcrumbs along their way. The breadcrumbs, an aid, to guide them safely out of the terrifying forest that already seemed to eat them up, whole. Instead, the dark intricacies of the forest led them straight into the Witch’s pavilion.
It’s not just the fairytale stories that make this place famous, but also the vast green cover and the beautiful landscape. Black Forest is originally known as Schwarzwald and it covers an area of over 400 square miles. The local name, conveys an image of dense tangled forest, and rightfully so, because it has a large concentration of pine trees, which covers the forest and gives a dark cover image from a distance.
If you love nature, you shall absolutely adore this German retreat. The area is renowned for hiking trails and also a wide varied range of attractions. The hiking trail is extremely well-marked and maintained and via a mountain ridge path, hikers can reach the highest point of the Northern Black Forest, which is Mount Hornisgrinde. Beautiful cirque lakes line the route, such as the secluded Wildsee or Mummelsee, which is rumored to be inhabited by an evil sea king. If you continue along this route, you will pass the European watershed, between the rivers Rhine and Danube.
This part of the route offers superb views across the deep valleys of the Western Black Forest and the flat high-lying valleys in the east. On your journey through, you are more likely to be confronted with a curious-looking sheep or cow than anything else. There are also many other open ridge walks that provide grand views over forest, pasture and mountain lakes. Overall, the pine and birch studded mountains, are alive with fairy-tale villages, well-equipped spas, and modern ski resorts.
If you have wondered about the name of the Black Forest Cake, this is the region it has originated from in the 16th Century. Schwarzwälderkirschtorte in German, which means Black Forest Cherry Torte (torte is the German word for cake), it is a chocolate layer cake with Kirsch, whipped cream, sour cherries and chocolate curls. One must also try their famous, Black Forest Ham, while visiting.
Besides, the nature and the picturesque landscape, the region is also known for its Cuckoo Clocks and Music boxes. A must try is the German Clock Route, which is a circular route tour of discovery. The route is roughly 320 kms long and it passes through some of the most attractive and scenic parts of the Black Forest including the village areas, clock factories and also the Baar region. The route is the perfect introduction to the Black Forest clock-making tradition.
The route also highlights the charms of the Black Forest - shingle-roofed houses, glorious countryside, crystal-clear trout streams, lush meadows and forests of dark green.
Other places of interest, includes vineyards and castles. Resplendent with a landscape that recalls myths and legends, this area is dotted with impressive castles and forts. The castle of the small village of Hornberg, is located in the heart of the Black Forest. Villigen is a small village distinguished for its well-preserved state. Also, visit Baden-Baden, a place renowned for its resorts and spas. Baden Baden’s natural hot springs has become Germany’s fanciest health spa and is the perfect place to stop before or after exploring one of the most impressive forests of Germany.
Like all good tours, this tour has come to its ending…so whether its nature, craft-making or culture… Black Forest has it all.