Black Forest
Learn about the history, culture and local cuisine of the Black Forest by combining scenic panoramic routes with some of the attractions along the way.
The Black Forest region as a Touristic Destination is much more than its forested area.
It is a region rich in history, traditions, landscapes (mountains, vineyards), tales, spa towns…and delicious gastronomy (think black florest cake and Baden wine)
Get ready to dive into the background of the most famous tales of the Brother’s Grimm!
3 OPTIONS OF PANORAMIC ROUTES IN THE BLACK FOREST TO CHOOSE FROM:
Exploring the North of the Black Forest
LEAVING FROM STRASBOURG
A scenic panoramic drive through a portion of the Baden Wine Road and up the mountains to explore the villages along the valley, stopping every now and then to admire the views and its former glacial lakes, on the way to the elegant city of Baden-Baden.
Baden-Baden
The Romans were the first to discover the warm springs in the region.
La “Belle Epoque” attracted the rich and famous, and with the construction of the casino, Baden-Baden became known as the “summer capital of Europe”.
Walking through its pristine gardens and alleys and admiring the elegant hotels is a feast to the eyes.
Taking the funicular to the Merkur mountain will award you with breath-taking views over the city.
Visiting the old ruins of the Margaves castle is to pay testimony to its rich history.
And your visit to the city cannot be completed without a dip in one of its many spas.
Exploring the Center of the Black Forest
LEAVING FROM STRASBOURG OU COLMAR
The main attraction of this circuit is the fairy tale town of Gengenbach and the amazing Open Air Museum of the Black Florest, with its astonishing wood farm houses. Besides, depending on your interests, we can also see the largest cucco clock in the workd or drive through the vineyards.
Vineyards
Most people dont’ know, but the Black Florest region also incorporates part of the Baden Wine Road.
Baden-Wurtemberg is the 3rd largest wine producer region in Germany. That is explained buy its micro-climate: like in Alsace, the region is protected by a chain of mountain (in this case the Black Florest), protecting the vineyards and providing them with a sunny and dry weatehr; besied being a mosaic of soils (due to the different geological formations).
In Baden, more especifically, the margraves promoted wine waking as a way of boosting the local economy. In and around their castles there were vineyards and wine cellars (some stille exists nowadays!).
Gengenbach
Badly destroyed by the French during the 30 year’s war, Gengenbach was rebuilt to its glory. The city attracts visitors thanks to its charming medieval vibe. Parts of the medieval fortification wall and towers can still be seen today. The visible cellars in the old half-timbered houses remind us of the history of the wine in the region. A visit to the Raftsman Museum will present you with the importance of the timber in the region, while the wooden masks of the Fool’s Museum will introduce you to the traditions and characters of the local Carnival. Hiking up the Bergle Hill will award you with a magnificent view over the vineyards and the town. During the Xmas time, the Town Hall becomes the largest advent calendar in the world!
Vogtsbauernhof
The farm houses in the Black Forest were isolated and remotely located, therefore they had to be self-sufficient. That’s why they are called “all under one roof”. These amazing timber buildings (dating as far back as the XVI century), were gathered in this location to showcase the way of living of the Black Forest farmers. Get ready to travel back in time with me while we explore these extraordinary constructions and the history and traditions of these villages.
Cuckoo Clocks
During the winter months, the Black Forest farmers would take up another activity…such as clockmaking. We will make a stop at a Cuckoo shop to admire the works of a passionate craftsman and his masterpiece: one of the largest cuckoo clocks in the world!
Exploring the Center & South of of the Black Forest
LEAVING FROM STRASBOURG OU COLMAR
A scenic panoramic drive through a portion of the Baden Wine Road and up the mountains to explore the villages along the valley, stopping every now and then to admire the views and its former glacial lakes, on the way to the elegant city of Baden-Baden.
Freiburg – im – Breisgau (Germany)
A vibrant university city with the charm of an old town. Although badly damaged during the WWII, Freiburg’s historical city centre was beautifully rebuilt. A visit to the “Munster” (cathedral) is a must, together with a stroll through the former millers, fisherman and tanner’s district. At the Munster Platz, everyday a market takes place. This is your chance to see the locals get by, but also an opportunity to taste the famous “Lange rote” (long sausage). And in the summer months, you can even rest and refresh your feet in one of the many “bächle” (streams of water).
Not in Germany this time, but also near Alsace…
Basel (Switzerland)
A vibrant university city with the charm of an old town. Although badly damaged during the WWII, Freiburg’s historical city centre was beautifully rebuilt. A visit to the “Munster” (cathedral) is a must, together with a stroll through the former millers, fisherman and tanner’s district. At the Munster Platz, everyday a market takes place. This is your chance to see the locals get by, but also an opportunity to taste the famous “Lange rote” (long sausage). And in the summer months, you can even rest and refresh your feet in one of the many “bächle” (streams of water).
All my tours are personalized to better meet your wishes.
Get in touch now so we can put together a memorable program in the Black Forest!
Bis bald!