In the southwestern region of Germany, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg bounded by the Rhine river valley is a very large forested mountain range which goes by the name of Schwarzwald or the Black Forest (German: Schwarzwald).
The entire region, when travelling from the point in the south of High Rhine then towards the north of the Kraichgau, then in the west it is bounded by the Upper Rhine Plain along with a chain of foothills and their transitioning in the east. The highest part in the South of Germany is where the Black Forest is located.
Furthermore, the longest river of this region is the Enz measuring at 105 kilometres and it is then followed by Kinzig at a length of about 93 kilometres. The core of the Black Forest is composed of gneiss and granites and then is covered by sandstone.
The region is also well connected with railways and the road networks. There is the Black Forest Road B 500 and the German Clock Road which are popular for reaching the destination. The rail ride can be equally fascinating as most of them pass through the Rhine plains
The major source of income of the region is tourism and the region too receives millions of tourists here each year. Black Forest is mainly rural and there are myriad villages scattered and a few towns. The dialect spoken in the region is Swabian and Alemannic.
Highlights of Black Forest
Often regarded as one of the most attractive destinations in the German lands is Black Forest, it is the best place to get away from the city life and natural immersions. There are waterfalls, wellness spas, intricate paths to trek upon, and grand sites to witness. Following is a list of some of the important highlights which one must keep in mind when travelling to Black Forest:
- Feldberg: Probably the most popular destination there is in Black Forest. It is in-fact the highest mountain in the whole of the Black Forest. You can see the mountain swarming with people almost all through the year, irrespective of it being winters or summer. The mountain, during the winters becomes rather popularly known as the roof of the Black Forest. It then turns into haven for skiers and hikers.
- Badisches Landesmuseum: You can find here records of culture and history of the region. The documentation in this museum dates back to the 17th and the 18th
- Baumwipfelpfad: Travelers regard a journey through this tree top trail as comprising of dizzying heights. It is located above the Black Forest and the trees here are some of the most beautiful sights you will ever find.
- Mining Museums: Mining industries have been sprouting around the Black Forest region since the time of the industrial revolution. Today, most of them do not function hence they have been turned into museums and trail paths have been created for the purpose of exploration.
- Castle Hohenzollern: The Castle represents the ancestral seat of the noble family belonging to Hohenzollern. Built around the time of 1842 the Castle Hohenzollern complex comprises of many buildings and is situated atop a hill which will provide you with a grand sight of the scenic beauty.
- The German Clock Museum: As the name suggests, here you can gain a historical experiences of the clock by walking through time quite literally. Here exists the world’s largest collection of clocks.
- Erdmannshöhle: The 100,000 year old cave, it is also among the oldest in Germany and approximately 350 metres of the cave is accessible.
- Europa-Park Rust: There are so many visitors who especially come to the Black Forest to visit the theme park that it’s a crazy sight every time. It is located on the edge of the forest and offers ample opportunities for adrenalin junkies and simple strollers. There are also nice spots if you just want to sit and have a conversation. Europe’s highest rollercoaster – the Silver Star can be found here along with the Eurosat. Among the many water rides you will find the Poseidon – it will take you on a journey surrounded by Greek Myth. The theme park is divided into sections which are characterised around the countries of Europe. These include themed restaurants, architecture, designs and others. There is also an adventure land, a fairy-tale forest which the children definitely will enjoy, boating along with great carousels. It is the best place you will go with the family.
- Festspielhaus Baden-Baden: The Classic Festspielhaus is one of the biggest institutions that were especially designed for the appreciation of classical music in Europe. Baden-Baden is the one which has 2500 seats and is privately run. Many of the internally famed stars have performed here and their recordings have also been broadcasted on the television.
- Freiburg Cathedral: It began in the year 1200 and the construction project could only be processed in parts. The final completion of the cathedral took place in the 17th Freiburg Cathedral measures at 116 metres and from the very top you can experience Freiburg like never before. This cathedral managed to survive heavy bombings during World War II. When you come here don’t forget to check out the chapel wreath, high altars, the portal vestibule and the numerous representations of the city of Freiburg.
- Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof: It is the oldest open air museum located in Baden- Württemberg. It was opened in the year 1964. The structure that preceded Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof on the same location was the Vogts of Gutach. If you have children, then to their amazement – there are farm animals that can be found on the found roaming here and there on the grounds. There are also local participatory programs that the tourists can by themselves participate in so that they can experience.
- Kloster Hirsau: When you go towards the northern Black Forest region you can find the Kloster Hirsau. This monastery is regarded to be among the highly regarded medieval German Reich dating back to the 11th There were many modifications that were made to the main building till the 15th century. Post which it was lost to the wave of the reformation. Even till today archaeological excavations continue.
- Black Forest Natural Park: There are a variety of natural parks along with natural reserves available for the purpose of user-friendly exploration. Diverse landscapes will intrigue you and the simply mesmerising play of nature will take you to another level.
- Nature reserve Taubergießen: Described as “one of the last paradises in Europe”, the natural reserve is nearly 12 kilometres long and its width is about 2 kilometres. The year 1979 marked the point since when the natural reserve was regarded as a protected area. Visitors and exclusionists come here seeking for solace and peace of the mind, far away from civilisation.
- Triberg Waterfalls: The waterfall measures at a height of 163 metres and thus becomes one of the largest of its kind in the whole of Germany. The best way to access the waterfall is to travel from the village of Triberg while passing through the many stairs and boardwalks. There are many visitors who come and flock around during hot summer days and enjoy the cool breeze which passes through the sprinkling water fall.