That enchanted forest that you were looking for
The Black forest , Schwarzwald in German, is shaped like a bean and runs parallel to the Rhine from the Swiss city of Basel to Germany's Pforzheim . 160 kilometers of dense forests, deep valleys and disturbing lakes where mythology has done its thing, to begin by giving it the adjective black, which is clearly a bit of an exaggeration. The fault lies not with the sorceresses who, according to their many legends, live in the shadows, but with the thick fir trees that embrace in what will undoubtedly be your favorite enchanted forest.
1. THE BADEN-BADEN CASINO
You have to enter at least once in life ; something else is what you want to bet, but it is worth crossing the elegant casino white threshold and feel, even for a little while, how it feels to be an eccentric millionaire. Once inside, act a little languid and let its sumptuous rooms take you for a walk through all the Old World charm that reigns in the environment. Enough so that Dostoevsky learned enough about addictions to write The player . Otherwise, Baden-Baden it's a delicious 19th century spa town full of tempting luxury shops, and with a highly valued concert hall , the Festspielhaus . Take advantage of the summer to fill yourself with music.
You have to enter the Baden Baden Casino once in your life
two. ECOLOGICAL TOURISM AND ENCHANTED FORESTS
Mandatory to try it. And how is this Germany, take it very seriously. If you like singing streams, long walks in the green, rural accommodation with 100% organic breakfasts and free range eggs l... here you will feel in your sauce. Also, if the melting of the Arctic keeps you up at night, enough to talk until late with the lovely Fräulein who hosts you . Bet on the Sandals with socks And, please, do not stop admiring its forests: you will understand everything else much better. The legend has been in charge of populating them with fairies, witches and mysterious beasts , but the truth is that they are the perfect setting for a story by the Brothers Grimm , without a doubt the jewel in the crown of the region.
Ecological tourism and enchanted forests
3. THE WOODEN HOUSES OF ITS VILLAGES
Yes, you will definitely believe that you have sneaked into a landscape of your stories. The Black Forest peoples, with their wooden houses , its narrow cobblestone streets and pointed bell towers are well worth a tour. Don't miss the oneiric triberg falls , the spectacular architecture of Gengenbach , the typical postcard place where you can taste the delicious Black Forest Cake , the confectionery specialty of the region. By the way, part of the exteriors of the film were shot here Charlie and the Chocolate Factory . Don't miss out on visiting the charming Plaza de Schiltach , and take advantage of the weather to enjoy a good beer in their biergarten.
The Black Forest, the magic tick tock
Four. THE CUCKOO CLOCKS
They hang from the walls of the wooden houses of the fairytale towns and sometimes they seem to sound in your head when you walk through its forests. The quintessence of the region made a souvenir. The Black Forest was during the century XVIII one of the most important watchmaking centers in Europe and as the one who had retained, here you will discover why. In the Furtwangen Museum you will discover a fantastic astronomical clock collection , pendulum and everything that gives you the imagination. Schwenningen It was in its day the most important town in the manufacture of cuckoo clocks , and also exhibits a museum that proves it. And finally there is the world of me more , perfectly represented by Triberg Y Schonach , both determined to have the largest cuckoo clock in the world. judge yourself.
Mythical cuckoo clock hanging on the walls of fairytale houses
5. THE STUDENTS OF FREIBURG
Following them is an excellent way not to miss any of them. its best and very lively terraces and, of course, to maintain the young spirit so necessary to undertake any trip. With just over 200,000 inhabitants, a mild climate, a determined commitment to the environment and a fairytale old town, you want to stay and live here. Don't miss out on seeing your Cathedral and its two Town Halls , do not be surprised by the golden plaques that adorn the floor, they honor the inhabitants who had the misfortune to end up in the Nazi extermination camp of Auschwitz and then get lost for a while among its mini canals of its pedestrian streets. Definitely refreshing.
You will want to stay in Freiburg to live
6. LOCAL GASTRONOMY
Regional delicatessens include river trout, smoked ham, smoked pork shoulder, here called schäufele, and of course bitter cabbage , that you will find it everywhere, the sauerkraut . To relieve thirst, your best option will be logically beer , but in the Baden Baden area you will find small winemakers willing to share their wines with you . Having said all this, remember that you are in the German region with more Michelin stars which greatly raises the level of its restoration, with or without a star. We recommend ** Der Kleine Prinz ** in Baden Baden, very much in keeping with the city, exquisite French cuisine and dinner by the light of delicate chandeliers, the ** Kühler Krug **, in Freiburg, warm and welcoming, specializing in fresh fish and for summer nights the appetizing Buchmanns Beer Garden in Karlsruhe, a favorite among the locals.
7. THE HIKING ROUTES
You will get back in shape yes or yes, and in the process you will cleanse your lungs that will leave you gleaming. The Black Forest is a paradise for lovers of long walks in contact with nature . There are plenty of well-signposted routes and many even themed, if you want along the way. visit ruined castles, towns with character, dream waterfalls and enjoy the music of the forest Go ahead, you won't be short of opportunities.
8. THE BIKE ROUTES
Another good way to discover the secrets of the Jungle is giving pedals , and here you will feel very accompanied because the Germans love their bike and this usually seems straight out of a sci-fi movie . Again you will find a lot of perfectly signposted routes and also a lot of train stations where you can rent the latest models, so that you are not less. The paths that wind through the The Black Forest's borders with Switzerland and the French region of Alsace are highly recommended.
The Black Forest is a paradise for long nature walks
9. THE NYMPHS OF THEIR LAKES
Sure, they're like Galician girls, have them there, but you have to find them . Well, the same thing happens here, we do not assure you that you will find a aquatic valkyrie , but we do strongly recommend that you do not leave without visiting its spectacular lakes. Titisee, Schluchsee and Mummelsee They are perfect if, in addition to a dreamlike landscape, you feel like practice any type of nautical activity , from sailing to windsurfing.
10. MAULBRONN ABBEY
Romantic and perfectly preserved, World Heritage , Cistercian, built in 1147…in itself is worth a visit. If you like them environments impregnated with the most refined romantic you will enjoy this Protestant monastery and its last phases dedicated to the Gothic. As a curiosity to know that the writer Hermann Hesse worked here for a while. No wonder he came out so round Steppe wolf .
We could see nymphs in Titisee, who knows
eleven. THE SPAS
Yes, it was the Romans who discovered the healing and medicinal properties of the Black Forest water, but much to their regret they were left without an empire, and the Germans preserved their springs . And not only did they keep them but they multiplied the offer for “ take the waters ”; yes, every day in a more sybaritic and exclusive environment. Don't miss out on giving yourself an anti-everything treatment that bothers you and even if it's just out of curiosity, don't forget to see in Baden Baden the Baths of Caracalla , a classic that never fails.
*** You may also be interested in...**
- Guide to travel in Germany
- On a route through the brewing monasteries of Germany
- Guide to drinking beer in Germany
- Ten magical forests of Europe
- Romania: Europe's green future
- All the articles of María Bayón
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