Come explore Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. This is a forested mountain range that runs 100 miles north/ south from Stuttgart to the triangle merge point of France, Germany and Switzerland. In Germany it’s call the Schwarzwald and is a setting for magical landscapes and charming half-timbered chalets.
Visit the fairy-tale villages, bring home a hand made Cuckoo clock, Alpine ski in winter and hike the forest trails in the summer.
If you like spa indulgence after the long international flight, start your vacation in Baden Baden. The Romans first discovered the healing mineral waters and the area is still best know for luxury spa treatments. For car enthusiasts you can visit the Mercedes Benz production plant near this area.
The town of Freiburg is a good place for your first hike in the Black Forest. This town dates back to the year 1200. You can see many medieval buildings and visit the the daily outdoor market. Pack a picnic lunch for your afternoon hike.
Germany’s highest and prettiest waterfall is in Triberg. There are bridges and platforms along the path with great views. Triberg also has several hand crafted Cuckoo Clock shops, be sure to check for the Government Plaque that states is hand made in Germany before you purchase one.
How about a Schnapps Tour. Go on a hike and a self-guided tour through the schnapps farms. Walk on the trails following the marked signs with arrows along the way. You’ll pass vineyards and schnapps producers. They leave out bottles for you to try in small samplings, honor system, leave a euro or 2 and definitely pace your self.
Christmas time is magical in this part of Germany. Along the Rhine River and small villages in the area have charming Christmas Markets. With the backdrop of gothic churches you will find festive stalls decorated for the holiday selling handcrafted decorations and toys. Try the Gluhwein and warm with some holiday spirit.
Be sure to try the Black Forest Cake while you are here. And of course don’t forget the beer! If you are comfortable driving in Europe the best way to see this part of Germany is by car. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else there are many great tour companies that will do the driving for you. That way your can enjoy the views and not worry about the road.
The cost of a vacation can widely differ depending the type of experience you are looking for. If you like to be on a guided tour with all transportation so you don’t have to worry about anything a tour would be good fit for you.
A week tour would get you to all the must see highlights. This would cost approximately $3,500.00 per person with your flights from the United States, breakfast daily and 3 dinners. You would also get admission fees included to several popular sights.
If you wanted to build a trip like this one your own using Air B&B’s and self drive the cost could be about $1,700.00 per person. You need be sure to include the cost of flights, renting a car or train pass, the cost of each night’s accommodations and all of your meals. The upside is your time is your own and the adventure can be as flexible as you wish it to be.
No matter how you prefer to travel I recommend you do a bit of reading up on the areas you would like to see so that you have a plan once you arrive but keep it flexible, you don’t want to miss something that you might really enjoy. Don’t forget to bring your breadcrumbs to find your way home.
