My Germany adventure continues, braving the Autobarn in my electric hire car and venturing deeper into Germany’s rich historical tapestry, uncovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
Our next stop was the enchanting Burg Eltz, a castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River. Unlike many castles in Germany, Burg Eltz has never been destroyed, maintaining its medieval charm for over 850 years. The castle, still owned by the same family since the 12th century, is a treasure trove of history, featuring rooms adorned with period furniture, tapestries, and weaponry. Although photography is not permitted inside, the experience of exploring this well-preserved fortress is unforgettable. The castle grounds offer scenic hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk in felt like a brother’s grim fairy tale!
Next was Baden-Baden, a luxurious spa town at the edge of the Black Forest. Known for its thermal baths, Baden-Baden has been a retreat for wellness enthusiasts since Roman times. The town’s opulent atmosphere is complemented by its grand hotels, elegant boutiques and lush parks. We spent a rejuvenating evening at the Caracalla Spa, which features a range of thermal pools, saunas and relaxation areas. The spa’s Roman-style architecture, complete with a rock grotto and aromatic steam baths, adds to the experience.
Our adventure continued with a day of hiking in the Black Forest. The sheer beauty and tranquility of the forest is indescribable. Snow White and Hanzel and Gretel all lived here. Our first hike took us to Allerheiligen-Wasserfall – Schliffkopf Loop, where we explored the ruins of the Monastery of All Saints and marvelled at the cascading waterfalls. Legends and tales inspired by the monastery’s history and the waterfalls’ mystical aura added a magical touch to our hike. The next hike led us to the mysterious Lady in the Lake, although we got lost and ended up on a delightful woodpecker trail. However, the Black Forest is a place where getting lost is part of the adventure and we found a charming spot for lunch and then continued our exploration.
Our journey then took us to Titisee-Neustadt, a picturesque town known for Lake Titisee.
The lake, formed during the last ice age, offers a range of activities such as hiking, boating and swimming. The town is also famous for its homemade Black Forest cake, a must-try dessert that we savoured at a local café. Badeparadies Schwarzwald is another major attraction in Titisee-Neustadt. This indoor water park boasts 23 waterslides, a wave pool, and an adults-only area with themed saunas and mineral pools.
Our final stop was Triberg, home to Germany’s highest waterfalls and a charming town known for its cuckoo clocks. The waterfalls are a breathtaking sight and the trails leading to them are well-maintained and accessible. Triberg also hosts the Black Forest Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and traditions.
The Black Forest, a densely wooded mountain range in southwestern Germany, has been the inspiration for many legends and fairy tales. Its name comes from the dense canopy of evergreens that block out much of the sunlight. Historically, the Black Forest was known for its timber industry, and many of its quaint villages developed around logging and woodworking. Cuckoo clocks, one of the Black Forest’s most famous exports, date back to the 18th century.
Our German adventure has been a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Each city, from Frankfurt’s modern buzz to the tranquil Black Forest, offered unique experiences. Despite the occasional rain and so many hills and stairs to climb the journey was rich with memorable moments and insights into Germany’s past and present.
