The Black Forest
Nestled in the southwest corner of Germany, bordering France and Switzerland, lies the heavily forested region of Germany known as the Black Forest. This is perhaps the most beautiful part of Germany, a place that beckons me to come and linger a while.
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Photos of the Black Forest courtesy of Flickr
When words just aren't enough
The river Gutach in Triberg, Black Forest. In Triberg are Germany%uFFFDs highest wat...
Trail in the Southern region of the Blackforest.
Blackforest, Germany
Blackforest, Germany
view of Freiburg taken mid-way up the hill for the forest walk
Freiburg streets - see the words on the wall...that's the year the building was ...
blackforest cake from Schmidt Cafe as recommended by the lady from the hostel......
the last pic of the cakes from Schmidt Cafe
Weather report
Check the weather forecast before you go
- Weater forecast for Germany
- This link is for Freiburg, Germany, in the heart of the Black Forest. If your travels take you elsewhere in Germany, just enter the city name in the search box and you'll get the weather forecast for that area.
Make sure your passport is valid
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. Be sure to apply for a new passport or renew your expired passport at least 3 months ahead of your departure date.
Apply for a passport or renew your exiting passport
Document Holders
Make it easier to keep all your valuable documents in one place
Keep all your travel needs in one elegantly styled passport/ticket holder in soft supple Top Grain Nappa Cowhide Leather.
Choose from Black, Blue, Burgundy, Carnation Pink, Coco, Key Lime Green, Royce Blue, and Tan
Passport Ticket Holder - Nappa Cowhide Leather
For added security this Expanded Top Grain Nappa Cowhide document case keeps all your travel need in one convenient zip around soft leather case.
Choose from Black, Burgundy, Carnation Pink, Coco, Key Lime Green, Royce Blue, Tan, and Wild Berry
Expanded All Nappa Cowhide Document Case
Deluxe passport case with removable neck strap, smart looking and changeable with your mood and your needs for security in soft supple leather.
Choose from Black, Red, and Tan
Deluxe Passport Case W/Removable Neck/Shoulder Strap
Getting there
Finding your plane tickets on the web
- Visit Travelocity for Europe Deals
- Travelocity is a dependable source for online travel needs. Check for packages or for just airfare.
- Best Travel Store
- Not as well known, but a good source for good airfare.
- Best Fares
- You have to be a member to get the best deals, but sometimes it's worth the cost of membership to get the deals they offer.
- Expedia
- A company that's been around a while. Not always the best deal, but worth a try.
- Priceline
- If you want a good deal and aren't too fussy about what airline or schedule you have, give Priceline a try.
Dealing with jet lag
Tips that work best for me:
- Try to sleep on the flight
- If you arrive early in the day, try to stay up until your regular bedtime (local time) rather than taking a nap upon arrival.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Get plenty of exercise. Walk through a village or on a hiking path.
- Get plenty of fresh air.
- Find a bakery and eat a piece of the most decadent cake you can find. It might not help your jet lag, but it will certainly be a treat for you. :-)
For more scientific information on jet lag, visit these sites.
- No-jet-lag website
- Learn what jet lag is, what causes it, and how to reduce it using homeopathic solutions.
- May Clinic
- Find out what the renowned May Clinic says about jet lag.
- Air Travel Health News
- Find out what someone who's been there, done that has to say about jet lag. Learn from a former flight attendant with lots of experience.
Where to stay
If you don't want to travel footloose and fancy free, book in advance or pick up a guide that tells about the options available in each town you want to visit.
The accommodations may not be fancy, but they are usually clean and friendly and offer breakfast in the morning.
We often stayed for $30.00 or less per night (for 2 people).
- Bed and Breakfast Ring
- Click on an area to find accommodations in any area in Germany. Click on Stuttgart then Freiburg to find accommodations in the Black Forest region.
- Black Forest Accommodations
- View apartments, chalets, and villas for rent.
Getting around
- The Offical Eurail Site
- Some passes are only available to Americans before you leave the U.S., so be sure to check.
- Rent a car
- Most rental car agencies rent cars in Europe, too. Check out the regulars - Hertz, Avis, Dollar, etc. before you go, or check Expedia for deals.
- Take a bike tour
- Biking in Germany is fabulous. Along the Danube you will have very few hills and great paths. Try it. You'll like it!
Free public transportation and entry into more than 150 attractions
More links to prepare for your trip
- The Official Black Forest Guide
- Great resource for all things Black Forest (Schwarzvald). There is information on where to go and where to stay.
- Tom Galvin travel pages
- Links to pictures and information about the major towns in the Black Forest.
- Fodor's
- The perrenial guide for all things travel.
Two treats you MUST have in the Black Forest
Two traditions we absolutely fell in love with are getting fresh bread or rolls from the bakery every morning and stopping for Kaffetrinken (coffee and cake) at a Conditori (bakery) every afternoon - or as often as we could.It doesn't matter which bakery you choose, they are all fabulous!
My husband recommends fresh pretzels in the Black Forest, also found at bakeries, but my friend who lives in Germany cautions that pretzels outside of the Black Forest are not as good, so beware.
A taste of Germany
European-inspired Chocolate Truffle Torte
Delicious Desserts and Coffee at Home BistroThis unforgettable chocolate experience combines layers of rich chocolate cake and semi-sweet chocolate ganache, made with heavy cream and chocolate liqueur, all topped with slivers of milk chocolate.
Books to get you there and help you relish the Black Forest - even if you stay home!
Journey Through The Black Forest
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/05/2008) 
Black Forest Cuisine
Amazon Price: $24.85 (as of 12/05/2008)
Daytrips Germany: 60 One Day Adventures by Rail or by Car in Bavaria, the Rhineland, the North and the East (Daytrips Germany)
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 12/05/2008)
When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do: The Clued-In Guide to German Life, Language, and Culture
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 12/05/2008)
What to pack
It is always a good idea to carry an extra change of clothes and some toiletries (3 oz. in clear bottles or check with the airline before leaving), along with necessary travel documents, in your carry-on.
I usually carry a few snacks and some reading material with me as well. This makes the flight more enjoyable and helps time pass more quickly.
Remember, your carry-on must fit completely below the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. The days of taking big suitcases on the airplane are over.
- Helpful packing advice for German travel
- This site gives great information on what to take as well as what not to take on your trip.
Leave feedback or your story about the Black Forest
I'd love to hear what you think about the lens and your experience traveling in the Black Forest. (Be gentle, it's my first lens :-)
StephenC wrote...
Nice lens! Good stuff, enjoyed the visit!
Fun Facts about San Bernardino
StephenC
Posted September 25, 2008
dc64 wrote...
This site is perfect to for a lensroll to my Living in Bavaria lens! It's so beautifully done. 5 stars, a favorite, and that lensroll.
Posted August 20, 2008
Billco wrote...
Really nice lens. Gave it 5 Stars!
While in the military, I was stationed in Heidelberg for 31 months. Loved it!
Posted May 02, 2008
LaraineRose wrote...
I had a great time at your lens. Wonderful lens. For a different way to travel come visit my lens. Have fun with the jukebox. 5 stars and favorite.
Posted February 24, 2008
GypsyPirate wrote...
I think this lens is awesome! You so make me want to see the beauty of this area and I love your tips (and now I want Kaffetrinken also!) Super job!
Posted October 11, 2007
patton00 wrote
My family and I lived in Germany for almost 7 years. We loved it. The Swartzwald was one of our favorite warm weather travels spots along with snow skiing in the winter. If you want a great adventure; visit. And the food, especially the deserts, are truely a dining experience long to be remembered.
Posted September 14, 2007
Senora_M wrote...
My husband and I just returned from a 3 week trip through Europe and visited Berlin and Rothenburg in Germany. Very cool places and we had a great time! Thanks for the lens. 5*s
Posted July 27, 2007
squidjobs wrote...
Great Lens! check out!, Then add your Lens to my new Group! "Verity of Interest"
Posted July 05, 2007
