The Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
What do tourists love, when they come to Germany? Berlin, Oktoberfest, Neuschwanstein. And: the Cuckoo-Clock. Of course, I´ve got one, too. And let me tell you: It´s a nice idea for a gift!
Yes, it is popular.
The typical cuckoo clock (in german: Kuckucks-Uhr ) is THE synonym for german "Gemütlichkeit", right from the Black Forest (= Schwarz-Wald ).
And: it is funny. I bet, this wooden and carved clock hanging on the wall, with a little bird coming through a door to make the cuckoo call each hour - that´s the reason, why the clock in a cartoon is always a cuckoo-clock!
But the cuckoo-clock is more than a funny cartoon accessory, or a tourist gift. It is antique craftsmanship with a long history.
And: it is funny. I bet, this wooden and carved clock hanging on the wall, with a little bird coming through a door to make the cuckoo call each hour - that´s the reason, why the clock in a cartoon is always a cuckoo-clock!
But the cuckoo-clock is more than a funny cartoon accessory, or a tourist gift. It is antique craftsmanship with a long history.
The beginnings
Although the cuckoo clock is a must-have souvenir from the Black Forest, the origin is not yet proven so far. Some sources say, that it was first mentioned in 1629 by Philipp Hainhofer, a nobleman from Augsburg. Other sources say, that the first cuckoo clock was manufactured in Schonach, a little town in the Black Forest.
However, it was in in the Black Forest, mainly in the middle of the 19th century, when the so called Bahnhäusle-Clock (Bahnhäusle-Uhr), a special design of the cuckoo-clock, became very popular and started to spread all over the world. This design finally became, what today is typically known as the traditional Black-Forest Cuckoo Clock.
However, it was in in the Black Forest, mainly in the middle of the 19th century, when the so called Bahnhäusle-Clock (Bahnhäusle-Uhr), a special design of the cuckoo-clock, became very popular and started to spread all over the world. This design finally became, what today is typically known as the traditional Black-Forest Cuckoo Clock.
Cuckoo Clocks and more on eBay
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The region
The Black Forest is a region in the South-West of Germany. Hills and deep forests are dominating, and this lovely landscape is really worth to make a visit, or to spent holidays. And of course this region is the best place to buy on original Cuckoo Clock as a souvenir. Just look for Kuckucks-Uhr or Schwarzwald-Uhr! But don´t worry, if you are not able to make a trip to the Black Forest. Today we have internet, isn´t it?
Cuckoo Clocks and more on Amazon
Kassel™ Hand - carved Cuckoo Clock
Amazon Price: $99.97 (as of 12/02/2008) 
Kassel Cuckoo Clock
Amazon Price: $32.36 (as of 12/02/2008)
River City Clocks 8 Day 5 Leaves & Bird Cuckoo Clock
Amazon Price: $241.92 (as of 12/02/2008)
BrookwoodTM Hand Carved Faux Cuckoo Clock with Quartz Movement
Amazon Price: $30.28 (as of 12/02/2008)
Kasselô Cuckoo Clock
Amazon Price: $42.21 (as of 12/02/2008)
Links
- Gartenzwerg
- About: Der Gartenzwerg
- Deutsches Uhren Museum
- Website Deutsches Uhren Museum; Furtwangen, Schwarzwald
