Located in southwestern Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald, in German) is a particular region in Germany, with its enchanting nature and preserved local traditions.

Home of the cuckoo clock, inspiration for the Grimm brothers’ legends and fairy tales, and home to the world-renowned traditional thermal spas. With this magical atmosphere, the Black Forest is a popular vacation spot not only for the international traveler but for residents from all over Germany and neighboring countries such as France and Switzerland.

Bollenhut, the typical Black Forest hat

One of the great symbols of the Black Forest is the Bollenhut, the curious hat with 14 red wool pompoms that originated around 1750 when worn by Protestant women. In tradition, single women wear red pompoms, married women wear black pompoms. Currently, Bollenhut is used for holidays and traditional events and found in local product stores.

Black Forest Pie, over 100 years of tradition

Known in Germany as “Schwarzwaelder Kirschtorte”, the Black Forest pie basically consists of several layers of chocolate cake moistened with Kirschwasser (cherry-based brandy, typical of the region), with whipped cream and cherries baked between each layer. Then the cake is decorated with additional whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings. Thus, the alcoholic drink from a typical fruit of the region was combined with the whimsy of German cakes.

Among the countless theories about the origin of the Black Forest cake, it is still debated whether the cake was created by confectioner Josef Keller or also by confectioner Erwin Hildenbrand. What is certain is that the German Black Forest pie is not as sweet as the one found in Brazil. This is because German desserts tend to be more discreet in the addition of sugar compared to Brazilian ones.

Baden-Baden

With a casino and the most famous and traditional thermal baths in the region, Baden-Banden has many attractions, being the best-known city in the Black Forest.

From the opulent casino to the charming streets of shops and cafes, with an architecture reminiscent of the elegant European Belle Époque, amid countless parks and hills, Baden-Baden looks more like a city in a garden. Baden-Baden is also the epicenter of cultural events in the Black Forest, with concerts, theaters, and attractions, such as the Fabergé Museum.

When Europeans finally discovered the possible medicinal effects of thermal baths, in the early 19th century, Baden-Baden became a popular destination with emperors, kings, the upper class, and artists, such as writer Fjodor Dostojewski. In 1880, in his travel book “A Tramp Abroad”, Mark Twain lit his lantern for Americans towards the Black Forest region when he wrote about the Baden-Baden spas:

“Here … you lose track of time in ten minutes and the world in twenty.”

Triberg

Certainly, cuckoo clocks are great souvenirs, and more importantly, they are a source of pride for the Triberg community. Before industrialization, many farmers used wood to make cuckoo clocks as a way to supplement their income during the harsh winter months. To this day, watchmakers in the region preserve this tradition, using the same handcrafted techniques to produce hand-carved cuckoo clocks, famous for their quality and precision.

Triberg also has a second impressive attraction, its waterfall. At 163 meters high, it is the largest waterfall in Germany, attracting many tourists who want to enjoy nature in its moment of splendor.

Thermal baths: medicine and culture

With its dense pine trees, where the sun’s rays struggle to reach the ground, the more than 160 km of the Black Forest have long been appreciated. The Romans arrived in the region about two thousand years ago, bringing the thermal baths to the region, which played an important role in the culture of the Roman community. They found in the region, the natural hot springs, which were the perfect place for the practice that they so cherished the habit. It was in the thermal waters of Aurelia Aquensis, today the city of Baden-Baden, that Emperor Caracalla sought relief from his rheumatic pains.

Freiburg

The self-titled “sunniest city in Germany”, certainly Freiburg im Breisgau is one of the gems of the Black Forest. With its streams that keep the visitor company during a walk through its cobbled streets, there we can also find striking buildings in the historic center (Altstadt), such as the cathedral and city hall.

Engaged in the environmental cause, the city values sustainability, and is a great destination for those who wish to go on ecological and bicycle tours, since the city boasts hundreds of kilometers of cycle paths, from the city to the countryside. For travelers arriving in southern Germany, Freiburg is the gateway to the Black Forest.

Tours in nearby cities

From Baden-Baden or other cities in the Black Forest, we can also take guided walks in the Black Forest or in nearby regions, but with very different activities and landscapes, as in Heidelberg and Stuttgart.

We can say, without fear of making a mistake, that the Black Forest is one of the most beautiful attractions in Germany! Come and discover the beautiful Black Forest with our private tours and guided tours in Portuguese.