Driving through the Black Forest to Find Treasures

Freiberg

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Attraction | "Capital of the Black Forest"

stream in Freiburg Photo - Freiburg, Germany

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For the highlight of our day in the Black Forest, we explored the area's capital city of Freiburg. After seeing the "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock", sledding down a dry luge, grabbing a snack at an old watermill, and climbing up a lookout tower, we ended the day by meandering through the lovely picturesque streets of Freiburg and then sitting down for a much needed relaxing dinner.One of the prettiest towns in Germany, Freiburg is known for the big university that is located there, as well as amazing culinary choices, grand churches, and little streams throughout the streets. Founded in 1120, the city is rich with cultural and historical significance as well as plenty of sites to visit for ...Read More

For the highlight of our day in the Black Forest, we explored the area's capital city of Freiburg. After seeing the "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock", sledding down a dry luge, grabbing a snack at an old watermill, and climbing up a lookout tower, we ended the day by meandering through the lovely picturesque streets of Freiburg and then sitting down for a much needed relaxing dinner.

One of the prettiest towns in Germany, Freiburg is known for the big university that is located there, as well as amazing culinary choices, grand churches, and little streams throughout the streets. Founded in 1120, the city is rich with cultural and historical significance as well as plenty of sites to visit for the tourist. The main square, Münsterplatz is at the heart of the historical center, and the streets and alleys around here couldn't be cuter. We loved walking past colorful buildings with flower boxes on the window sills, lovely outdoor cafes, and active courtyards. There are even streams of water that flow through the streets here, called Bächle, and add to the uniqueness of this charming city.

The large Gothic cathedral, Freiburg Minster, is the showcase piece of the city. The huge 116 meter spire towers over the town and is admired from all areas of the surrounding hillsides. Unfortunately we couldn't go inside, but did admire the massive building from the outside, which is still quite impressive.The Freiburg coat of arms can be seen in various spots throughout the city, most prominently on the Historical Marketplace building which also sits in the main plaza near the cathedral. There are several pedestrian-friendly streets of cobblestone where people of all kinds enjoy meandering around - from shopping at various designer stores, eating at a well-known restaurant, or just enjoying one of the few street performers.

One could easily spend several days here trying to fit in all the sites as there are numerous historical museums to explore from original residences and natural history, to mining, archaeological, and the museum of the university. Because this is a city in Germany, and even more so, because it's a university town - one is never far away from a good bar. The entire town seemed active with bars from the basic dive to more posh surroundings.

We ended the day by enjoying the sunset at an outdoor "beer garden" where typical German food is served in a picnic style seating. It was very relaxing and a fun way to experience part of the local culture while ending our day trip to the Black Forest. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 15, 2009

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Steinwasen Park

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Attraction | "Rides and Wildlife in the Middle of the Forest"

wild pigs in the wildlife park Photo - Steinwasen Park, Oberried, Germany

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For a day during our week-long trip to Germany, we decided to drive around the Black Forest area and see what fun things we'd run into. After checking out one of the many tourist stops that claim to have the "world's largest cuckoo clock" and finding a nice watermill museum to have a quick lunch, we then came across a sign for an adventure park of sorts, which looked promising.The Steinwasen Park is a mix of zoo, theme-park, and kids museum all in one. Not very large, but advertising a wide array of fun activities, we decided to make a quick stop and area glad we did. A friend of min had told me before we left for our trip that we should look for a dry luge to try out. Like a huge slide do...Read More

For a day during our week-long trip to Germany, we decided to drive around the Black Forest area and see what fun things we'd run into. After checking out one of the many tourist stops that claim to have the "world's largest cuckoo clock" and finding a nice watermill museum to have a quick lunch, we then came across a sign for an adventure park of sorts, which looked promising.

The Steinwasen Park is a mix of zoo, theme-park, and kids museum all in one. Not very large, but advertising a wide array of fun activities, we decided to make a quick stop and area glad we did. A friend of min had told me before we left for our trip that we should look for a dry luge to try out. Like a huge slide down a hill on a shed (but on steel instead of snow), a dry luge ride sounded fun!

We paid the entire entrance fee, although we knew we weren't spending too much time there and really just wanted to do the bobsled/luge ride. On the way to the rides, we passed through an indoor museum with animated live scenes of the history of this area of Germany. There was a nice sized outdoor patio area with several snack bars and restaurants to enjoy overlooking the water rides. To get up to the "Summit Station" of the bobsled ride, we had to take a chairlift passed a large section of forest which is part of the wildlife preserve. It was great to see groups of deer, wild pigs and other animals on the 10 minute lift.

When we arrived at the "Summit Station" we found several sleds hanging for pickuup and so we just followed what we saw other people doing (as there wasn't an employee up there telling you what to do). There are two paths to choose from, which are both 800 meters long, winding through the forest and park before ending at the bottom near the other main rides. You can go up and down as many times as you want, and we took advantage of that about three times before heading out.

Besides the dry luge/bobsled, there is a small roller coaster called "Glacier Lightning", a water ride called "River Splash", an indoor simulator movie and several outdoor playground type spaces. This park is a great stop for families with children...but as our entire group was between 27-50, its also a fun place for adults!

• http://www.steinwasen-park.de
• Oberried 79254 Germany
• +49 07602/944680
• Open 10am-5pm (9am-6pm in summers)
• Admission 18 € (rides + wildlife park), 9 € (only willdlife park)
• Discounts available for children, seniors, groups Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 15, 2009

Steinwasen Park
Steinwasen, 1
Oberried, Germany
+49 07602/944680

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Eble Uhren - Park

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Attraction | "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock"

Eble Clock Park Photo - Eble Uhren - Park, Black Forest, Germany

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Along the Deutsche Uhrenstrasse (German Clock Route) in the Black Forest area, we came across one of the several places that claim to have the "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock". Eble Uhren (Clock) Park not only claims it, but also gives proof in the form of a Guiness Book of World Records backing since 1997. If anything, it's a great break from driving, and a great place to admire the surrounding forest! There's even a tunnel just outside the entrance where the road leads and made this stop feel like a hidden spot tucked away in the trees.We'd taken a day during our week long trip to Germany to just drive around the Black Forest with no particular plans, and just to see what we could find. Si...Read More

Along the Deutsche Uhrenstrasse (German Clock Route) in the Black Forest area, we came across one of the several places that claim to have the "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock". Eble Uhren (Clock) Park not only claims it, but also gives proof in the form of a Guiness Book of World Records backing since 1997. If anything, it's a great break from driving, and a great place to admire the surrounding forest! There's even a tunnel just outside the entrance where the road leads and made this stop feel like a hidden spot tucked away in the trees.

We'd taken a day during our week long trip to Germany to just drive around the Black Forest with no particular plans, and just to see what we could find. Since cuckoo clocks are one of this area's claims to fame - what better way to get a taste of the local culture than to stop at Eble Clock Park? (However cheesy it may look). Located about 2 miles from the center of Schonachbach in the Triberg District of the Black Forest, you won't miss this clock as you drive past on the main road!
There's a large parking lot, as many bus tours stop here as well. Admission is free into the shop which houses thousands of cuckoo clocks for sale. You can also find about any other German souvenir you can think up here if you're looking for some kitsch to take home. If you want to have a peek inside the mechanism of the interior of this house-sized clock, then you just pay 1.50 euros.

The history of the clock is quite interesting to learn about. It took over five years to complete and was built after a model assembled 100 years ago to the ratio of 60:1. The main pendulum is about 8 meters long and the entire clock weighs about 6 tons. The staff seemed very proud of the site and wares and were knowledgeable to help anyone interested in learning about clocks or finding the best one to purchase. They also offer tours in various languages for visitors.

• http://www.uhren-park.de
• Schonachbach 27, 78098 Triberg (Black Forest)
• +49 07722/96220
• Open: Apr.-Oct., Mon.-Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-6; Nov.-Mar., Mon.-Sat. 9-6, Sun. 11-4:30
• Admission €1.50 Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 15, 2009

Eble Uhren - Park
Schonachbach 27
Black Forest, Germany
+49 07722/96220

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Hexenloch Mill

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Attraction | "Witches Hole Water Mill"

Hexenloch Mill Photo - Black Forest, Germany

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During our day long drive through the various sites in the Black Forest, we came across a picturesque water mill which seemed a promising detour. Hexenloch Mill is named from the valley in which it lies, meaning "Witches Hole". And it definitely gives you the sense of being in the stereotypical Balck Forest fairytales with witches, poison apples, and dangerous candy houses. Located between Furtwangen and St. Märgen, the Hexenloch Mill sits in a lovely little valley by a flowing spring. The roads leading to this spot are quite narrow and winding and give even the strongest traveling stomach a glimpse at car sickness. But even with this, the drive and the stop are worth the trip and it's a p...Read More

During our day long drive through the various sites in the Black Forest, we came across a picturesque water mill which seemed a promising detour. Hexenloch Mill is named from the valley in which it lies, meaning "Witches Hole". And it definitely gives you the sense of being in the stereotypical Balck Forest fairytales with witches, poison apples, and dangerous candy houses.

Located between Furtwangen and St. Märgen, the Hexenloch Mill sits in a lovely little valley by a flowing spring. The roads leading to this spot are quite narrow and winding and give even the strongest traveling stomach a glimpse at car sickness. But even with this, the drive and the stop are worth the trip and it's a perfect location to enjoy a relaxing lunch as you explore the area.

This location is open year round, and gets quite busy in the summer months. People of all types visit here, from hikers, bikers, and international tourists - all to enjoy the scenery, and maybe even munch on some black forest chocolate cake. We noticed that this seemed to be one of the only stops within about an hour's drive in any direction for a rest stop or restaurant. So not only is it an interesting place to visit, but also one of your only options if you're looking at grabbing a bite to eat.

Run by the Trenkle family, this watermill has remained in the lineage since it's construction in 1825. Up to 300 liters per second can be pumped through the mill to generate an adequate amount of power. Originally used to mechanically power saws that would cut timber, it's very interesting to see this mill still at work today. There is a mini-museum inside as well which allows visitors to see how it was made and the mechanics behind the power it produces. The cut lumber they produced at the mill was used in many traditional Black Forest productions such as handmade cuckoo clocks.

Take home a typical souvenir before you leave. There are desserts to-go, cuckoo clocks, books, and plenty of stuffed witches. If you want to stay onsite, enjoy a room at the family-run hotel

• http://www.hexenloch.de/
• Hexenloch 8, 78120 Furtwangen / Neukirch
• +49 (0) 7723 50 58 60
• Open 9:30am - 6pm Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 15, 2009

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Eugen-Keidel Tower

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Attraction | "Looking Out Over the Schauinsland Mountain"

Eugen-Keidel Tower Photo - Eugen-Keidel Tower, Black Forest, Germany

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During a week long trip to Germany, we took a day to drive through the Black Forest and see what we found. Besides already passing the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock, riding aa dry bobsledan old watermill, and before heading to the Black Forest capital city, we happened upon a beautiful mountain with lovely valleys and a spectacular view.Just ...Read More

During a week long trip to Germany, we took a day to drive through the Black Forest and see what we found. Besides already passing the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock, riding aa dry bobsled an old watermill, and before heading to the Black Forest capital city, we happened upon a beautiful mountain with lovely valleys and a spectacular view.

Just about 12km south of Freiburg, which was our final destination for the day, we came across the Eugen-Keidel Tower which is a lookout tower over the Schauinsland mountain. This 31meter high observation point was build in 1981 and offers visitors a free look over one of the area's most beautiful mountain ranges. This amazing triangular structure is made of wooden trusses with a steel caged staircase. To get to the tower, there's a parking lot at the entrance to this observation point, which also houses several hiking trails and even the summit point of a chairlift system through the mountain during ski season. From the parking lot, we just walked a bit down beautiful forest paths until we reached it. There was a small amount of info on a few signs around the tower, and a few other groups checking it out as well.

The mountain of Schauinsland means "look into the country", and it's easy to see why its named this when you look out over the beautiful views of rolling grassy hills. Elevated over 1,200 feet above sea level, this mountain is popular in all season because of the many activities it allows, like hiking, climbing, biking, and skiing.

On the drive to the entrance of this lookout tower, there is scenery just as beautiful as the actual lookout. It's worth the drive out here just to see the lovely towns set between the hills and the windy open roads with expansive views in all directions. There was one particular field where we had to stop to take some photos as it was so pretty. There were what are called "Windbuchen" strown about the field. Bent beech trees which are growing at a sideways angle from the constant wind that comes through the valley. It wasn't until we got back home that I found other photos of this field all over, as it's definitely a photography gem. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 15, 2009

Eugen-Keidel Tower
Schauinsland Mountain
Black Forest, Germany

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