Black Forest

Your time in Germany isn’t complete without a trip to the Black Forest! As we travel through dense forests and picturesque villages, you’ll see why this beautiful region inspired the backdrops of many Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales.

Our first stop will take us along the Black Forest High Road, on the western mountainside of the Hornisgrinde, to the beautiful and popular mountainside lake of Mummelsee.  According to legends, the lake is fabled to be inhabited by a Nix (shapeshifting water spirit), who bestows guidance upon visitors to the lake.  There will be a short stop here to enjoy and photograph the view, stretch your legs or purchase refreshments.

Our journey continues to the charming town of Triberg, which lies in the heart of the Black Forest, famous for housing Germany’s largest waterfalls. Here you have free time to explore the town, sit down for a traditional Black Forest lunch or visit the famous waterfall (extra cost). Next, we continue to the Vogtsbauernhof Outdoor Museum. Here we embark on a self-guided tour of the museum that provides unique insight into the culture and history of this region. Visit the traditional buildings, including a farmhouse dating from 1612, that will bring the past centuries of this rugged land back to life.  After touring the Vogtsbauernhof at your pace, we welcome you to rejoin the group for a delicious Black Forest Cherry Cake-making demonstration, where the pastry chef will let us in on a few secrets normally only available to locals. Afterwards indulge yourself with a creamy-sweet slice of this award-winning cake alongside a reviving cup of coffee.

Before it is time to head back, we visit Family Herr, and their cuckoo clock workshop, which is one of the largest in the Black Forest.  Here they create new designs and reproduce traditional favorites, all with their own unique movements and chimes. There will be plenty of time to admire these precious timekeepers and shop for an assortment of items. Remember to take a VAT form if you are thinking of making one of those beautiful clocks your souvenir!