by Anthony Shaw

Created on: October 13, 2010

The Black Forest (German "Schwarzwald") is an area of great natural beauty to be found in the German state of Baden-Württemberg in south-west Germany, close to the borders of France and Switzerland.

It first got its name during the time of the Roman occupation of the area. During that period of history the growth of the conifers was so dense that much of the natural light was shut out. At that time also, the area covered a far greater span than is now the case - forest clearance and logging have reduced the size of the forest substantially, and nature has also had an impact. As recently as 1999, the storm "Luther" came through the area and uprooted many of the older trees, particularly on the mountain tops, leaving little but destruction in its wake.

The conservation of the forest is, though, a high priority to the authorities in the area, and investment based on the tourist revenues generated annually, ensures that further erosion of the land covered by the forest (now approximately 12,000 square Kilometres) is unlikely to occur, nature permitting.

While not as imposing as the Alps, the mountains of the Black Forest rise to a significant level. There are several peaks that rise above the 1,000 metre (3,280 feet) mark, the highest being the Feldberg at 1,493 metres (4,898 feet). A number of important rivers also flow through the area - perhaps the most important being the Danube, which has its source in the region.

It is, as one might anticipate, an area for those who enjoy the great outdoors, so many people come here on hiking or cycling holidays, or even come to try their hand at more dramatic sports such as hang-gliding. Accommodation in the area is perhaps best enjoyed in the small country inns and farmhouses which offer lodgings. Here you can get the true flavour of Black Forest hospitality.

There are though a number of towns and cities in the region that should not be missed.

Probably the best known of these is Baden-Baden. This is one of Germany's most famous spa towns (though note - the "wellness holiday" theme so beloved of many Germans, can also be tried out in 12 other spa towns in the region), and was already a fashionable centre for tourism in the 19th century. It was also one of the very few places in Germany not to suffer a great deal of damage in the second world war, so many of the stately homes and villas, which were patronised by European royalty in the 19th century, still exist today. The casino also dates back to

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>