Sherman's Travel

Over the years, I have traveled extensively in Germany to popular places such as Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg, as well as less-touristy spots like Cologne, Hamburg, Leipzig, Dresden, and Bonn. Yet I had never visited the Black Forest region until last fall.

Bordering France and Switzerland, the Black Forest is a densely wooded area in the southwest corner of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The region is known for its picturesque villages, rolling green hills, and intricately carved cuckoo clocks.

A leisurely way to reach the Black Forest is to fly into Frankfurt, rent a car, and drive an hour south to Heidelberg. Spend a couple of days there, then head southwest another hour to Baden-Baden. This postcard-perfect town sits just outside the Black Forest, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the area. Baden-Baden’s renown as a wellness destination dates back to the Belle Epoque of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when members of the French and Russian upper classes visited the region for weeks on end to relax and enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments.

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Like many American tourists, I’ve traveled extensively in Germany over the years to popular places such as Munich, Heidelberg, and Berlin. I’ve also spent time in Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Dresden, and Bonn. Yet I had never traveled through the Black Forest region – until now.

The Black Forest is absolutely stunning. The mountain road must rank as one of Europe’s most scenic car drives. I can’t believe I hadn’t come to the region before!

The easiest way to reach the Black Forest is to fly into Frankfurt, spend a day or so in Heidelberg (in the Baden-Wurtemburg region in southwest Germany), then continue on to Baden-Baden. After spending a few days there, the ideal next stop might be Baiersbronn and a stay at the Bareiss Hotel, as I myself did.

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