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The Black Forest - Natural Beauty and Cultural Delights

Markus KopplinJanuary 22, 2012

Everyone tends to associate the Black Forest with thick forest, ravines, lakes, cuckoo clocks and traditional costumes. This scenic region in the southwest of Germany is steeped in charm - no wonder it's a popular holiday destination.

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In 868, the region was known as "Svarzwald" and was relatively unchartered territory. Back then, the forest consisted largely of beech trees - today, spruces make up 80 percent of the woodland. The Black Forest attracts visitors from all over the world. The up-market resort town of Baden-Baden lies to the north, and boasts the Frieder Burda art museum.

In the south is the Feldberg - the highest peak in the state of Baden-Württemberg and a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts. The Black Forest also boasts over 20,000 kilometers of hiking trails, which lend themselves well to snow-shoe expeditions. At the Fairytale Museum in Baiersbronn, visitors can find out more about local heritage, and at the traditional Morlokhof, they can enjoy a five-course menu.