Today we take a scenic coach tour into the heart of the Black
Forest. One of Germany's most iconic natural areas, the Black
Forest mountain range is flanked by the reaches of the Rhine
valley. As the Black Forest is a major part of the clock-making
industry, we pay a visit to a cuckoo clock maker, to learn how
these intricate clocks are made. Due to the remoteness of the Black
Forest, traditionally many villagers and farmers would turn to
woodcarving in the winter months as a means of sustaining their
income. This later developed into clock making and a booming
engineering industry, buoyed by the abundance of natural resources
provided by the enormous forest.
We then continue to the town of Triberg im Schwarzwald, situated
in the middle of the Black Forest region. At Triberg, we enjoy the
natural spectacle of one of Germany's highest waterfalls, as the
thundering River Gutach makes a plunge of 535 feet (163 metres)
over a series of frothing cascades The spectacle of the white-water
crashing over jet black rocks is an impressive scene and it is
obvious why this area remains one of the country's most popular
natural wonders.
We have some time for lunch in Triberg, a small town and also
home to the world's largest cuckoo clock, before we board a train
for a trip on the Schwarzwaldbahn Railway taking us past some truly
breathtaking scenery as we travel to Donaueschingen.
The Black Forest Railway passes through the heartland of this
woodland country, encompassing a route some 150km long. The
electric route passes through 39 tunnels and over 2 impressive
viaducts and is the only true mountain railway in the region. The
route, which has stood since the mid 19th century, meanders through
thick deciduous woods and across flower-filled meadows, all enjoyed
from the comfort of your seat. Once in Donaueschingen, we join the
Höllentalbahn Railway, and enjoy stunning views on our way back to
Titisee. Translating as "Hell Valley Railway", this line is one of
the steepest in Germany, crossing a gradient of over 5% at points
along its journey. In direct contrast to its intimidating title,
the Hell Valley Railway and its namesake the Hell Valley is both
equally beautiful and impressive. Remarkably deep, those who
traversed the valley noted the darkness of the valley's narrower
gorges and likened the depth and shadows to what they perceived
hell to be like.
In Hell Valley's wider and more open spaces, the gorges open up
into a veritable Arcadia of forested hills, lonely farmhouses and
noble old stone bridges. The bright red carriages of the
Höllentalbahn offer us the perfect platform from which to take in
the wonderful Black Forest landscape.
Includes