5 Unique Things to See in the Black Forest (Reasons to Go)

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Traveling is all about discovering new and unique experiences, right? The Black Forest is a perfect place for that. It’s home to five special ‘features’ that truly satisfy this sense of adventure. Whether they’re exclusive to the Black Forest or rare to find anywhere else, these experiences are sure to bring a fresh vibe to your travels.

1. Forest Scenery

The thick forest of the Black Forest, Germany

If you’re like me, you might have assumed that the Black Forest got its name from stories about magic and mythical creatures living there. It makes sense, right? But that’s not the case at all.

The Black Forest is actually named after the dark, dense sea of evergreen trees that cover the mountains. It’s mostly made up of fir and pine trees, which create a thick, shadowy look that gives the forest its name.

The scenery in the Black Forest is one-of-a-kind and one of the things that makes it so special. If you’re planning to visit, checking out the view of the dark, wooded hills and mountains is a must. If you follow Michael Corona on Instagram, you’d probably love the kind of views I’m talking about.

Visiting the viewpoints and observation decks in the Black Forest can be an amazing experience, especially if you time it right. The best times are usually at sunrise or during the golden hour just before sunset.

While there are many spots to take in the beauty of the forest, a few really stand out to me: Mehliskopf-Turm, Buchkopfturm Oppenau, Vogteiturm AugenBlick Loßburg, and Hohlohturm.

2. Cuckoo Clocks

Cute cuckoo clocks in the Black Forest, Germany

Cuckoo clocks are totally iconic to the Black Forest. They’re a big part of what makes the region so special. The next time you hear that classic ‘cuckoo’ sound, think of the Black Forest – that’s where this charming tradition all started!

The story of cuckoo clocks in the Black Forest kicks off in the mid-1600s. A clockmaker named Franz Anton Ketterer, from the village of Schönwald, had a brilliant idea. He got the idea to add the sound of a cuckoo to his clocks, just like the bellows of a church organ. People loved it! By the mid-1700s, tons of clockmakers in the region were making these cool timepieces with wooden gears.

The Black Forest itself really helped the cuckoo clock industry boom. Farmers used logs from the forest to build cuckoo clocks in the winter, which was a great way to make some extra cash. Today, cuckoo clocks are a super famous symbol of Germany, and the Black Forest is still super well-known for them.

The clockmakers in the Black Forest keep the region’s history alive by hand-carving cuckoo clocks using the same old techniques. These clocks are famous for being high-quality and beautifully crafted.

If you really want to learn about cuckoo clocks, you gotta check out these two museums:

The German Clock Museum in Furtwangen. This museum is right in the heart of Black Forest clockmaking history. They have exhibits on how people kept track of time way back when, with both permanent and temporary displays. You’ll see a huge collection of clocks and other cool timekeeping stuff, including some of the earliest cuckoo clocks from the 1700s and the original designs for the modern Black Forest souvenirs.
The Black Forest Museum in Triberg. This museum has the biggest collection of grind-organs in all of Europe! Plus, they have a seriously impressive collection of old-time Black Forest clocks.

3. Heritage Houses

Traditional House in the Black Forest, Germany — Traditional House in the Black Forest

If you love to explore or really appreciate cool architecture, you’ll definitely want to check out the traditional houses in the Black Forest. These houses are super unique – they were built to perfectly fit the Black Forest’s landscape and weather. You won’t find anything quite like them anywhere else in Europe!

The traditional houses in the Black Forest, or Schwarzwaldhaus in German, are a charming and iconic part of the area’s landscape. Made mostly of wood, these houses have unique hipped roofs that slope down on all sides to the ground floor. This design isn’t just good-looking; it also helps protect against heavy snow and strong winds.

Take the oldest houses, called “Heidenhäuser,” as an example. These homes were usually built on slopes, with roofs that stretched all the way down to the ground, creating a space between the roof and the house. This design was especially helpful in winter when the snow could pile up several meters high.

Even though there are many different types of houses in the Black Forest, they all have one thing in common — the way they’re divided. Since farming was so important in the region, there was plenty of space for animals and feed in these traditional homes. The living areas, which often housed three generations, were smaller, adding to the cozy feel of the house.

Think of the house like a layered cake: the cellar at the bottom, followed by the living area and animals, then the sleeping quarters, and finally, hay stored at the top under the roof.

It can be tricky to find the exact location of the most well-preserved traditional houses in the Black Forest. Luckily, the Black Forest Open Air Museum makes it easier to see and appreciate these traditional houses. Here, you can see some of the best examples of these traditional houses, admire their beauty, and learn about their history and importance.

4. Tradition & Festivals

Fastnacht, Night Watchman, and Bollenhut — unique to the Black Forest, Germany

The Black Forest in Germany is a unique place, not just because of what you can see, touch, and explore. There’s something special about it that makes it stand out. Simply put, it’s the region’s traditions and festivals. There is one event in the Black Forest that I think you’ll surely find interesting: The Black Forest Carnival.

Like, have you ever seen a carnival in a snowy wonderland? If not yet, the Black Forest Carnival (Fastnacht) is definitely worth checking out. It’s a look into the rich heritage of the black forest: people dress as demons, witches, spirits, and creepy animals to chase away the evil spirits that bring darkness and cold. It’s a fun mix of celebration and tradition!

There are dozens of festivals in the Black Forest, and if you want to learn more, this event calendar will give you plenty of ideas on the best times to visit.

5. Folklores & Fairytales

Folklores and fairytales — unique things to see in the Black Forest, Germany — Folklores and fairytales

Another thing that makes the Black Forest unique is its cultural significance. The folklores and fairytales that started here add to this specialness. These stories have not only captivated local kids, but have also inspired people all over the world!

Let me give you a quick overview of the fairytales that come from the Black Forest:

Hansel & Gretel. The story of two children who lose their way in the forest and stumble upon a witch’s house made of candy.
Snow White. The story of a princess who flees her evil stepmother and finds solace with seven dwarfs in the heart of the forest.
In the tale of Sleeping Beauty, a princess falls into a deep slumber after pricking her finger on a spindle. She is eventually awakened by a prince’s kiss.
Rapunzel. The story about a young maiden with long, golden hair who is imprisoned in a tower by a witch. Her escape is facilitated by a prince who climbs up her hair.
Little Red Riding Hood. A cautionary tale about a young girl who visits her grandmother in the forest and encounters a cunning wolf.
Lastly, The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids is a lesser-known but equally fascinating tale. It revolves around a mother goat who leaves her seven kids at home, warning them about the wolf. The wolf, however, manages to trick the kids and eat them, but they are eventually saved.

As you explore the Black Forest, you’ll come across landmarks and views that feel like they’re straight out of a fairytale. Remember those towers and viewpoints in the middle of the forest I mentioned earlier? These are just a few spots that can take you right into the world of your favorite Black Forest fairytale.

Two places that really stand out when it comes to experiencing the fairytales and folklore of the Black Forest are Baiersbronn and Alsfeld.

In Baiersbronn, you’ll find the Hauffs Fairy Tale Museum. This museum is a tribute to the fairytales of Wilhelm Hauff and offers a magical journey through his stories. Then there’s the Alsfeld Fairy Tale House in Alsfeld. Here, you can step into the world of Grimm’s fairytales and let your imagination run wild.

If you’re planning a trip to the Black Forest, be sure to check out the attractions and experiences that are unique to the area. Visiting them will give you a chance to make the most of your trip and create a whole new set of memories, discoveries, and great times in Germany. You might also want to visit the fairytale villages of the Black Forest to see what it’s like to step into a real-life fantasy.

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