The Black Forest lies in a high-risk area for ticks carrying meningitis/FSME and Borreliosis/Lyme disease. Bites are an incredibly rare occurrence and almost never fatal, though a bit painful. Interestingly, several species of adder are also fairly common throughout the park. In the skies and amongst the treetops, woodpeckers, pygmy owls, and ravens are common sights. The park also serves as Europe’s most important nesting ground for the wood grouse, the symbolic bird of the Black Forest. Here, numerous species of deer graze freely, as well as pine martens, dormice and wild boar. When it comes to animal life in the park, there’s a lot more to discover than just the cuckoo clock the region is famous for. On the surface of the many lakes within the park, look out for the floating water lillies. This fern is only found in 14 other locations throughout Europe. Amongst the undergrowth, mosses and ferns thrive, including the particularly rare Polystichum braunii. Spruce and beech trees dominate here, comprising the woodlands that give the park its name. One of the most popular routes is the Black Forest Panoramic Route, a 70 km trek over multiple days that brings you to some of the prettiest attractions in and around the park.īeing a national park within Germany’s largest protected nature reserve, the Black Forest National Park is home to a huge array of wildlife. Catering to hikers and mountain bikers alike, you’ll find routes suited to all levels of fitness and experience, from simple circular hikers, longer though hikes and designated trails for mountain bikers. In the Black Forest National Park, mile after mile of hiking paths, trails and singletracks wind their way through the woods. Between the cities of Pforzheim in the north and Freiburg in the south, you can find 10,062 hectares of protected evergreen forest, rolling hills, rivers and valleys in the centre of the larger Black Forest, It still inspires today, leading to its official founding as a national park in 2014. The place inspired countless fairy tales, including the likes of Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. Start: Pforzheim, 1 hour west of Stuttgart.Situated in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg, perpendicular to the French border, the Black Forest is a place of wonder and intrigue. Celebrate with authentic Black Forest Cake (real cherries, thick cream and chocolate) and cheeses, sausages and home-baked breads from local farmers. Having pedalled past lakes and through villages, the final stretch is downhill to Waldshut-Tiengen. Alternatively, from Bad Wildbad, you can climb 300 m / 1,000 ft effortlessly, by taking the Sommerberg funicular railway. At 1,084 m / 3,550 ft high, this is the highest point on the route! The reward for the climb is the glorious vista. Each day has highlights – and Höchstberg Mountain is one. From Pforzheim, famous for its jewellery-making tradition, join the Enz Valley Cycle Path on the way to the spa town of Bad Wildbad and then Enzklösterle, known for its blueberries. From north to south, the paved bike path swoops across the low mountain ranges to Waldshut-Tiengen on the Swiss border, a total of 276 km / 172 miles. The Black Forest Panorama Cycle Trail (Schwarzwald Panorama Radweg) has five stages that take in breath-taking scenery as well as local attractions. With peaceful lakes and meadows, traditional farmhouses and small villages, as well as the freshest air, it’s a terrific place to cycle. There’s so much more to the beautiful Black Forest than pine trees. Start & finish: Hinterzarten, 2 hours southwest of Stuttgart In Himmelreich, put your bike on a train and enjoy the scenic run through the wild and romantic Höllental valley (Hell's Valley!), back up to Hinterzarten and the start of the tour. Back in Germany, the route cuts through the Markgräflerland vineyards, dotted with spa resorts, on its way to Freiburg, one of Europe’s greenest and most cycle-friendly cities. Or ride the historic Wutach Valley Railroad, nicknamed the Sauschwänzle Railroad, because it twists and turns like a pig’s tail! As you cycle along the River Rhine, cross over to the Swiss city of Basel. Stop at farmer’s markets and traditional Black Forest farmhouses to sample seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, loaves of bread from wood-fired ovens, sausages and cheese. A bonus is popping in and out of France and Switzerland! Start in Hinterzarten and head for beautiful Titisee Lake and the impressive Wutach Gorge. As ever, the bike path is clearly signposted, as it passes through the farms, woodlands and hills of the Southern Black Forest Nature Park, Germany's largest. The 4* rating for this circular tour reflects the variety offered by its 270 km / 170 miles. If all that appeals, plan to pedal the Southern Black Forest Cycle Route (Südschwarzwald Radweg). Quiet country lanes unspoiled natural beauty medieval towns gentle terrain.
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