![]() As I put on my knowing smile, I am deeply grateful to the ranger for mentioning the obvious little things. (Now that he tells us, I remember learning that). "Spruce needles are sharp fir needles are soft," adds Florian, giving us a branch to rub with our hands. what was it the teacher said? "Fir cones stick up spruce cones hang down," explains the ranger, a mine of information. For example, what is the difference between fir and spruce? Um. The forest reminds me of what I learned at school, a long, long time ago. As Ranger Florian points out tiny details that are not in any hiking or nature guide, we begin to understand what real wilderness is all about.Īs well as learning more about nature, I learn something about myself. What seems unusual at first glance soon looks just as it should. As we press on, the wilderness gets wilder. Start: Pforzheim, 1 hour west of Stuttgart.When we set off through the undergrowth, the morning air is fresh and tingling. 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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