i'm just beginning to plan a trip to Spain, France and Germany in May of 2016. We will be on a cruise ship in Spain disembarking in Barcelona. We will be traveling by train from Barcelona to Narbonne, to Nice and then on to Annecy. I would like to stay a few days in Annecy and then on to the black forest of Germany. I have set aside six days for our travels in the black forest. My question is what is the best town to use as a base for exploration by training. We will ending our travels in Paris.
Thanks
Tonya
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8141 posts
I've been through the Black Forest a couple of times, and it's just a somewhat pretty part of the country--the southwest portion of Germany.
If you want to see some knock down gorgeous countryside, go on a little east to Bavaria or to Tirol and the Austrian Alps. I wouldn't waste 6 days of my vacation in the Black Forest.
You might want to look at MapQuest or GoogleMaps to check out your planned itinerary. Distances in Spain and across France are pretty far and somewhat deceiving.
Posted by
Lancaster PA
245 posts
I'd agree with David that six days is a long time in the Black Forest. You might consider his suggestion of heading east to the German and Austrian Alps, or slightly west to Colmar, Strasbourg, and the Alsace. Rick covers both areas well in his guidebooks so you can decide what interests you. Annecy, Beaune, and the Alsace makes a lovely trip in eastern France to graft onto your time in the Black Forest in Germany. Enjoy your planning.
Posted by
Green Bay
20085 posts
I'll mention Gengenbach, a walled town outside of Offenburg in the west foot hills of the Black Forest. It is on the main northwest-southeast rail line through the Black Forest. Towns along the line are Hornberg in the highest part, Triberg, the cuck-cuckoo clock capital. Staying in a participating hotel in Gengenbach will include a KONUS card which gives free transport on the trains and buses throughout the Black Forest region.
To get to Paris, it is a short train ride to Offenburg, then across the Rhine to Strasbourg. From there, there are frequent TGV trains direct to Paris.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
You could split your time up between the Black Forest and the Alsace region (Colmar). For myself, after a long trip like you will be embarking on, a stay in the Black Forest is relaxing and welcoming. I like the town of Muenstertal. Lots of hiking in the area. From here you can take a train ride to Freiburg, visit Staufen and explore other Black Forest towns. Then you could continue on to Colmar.
Posted by
2 posts
Triberg like someone mentioned is the cuck-cuckoo clock capital of Germany and is amazingly beautiful. It is fairly easy to get to and navigate from so you could use that as one option. Obviously being there I would recommend checking out some of the clocks since they are world-renowned for them. Just buyer beware of knock-offs since there are some that aren't handmade there. This site has a helpful "guide" on how to tell an authentic cuckoo from none so you don't over pay http://www.bavarianclockworks.com/7-steps-to-buying-an-authentic-cuckoo-clock/. Good luck and enjoy Germany...it's a beautiful country.
-Mel