Black Forest holiday to include Baden Baden and Colmar advice

I´ll just make one comment on travel in November. The rural scenery isn´t great because it hides behind a gray mist. You can still enjoy towns and cities just as much, just don´t expect those vibrant postcard views of the countryside.

Sounds like you are seasoned travelers, so the weather won't bother you. The Hotel am Markt is wonderful. They are great hosts. Everything RS says and more! We really enjoyed Freiburg. It was gameday (soccor/football) and marketday. The town was buzzing with excitment! We were there in late October and it was freezing with rain. Had a ball! Milo.

I second the endorcement of Am Markt- loved it! It's a typical RS hotel; people who run it are nice and accomodating, it's an excellent value, rooms are very clean and comfortable, and it has a homey atmosphere. Breakfast each AM was good, too, and served in a very nice dining room. And loved the location; on a quiet square across from a church and a very easy walk to the Friedrishbad; it's just down a steep flight of outdoor steps just beyond the hotel. And when you buy your ticket for the Friedrishbad at the hotel front desk, they take off a few Euros. I believe they do the same for the Caracalla Baths (although I only went to the Friedrishbad). Def take some time to stroll along the path in the park that follows the Oos river. And on that path, you'll pass the legendary Brenner's Park Hotel; one of Europe's finast. I treated myself to some drinks in the hotel's bar. Yes, they were damn expensive beers (!), but it was worth the price of admission to get it some great people watching and to soak up the swanky atmosphere. Of course STAYING there was out of the question (1 night was probably more than around 8 night's of staying in the "Rick-type" places I usually stay at!). I also enjoyed a side trip to Triburg to see the highest waterfalls in Germany. It's a very easy train from Baden-Baden to Triburg. Going to Freiburg is also very easy by train, which I did on another day. Baden-Baden is very pretty and enjoyable; you're sure to like it a great deal. Have fun.

A third vote for Hotel am Markt in Baden Baden! The Friedrichsbad Spa is an amazing experience! We liked Le Rapp Hotel in Colmar.

Thanks for the great advice. We thought of reconsidering the area as we will be there in early November and the weather not as nice but at this time, we still plan to make the trip unless we can think of another area to see in Germany for 4 days from Fulda. We will be spending another 4 days in Berlin (unfinished business) and after the teaching gig, off to Munich, Venice and Rome for the remaining 12 days. Another question, I have been looking at car rentals, but do any of you think we could just train/bus inbetween BadenBaden, Freiburg, Colmar? Or would the train/bus be close to the car rental. Looks like the car rental plus extra insurance would run $250. for the two days. Will check into the hotel suggested for Colmar...thanks.

Go to the Deutsche Bahn website, put in your itinerary, and see what the prices are. That should allow you to compare train vs. rental car.

Joanne, You will love Colmar !!!! Its just so charming with the half timbered very old buildings every where. We lost our way after wandering the town as the streets go every which way so take notes of where you are situated from the start! Have fun ! When you get to Tribery, stop in Bruno Roth Uhrenfabrikation on 46 Hauptstrasse for a wonderful selection on cuckoo clocks, pryamids, ornaments, etc. Bruno and his wife, Erika are the owners and will gladly ship your goods to the U.S. with great care ! We met them in the 70's when we were stationed in Heidelberg and have remained friends over the years stopping in to see them on our returning visits. Be sure to ask for the key to go upstairs to see the showroom !!! The town of Hausach on road # 33 used to make baskets there. There is the new road that bypasses all the sleepy towns on # 33 but you miss so much to see that is what makes up the Black Forest. We also go to Villingen to the shopping mall which is out in the country Store name is REAL and is a great super store. Regards, Ceal

Joanne, I misspelled the word Triberg. Sorry ! Ceal