Black Forest: Excursions

Towns & Cities

Freiburg - this spa town is capital of the Black Forest and contains art and architecture ranging from the Gothic cathedral to the Museum of Modern Art.
Baden-Baden - one of the most sophisticated and elegant resorts in Germany and a prominent spa town since Roman times.
Donaueschingen - the Danube source.
Breisach - famous for its cathedral and Europe's biggest wine cellar.
Basel, Switzerland - at the junction of three influential countries, it has many cultural attractions for groups to experience, including the old town and 12th Century cathedral.
Heidelberg - a famous university city since 1386, which still owes some of its liveliness to its 27,000 students. Visit the Students' Gaol and The Knight House, a magnificent mansion built in 1592.
Strasbourg, France - visit the seat of the European Parliament, with its 'olde worlde' charm including the Petite France area with half timbered houses and canals. There are many museums and places of interest.

History

Open Air Museum of the Black Forest, Gutach  - The cultural history of the Black Forest comes to life. Six impressive Black Forest farm houses dating from the 16th-18th centuries. Barns, bakehouses, distillery hut, mill and saw mill. Open Mid March-Nov.
Black Forest Museum, Triberg - The collection includes arts and crafts. There is a reconstructed mine and regular clockmaking and straw braiding demonstrations. A separate wing houses a collection of nearly 100 mechanical music instruments.

Special Interest

European Parliament - a guided visit of the parliament building in Strasbourg and its debating chamber plus a short film about the history of the European Parliament (pre-booking required by the school).
Christmas Markets - Strasbourg has a daily market (2011 dates to be confirmed). located in and around Place de la Cathédrale. Other Christmas markets include Freiburg, Heidelberg and Europapark.
Glass Blowing - at Todtnau, south of Freiburg, watch a demonstration of hand blown glass at the local craft centre.
Glass Blowing - Wolfach.
Music - STS can arrange concert tours, details on request.

Leisure

Cable Car Ride - from the outskirts of Freiburg, take a cable car ride up Schauinsland mountain (1284m) with views over the Black Forest, the Vosges and Swiss Alps. There is also a ride to the top of the Hasenhorn (1065m) near Todtnau.
Europa Park - Situated on the German border close to Freiburg on the edge of the Black Forest. This park offers many rides and attractions. Open April - October. Reopens at Christmas. The park will be decorated for the festive season and there will be a Christmas market in the German Alley. A good combination of Theme Park thrills with a traditional German Christmas atmosphere. Opening approximately from 27th March 2010 - 7th November 2010.

Natural History & The Environment

Waterfalls - the Gutach Falls are one of the highest in Germany with 7 cascades.