Schwarzwald (Black Forest):

After some productive days at work, I took today (Wednesday) off to go on a long-awaited trip to the Black Forest with Wolfgang (Julian's father). Technically, the north end of the Black Forest comes within 15 miles of where I live. However, the most scenic parts are in the south, not all that far from the Swiss border (about a 2.5 hour drive from Stuttgart... without Stau). The Black Forest is characterized (botanically) by an unusually high density of fir trees which grow close together in places and let little light through (hence the name). This is actually quite unusual in Europe, although relatively common in the Pacific NW.

Typical Black Forest countryside. Belchen is the highest point shown.

Typical Black Forest dwellings. Characterized by steep, beveled roofs and located in valleys.

We set out hiking around 10:00 and progressed through several kilometers of black forest. Our goal was to climb Belchen [here], the second highest mountain in the forest. Although at 4500 feet some might consider it a "high hill", we nonetheless ended up with a very nice 360 degree view of the rolling coutryside. The area has been settled for a long time, and there was more meadow (carved out of the forest at some point) than I expected, but it only served to enhance the views of the forest. We had lunch at the Gasthof (inn) near the top (there was a gondola to this point), and I chose a selection of local meats and wursts, which included Black Forest Ham of course.

We returned a different way through several small villages nestled in the valleys and a small lake. All in all, it was a good 15km hike through some of the most beautiful parts of the Black Forest. After rounding out the day with some delicious Schwarzwaldkuche (Black Forest cake), we headed on back to Stuttgart.

Authentic Black Forest cake... makes me hungry just looking.