bavariaben

A few years ago I asked Fodorites for some recommendations of places to stay in the Black Forest. I'm always looking for new and interesting areas. Hike2theTop recommended the little village of Kappelrodeck and this year I will finally visit. I was hoping I could get a hold of Hike2theTop to ask some more questions but it's been a while since that member has posted so I realize that might not happen.

I'm locked in for my first three nights in Kappelrodeck this year so if anyone else might be familiar with that area I would appreciate any suggestions for things to do or places to visit around there. The Kappelrodeck TI office is very nice and helped me secure a little Privatzimmer that doesn't have email or a website and I will still research the area for any highlights. I'm just looking for perhaps some personal recommendations from any of you who might know the area well.

Special thanks to Russ and quokka for your previous recommendations. I've still got Staufen and Elzach on my possibilities list for this year as I have yet to firm up anywhere but Kappelrodeck. With a tight shoestring budget I am officially hooked on the Schwarzwald because of the inexpensive Zimmer and free public transportation available.

Ben (http://www.bensbauernhof.com)

nanaof4

I really enjoy Staufen. Have stayed there a couple of times before and will stay there again for a couple of nights this fall. Very cute, real village; not just a touristy place.

quokka

- Sample the local wines. Kappelrodeck and surroundings (Sasbachwalden, Durbach...) are famous for their reds, esp. Spätburgunder/pinot noir.

- next door to Kappelrodeck, unknown outside the region, but picture-book Black Forest landscape: Ottenhöfen and the valley with lots of water mills. http://www.ottenhoefen-tourismus.de (page in german, but the photos will give you an idea).

- in the Kinzig valley: the old town of Gengenbach and Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum village are the top sights, a honourable mentioning goes to Wolfach, Schiltach and Haslach.

- Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, the palaces of Rastatt, Freiburg are within reach

- a hike up Hornisgrinde, the highest mountain in the Northern Black Forest, via Mummelsee, a little lake high up and full of legends

- not sure about bus connections to the ruins of Allerheiligen Abbey, check when you are there. Even Mark Twain liked this place.
(Recommended reading: Mark Twain - A Tramp Abroad. Hilarious description of the Black Forest and its people.)

bavariaben

Thanks nanaof4 - I researched Staufen for several hours yesterday and altho it looks very nice - there's just too many negatives. Too far and too much time (for a day trip) just getting there and back to the areas I favor. I wanted to perhaps spend a few days there but the shortage of cheap accommodations in the area changed my mind.

Thanks quokka - I will definitely visit Ottenhöfen, Gengenbach, and always stop by the Vogtsbauernhof. Gutach and the surrounding area is one of my favorite places in Germany as you might tell from my current 'Showcase Village' (http://www.bensbauernhof.com/gutachimschwarzwald.html). Wouldn't miss Wolfach and Schiltach. Haven't seen much in Haslach to interest me so far but I think I'll give it a few hours this year. Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Rastatt, and Freiburg are just too big and spread out for me. Hornisgrinde and the Mummelsee could be a problem as I am just coming off some heart procedures (3 stents and the reason I have a lot of research time right now) and I don't want to push too hard the next few months. But thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to respond. I'll definitely get a copy of 'A Tramp Abroad' to read before or during my trip this year. Others have suggested it to me and I've just been putting it off.

Anyone else with a favorite little village in the Schwarzwald (not too far off a train line or bus route)? Thanks... Ben

quokka

Aww Ben, I somehow missed that it's you! Sorry for suggesting some bleeedin'obvious destinations, LOL.

There is a bus from Baden-Baden up to Mummelsee, so the lake can be reached without much walking or climbing.

The baroque centre of Rastatt, residence of the Margrave of Baden-Baden, planned around 1700 after the model of Versailles, is actually rather small and walkable. The state apartments in the palace are, unlike others, fully furnitured, and the army museum in the side wing might also be interesting.

I have recently explored the Murg valley a bit and fell in love with the little town of Gernsbach: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/f86bd/efa0/

bavariaben

Kathrin - thank you so much for the link to your Virtual Tourist pages. I am in awe and amazed at your extensive writeups and photos. I have spent hours looking at your work. I will definitely spend some time in Haslach and Gernsbach this trip. The Gernsbach TI office should give you a key to the village due to your reviews and recommendations. Wow... Again - thanks... Ben