You know it. There’s a bank holiday in sight and you miraculously you can make an extended weekend out of it. But of course, you don’t know what to do with your precious time.
Naturally, we have some ideas for you. For example, spending a few golden fall days in Southern Germany. Sounds kitschy and it is. But still a good idea.
To be exact, we made a trip to Lake Constance, South West Germany (Swabia) and the Black Forest. While we visited South West Germany (Swabia) before, the Black Forest and Lake Constance were partly new to us.
Especially the Black Forest was something I thought was totally for boring people. But it’s actually quite nice here and it’s worth visiting. The food, in particular, is really delicious here.
But enough with the banter. In the following, we’ll show you what to see in this corner of Germania.
Swabia
Spaetzle and Swabian ravioli. being stingy, weird dialect. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The Kehrwoche. Hard-working. “Work hard, work hard, build a wee house” (Swabian saying) … Interesting how Swabians got their reputation and how funny and unimportant that is.
What’s even more important was where we stayed overnight.
Staying at Charly’s House in Tuttlingen
We can absolutely recommend Charly’s House in Tuttlingen. It’s clean and comfy, location is central and offers breakfast if you want to.
The hotel itself is a good base to explore the region. Of course, with a rental car, that you can book here.
Furthermore, there’s a kebab man nearby (Diyar Kebab) who makes many people happy with his delicious meals.
If you want ‘real’ dinner, go to Vinzenz Weinkeller. Exquisite cuisine and very good wine. Prices are decent considering the food being a bit more upscale.
Tübingen
Tübingen is home to one of Germany’s famous universities and famous for its beautiful Old Town. Also for the row of houses along the Neckar river.
Tübingen is definitely worth a visit.
Schloss Lichtenstein/Lichtenstein Castle
What we really loved was Lichtenstein Castle in the Swabian Alps. The castle was built in the 19th century and belongs to the rural area of Reutlingen.
It’s a very well visited castle. Entry fee is 2€ for the outside area which is a very moderate price. The view over the castle on the rock is picture perfect.
Burg Hohenzollern/Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is one of Germany’s most famous castles. First versions or mentionings of the castle are from the 11th century. Its current form was built in the 19th century.
All this information is unfortunately really unuseful when it comes to the question of whether to see the castle just from the outside or more. The famous view over the castle is actually from the Zellerhornwiese. If you want more, means seeing the inner court or the dorms, you have to take the shuttle from the parking and participate in a guided tour. This way there’s no chance to have a view at the castle. That’s why we decided on the first option. It takes a short walk from the parking spot at the Mariazell Church to enjoy this view.
Donauquelle in Donaueschingen/Donau source in Donaueschingen
As the name says it, it’s the Danube’s source which is located between the city church of Sankt Johann and the castle.
It’s nice to look at and of course historically and geographically interesting.
Schwarzwald/Black Forest
As mentioned before, The Black Forest is a part of our beautiful country we successfully neglected in the past.
Typically German so to say, While Chinese or American people do notice this part of Germany very well, it’s otherwise still mostly people from the area, spending their vacation here. (Which are still quite a lot, but you know what I mean.) The rest of Germany (at least people of our age) not that much.
Titisee
This lake is really called Titisee, and we think it’s hilarious. It’s a beautiful lake where you can spend some relaxing time.
This place is all about tourism. Souvenir shops and restaurants everywhere. And many people. Really many, many people which we didn’t expect. But Maybe just because we underestimated the Black Forest area. Doesn’t matter. It’s a nice place.
Triberg with its waterfall and the world’s largest Kuckucksuhr (cuckoo clock)
Triberg is THE place in the Black Forrest and famous for its 163m high waterfall. It’s one of Germany’s largest waterfall.
On the other side, Triberg is a cuckoo clock city. In Triberg you’ll find the biggest cuckoo clock in the world. Actually, in a place a little bit outside of the city in a beautiful valley.
The cuckoo clock shop in Triberg is an attraction for itself. It’s hilarious to see what people are ready to pay for this stuff. Amazing!
Baden-Baden
Strictly speaking, Baden-Baden belongs to Baden and not Wurttemberg, but on our way home to Frankfurt, we thought it was a good idea to make a little stop here.
Baden-Baden is a really quiet and really rich spa town. The city’s wealth derives from its thermal baths which attract people from everywhere since the 19th century.
Baden-Baden is not really the place to be. It’s boring and I actually think, that’s what people in this town want. For a drink or a meal at the café of the Kurpark Trinkhalle, it’s worth a visit. Yes, it’s called Trinkhalle and shouldn’t be confused with the Trinkhallen of the Ruhr area.
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