Page 26 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2025

SOUTHWEST GERMANY WONDERS
Get Wowed in Baden-Württemberg
BY LINDA BARNARD
Baden-Württemberg is a delight for trav-
FAMOUS FOR THE BLACK FOREST cake,
ellers, offering fairy tale villages, medieval
castles, lush vineyards and dramatic land-
scapes. Add the stunning vistas of Lake Constance,
Celtic history in Nagold, and luxurious accommo-
dations—and a trip through Germany’s sunniest
region becomes irresistible.
Whether by train or car, seven of Germany’s 54
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are here, including
Baden-Baden, the renowned spa town at the edge
of the Black Forest.
Soaking in Baden-Baden’s Grandeur
Start your journey in Baden-Baden, a well-connected
hub with direct trains from Frankfurt Airport. The
Romans discovered the hot thermal springs here
more than 2,000 years ago. Rich, fashionable aris-
tocrats made Baden-Baden a social hotspot in the
19th century, popularizing water cures and posh
hotel stays.
Today, you can soak in modern and heritage
baths, stroll in elegant parks and try your luck at
the Belle Epoque casino that stirs James Bond
vibes. Then overnight in luxury at the five-star
superior Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa. The historic
town with a car-free centre makes it ideal for
exploring on foot, before picking up a rental car
for your fantastic road trip.
Time Travel in Nagold and Beyond
From Baden-Baden, the Black Forest high road
curves through the Black Forest. It brings you to
Freudenstadt. Here you can choose the eastern
direction to the storybook town of Nagold. A day-
tripper’s dream, prepare to time travel through
narrow alleyways, see timber-framed buildings
and charming shops. With a well-preserved Celtic
burial mound dating back to 6 BCE, it becomes
evident how ancient Nagold is. Every two years,
costumed participants re-enact Celtic life in the
Keltenfest, a lively Celtic festival.
Overlooking Nagold, the ruins of medieval
Hohennagold castle offer panoramic views after a
rewarding hike or scenic drive.
As you continue south, your next stop will be
Alpirsbach with its charming monastery that was
built by Benedictine monks in the 11th century.
DID YOU KNOW?
A handmade cuckoo clock
makes an ideal souvenir.
Follow the 320-km
German Clock Route into
the Black Forest region
where the cuckoo clock
originated in the 18th
century. Visit the world’s
largest cuckoo clock near
Triberg, a town as famous
for cuckoo clock makers as
it is the home to arguably
Germany’s highest
waterfalls.
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DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2025