WINTER IN THE BLACK FOREST
Winter fun on Feldberg
"...walking in a winter wonderland"
My first visit to the Black Forest in winter proved to be a real surprise! Germany may not be your first choice for a winter sports holiday but it was in fact the birthplace of downhill skiing. The first ski club was founded here, the first wooden skis were carpentered and the first ski-lift built. The Feldberg (at 1493 metres high) is home to one of the largest ski resorts outside the Alps. Skiing, snow boarding, nordic walking and sledging are all popular sports here. There are numerous ski runs for all abilities in the area and a ski school in the village, literally a few minutes walk from the hotel. During the peak ski season there is a bus service from the village to Feldberg.
The waterfall in winter
Hinterzarten with it's famous ski jump is a short drive from Menzenschwand and whether you ski or not it makes for a nail-biting afternoons entertainment!
On the last weekend of January the Black Forest town of Todtmoos plays host to the Worlds best husky teams and during the course of the weekend the teams race around the village and through the forests surrounding the little town. Great fun if you prefer less active winter sports! While we're on the subject of taking it easy in the snow, why not enjoy a sleigh ride across the perfect snowy landscape? Yes, the horses really do have bells on their harness!
St Blasien in Winter
Want to know more? The Menzenschwand Ski School (winter only) 00 49 (0) 76 75 92 38 10 or from the Tourist Office in St Blasien 00 49 (0) 76 72 414 30 or via their website www.st-blasien.de
"...O Christmas Tree"
If you feel the magic and atmosphere of Christmas has been lost prepare to be proved wrong! During Advent the Alpine towns of the Black Forest come alive as each town hosts it's Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas market. These atmospheric markets literally sparkle with lights and life. Not only are they a perfect place to do your Christmas shopping but also a great time to try some of the local specialities - don't miss the gluhwein! Somehow trudging down your local high street will never seem enough again...!!
Don't forget to try all the local festive foods!
The largest German market is in Freiburg, a beautiful city with a historic centre dating back to 1120 AD. If you venture a little further afield the French markets at Colmar and Mulhouse are equally beautifully and just a little further north you will find the stunning city of Strasbourg, with an incredible market huddled around the cathedral - well worth getting up early for! To complete your 'three country' experience, drive south for a day at a Swiss market on the shores of Lake Constance. If you can bear to leave the towns drive along the shores of the lake to the Austrian border and take the cable car up to Pfander for an amazing view of the Alps - bringing your country tally to four!
Scenes from the Christmas markets 2005
Christmas and New Year 2006
Because Christmas is so magical here we offer a special 3 or 5 day package, fully catered and with all the festive trimmings. You can soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the sparkle and marvel at the magic of a 'proper' white Christmas without any of the fuss. Details and menus available on request.