As I sit down to write about Day 10 of our vacation, I find a sense of relief realizing that I am reaching the end of this blog series. I must admit, I underestimated the amount of time and effort that goes into documenting my experiences in such detail. Of course, I could have opted for a more concise approach, but I felt compelled to convey the feelings and essence of each hike and adventure we embarked on. Reducing the narrative to just a few sentences and posting a gallery of photos would lose the sense of the journey I sought to share.

Anyways! This day marked our final hours in the Black Forest. Our next major destination was Stuttgart, where we planned to visit relatives. However, we didn’t want our travel to be a mere car ride filled with stretches of highway. Instead, we mapped out a scenic route that would allow us to explore a few lovely towns along the way: Altensteig, Neubulach, and Calw. While we would undoubtedly pass through many beautiful villages, I felt that these particular cities would hold special memories worth recounting.

Altensteig: A Historical Gem

We began our exploration in Altensteig, a town that immediately charmed us with its historical significance. Upon arrival, we visited the castle standing above the town. Yet we learned that the inner part of the castle was closed for the day. Undeterred, we made our way to the town hall right across the street where we discovered its remarkable clock. Although we chose not to further explore the cobblestone streets of Altensteig, we were both pleased to have spent time in this quaint village, taking in its unique character and atmosphere.

Neubulach: Coffee and Community

Next, we travelled to Neubulach, which offered a beautiful old town filled with pleasant surprises. One of the standout features was a cozy, community-driven café nestled within the town hall. There, we took a break from our travels and indulged in some delightful coffee and cake. It was a perfect way to recharge as we engaged in light conversation, enjoying the welcoming ambiance of the café.

Calw: Strolling Through History

Our final stop before heading to Stuttgart was Calw, a larger town that offered a more expansive avenue for exploration. We embarked on a leisurely walk through its historic streets, taking in the many old buildings that spoke to the history of the area. The architecture was captivating, each structure telling tales of the past. The vibrant streets filled with antiquity created a perfect backdrop for our photographs, capturing the essence of this lovely town. As we strolled, we felt immersed in the history around us, further enriching our Black Forest Experience.

A Journey’s End

The drive back home from Stuttgart, however, was less than pleasant. We encountered a long traffic jam on the highway, sapping our energy and patience. Nonetheless, we eventually made it home safely, reflecting on the journey we had just experienced. With the end of our Black Forest vacation, we found ourselves pausing to consider the lessons and sights gathered throughout our travels. As always, some thoughts emerged regarding the weight of our experiences.

In summary, we have seen a lot during our time in the Black Forest. Yet, it is also evident that we still have much left unexplored. The landscapes we traversed captured both the essence of the lush woods and mountains, while also evoking feelings of tranquility and charm. Each hike and exploration brought us closer to understanding the region, highlighting its vibrant greens, moody trails and calming atmosphere. We both agreed that a return to this captivating area is strongly desired. The allure of potential mountain biking adventures and further exploration of the National Park is ever-present in our minds.

We left the Black Forest with a sense of fulfillment and an eagerness for what the next adventure might hold.

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All posts from our trip to the Black Forest in 2024: