Black forest, hiking, barbeque and lots of cakes, oh Schwartzwald I am so in love with you..

After a long discussion and countless hours searching the web, I’ve finally made up my mind— I need the mountains, the forests, the waterfalls, and the endless hiking trails. I need to surround myself with green, to breathe in the crisp, fresh air, to feel the earth beneath my feet.

This whole Corona situation has been weighing on me, and I can’t take it anymore. I need to escape to my happy place. I miss the lush greenery, the sound of rushing water, the peaceful silence that only nature can offer.

So, without hesitation, I grabbed my gear, jumped into my car, and set off on a long road trip to the breathtaking Black Forest.

A paradise for peace seekers—breathtaking nature, warm-hearted locals, stunning architecture, and of course, wine. Lots of wine and beer! In 2020, the Black Forest was even named Germany’s most beautiful hiking destination.

One of the highlights is the Baden-Baden Panoramaweg, a 45 km circular trail winding around Baden-Baden and deep into the Black Forest. Along the way, you can hop on a mountain railway to Merkur, the city’s local peak, offering spectacular views. The trail is flexible, with multiple entry and exit points easily accessible by car or public transport, making it perfect for hikers of all levels.

After eight hours on the road, we finally arrived—exhausted but exhilarated—at our secluded cabin in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach, a hidden gem in the heart of the Black Forest. The view from my doorstep was nothing short of breathtaking, and just a 15-minute drive away lay the historic city of Freudenstadt.

Here, I felt free. I felt happy.

Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach is home to the highest mineral and mud spa in the Black Forest, nestled within the wild and romantic Wolf Valley. It’s the perfect retreat for body and soul, where nature and tranquility come together in the most magical way.

I couldn’t resist visiting the Alternative Wolf and Bear Sanctuary, a place dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating these magnificent animals. It was heartbreaking to see the effects of their past lives—many had suffered as circus attractions, forced to perform for human entertainment.

But here, at last, they are free.

It was a relief to know that these beautiful creatures are now well cared for, roaming in a safe and natural environment. Seeing them regain their dignity and live as they were meant to was both humbling and heartwarming.

Hiking towards Glaswaldsee and Burgbach Waterfall, I felt so small yet immensely grateful. Surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of nature, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this place. The silence wasn’t empty—it was full of life, of whispers from the wind, of rustling leaves, of the distant sound of water cascading down the rocks.

Being here, in the heart of the Black Forest, was a reminder of how vast and powerful nature is—and how lucky I was to experience it.

I’m an absolute sucker for waterfalls, so of course, we couldn’t resist taking a little adventure! Just a 45-minute drive from home led us to one of the country’s most magical natural wonders—Germany’s highest waterfall. A place straight out of fairy tales, wrapped in myths and legends.

The seven-tiered cascade, born from the river Gutach, puts on the most mesmerizing show—especially after a heavy rain or in the winter, when icy magic takes over. The journey starts with a winding path, leading to the first breathtaking view. Crystal-clear water tumbles down the rocks, dancing in the light, and honestly… how could anyone be grumpy in a place like this?

Another day, another waterfall adventure! 🌿✨ Today’s hunt led us to the All Saints Waterfall—a gorgeous series of small, all-season waterfalls cascading over seven dreamy drops within the Schwarzwald National Park. Its name comes from the historic Allerheiligen Monastery, which dates back to Roman times and sits upstream from the falls.

The hike? Oh boy… let’s just say I won’t forget this one anytime soon! We accidentally picked the wrong entrance, leading us about six meters down in the opposite direction. Hiking down was a breeze—easy, fun, no complaints. But the hike back up to the main entrance? That was a whole different story. Let’s just say I briefly regretted being born. 😂💀

But in the end, those breathtaking views made it all so worth it! Would I do it again? Maybe... after my legs forgive me. 😅

Spent 10 whole days hiking, exploring the mountains, diving deep into the bush, picnicking, and—of course—enjoying lots and lots of beer. 🍻✨ It was an absolutely amazing trip, and I’m already counting down the days until I return!

Next time, though, I’m definitely bringing my Timberland hiking shoes—because let’s just say my sporty sneakers were not the best life choice. Lesson learned! 😅🏔️