3 Stunning Spots to Check Out in Germany’s Blackforest and Lake Constance Region
June 14, 2017
Blackforest and Lake Constance are only about 2 hours apart by car, and I spent a weekend exploring the region. From taking one of the longest and steepest cable cars up to the summit of the house of Baden-Baden, the Merkur, to being wow-ed by a variety of colourful roses in Blackforest, and visiting the dreamy 110-acre flower island of Mainau, there are countless activities to keep you occupied. So, I’ve sussed out 3 noteworthy places to visit!
Insel Mainau – The Flower Island
This spectacular 110-acre flower island of Mainau is one of the most popular tourist attractions around Lake Constance. Boasting its beautiful parks and gardens, luxuriant with semitropical and tropical vegetation, almost all corners of the island are insta-worthy. The island is also home to a palace built in 1746 for the Grand Duke of Baden. You can access the island by boat, or via a pedestrian bridge connected to the mainland.
Rose Garden
This gorgeous garden is situated on the low-lying slopes of the Fremersberg mountain. The picturesque rose-covered arches, beds and fields brimming with vibrant flowers, and shrubs overflowing with roses make this place a perfect setting for romantic weddings. You really have to be there to experience the magical vibe that the garden exudes. Admission is just €1, which is seen as a visitor’s contribution to upkeep the high-maintenance garden. Children and teens under the age of 18 years old enter for free. Do note that dogs are not allowed into the garden.
Rose Garden Details
Address: Beutig Hill, Moltkestrasse, 76530 Baden-Baden
Opening Hours: Mid-March to Mid-October
MerkurBergbahn in Baden-Baden
Opened in 1913, the MerkurBergbahn is one of the longest and steepest cable cars in Germany. It takes just a few minutes for the cable car to transport you from the foot of the mountain to the 668 metres high summit of the Merkur, which cannot be reached by car. There are only two cable cars in operation, and each cable car has 18 seats, and 12 standing spots, so do be patient while waiting for your turn to ascend.
Unfortunately, I went up on a gloomy and foggy day, so my view was totally blocked. However, I’ve heard that on clear days when the view is unobstructed, this is a paradise for hikers. The trails are safe, and full of signposts to help you navigate around. You will get to enjoy the beautiful landscape, and even come across red, dam, muffle, and black deer in the wild mountains if you’re lucky. There’s an elevator in the Merkurturm which takes you (free-of-charge) to the 23 metres high viewing platform, where you’ll be awed by panoramic views of Baden-Baden, the Blackforest, the Murgtal, the Rheinebene, and the Vosges.
When the weather is good, you’ll also get to witness paragliders take flight into the valley. Don’t forget to drop by the restaurant Merkurstüble for a selection of drinks, regional dishes, and desserts to complete your mountain experience. You can choose to dine al fresco, or get cozy in the rustic hut.
MerkurBergbahn Details
Address: MerkurBergbahn (valley station); Merkuriusberg 2, 76530 Baden-Baden
Opening Hours: The cable car runs from 10am to 10pm daily.
If you’re a nature lover, you should definitely check out the 3 places that I have mentioned above. Hope you’ll enjoy your trip as much as I did!