FROM THE RHINE GRABEN TO THE BLACK FOREST

The Rhine Graben was formed during the Oligocene, around 33 to 1 million years ago. It is 30–45 km wide and about 300 km long, extending south–north across southern Germany. As the Graben formed, the Black Forest mountains rose to the east in Germany and the Vosges mountains to the west in France. The Rhine River flows through the middle, creating a fertile plain with gentle hills covered in vineyards. Beyond the Rhine Graben lies the heart of the Black Forest, with beautiful landscapes and fairytale villages such as Triberg and Titisee.

Located in the heart of the Black Forest, this town is famous for its cuckoo clock production and its stunning waterfalls. The waterfalls drop 163 meters over 7 cascades and flow right through the town, surrounded by charming buildings. The main attraction is the world’s largest cuckoo clock, alongside shops displaying thousands of clock variations, wood inlay work, and traditional handicrafts. Not to be missed is the local gastronomy: the famous Black Forest cake, cherry schnapps, and smoked ham cured with fir wood.

It is said that in 75 AD the historian Suetonius crossed the Black Forest and was enchanted by Lake Titisee, writing: “amor ac deliciae generis humani”. The breathtaking view explains his admiration. Titisee is the largest natural glacial lake in the Black Forest, framed by the Feldberg mountain massif. At an altitude of 850 m, it is a nature reserve with excellent air quality. It lies along the Cuckoo Clock Road, where visitors can buy traditional clocks and taste local specialties around the lake.