Black Forest, I remember this name from the time I used to hike in western ghats in and around Bangalore and I wished that may be some day I will be hiking there. The name itself is quite fascinating, sounds like a dark dangerous wild forest but in reality it's a breath taking stretch of nature named for its dark pine trees that dominates the scenery. Though not very far from alps, the terrain is quite different and not known for its height. Black forest is special as it is known to be one of the oldest places where hiking began. Interestingly, Germans claim that the concept of hiking originated from this region however I believe hiking or trekking are just the terms used for long nature walks that have been in existence for ages.
It's summer time and being in Europe there is nothing better than packing a bag, stepping out and catching a train hopping different countries. This time it was black forest, which I have been craving to visit since I came to Europe. I was planning for a solo trip until some of my friends joined me and it was indeed a good company. So here we were at at Karlsruhe, gateway to black forest, which is 6 hours from Amsterdam. It is an ideal place to stay since it's less touristy compared to Baden-Baden and much tranquil. We barely planned in advance and picked the trails based on instincts, what followed next was 3 days of hiking and mountain biking covering almost 45 kms.
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| Hiking Trail sign post at Forbach |
On our first day we decided to start our hike from Forbach, a small town 50 mins train ride from Karlsruhe. One reaching the station the first thing that you see is a pole with several signposts pointing to hiking trails in the area. We picked Forbach- SBahn-Schonmunzach route which is rated difficult for it's length (20 km) and altitude variation (400m-1000m). It was a weekend and most of the shops were closed. We quickly grabbed crossiant for the breakfast and were set for the mission. The gravel route followed a sequence of uphill and downhill trail through lush green forests and small towns. We were not very lucky with the weather as it rained almost throughout the day however the surrounding mist and fog made me nostalgic as it reminded me of western ghats. We hardly met any other hikers on our way most likely because of the not so hike friendly weather. Peculiar to Europe, the trails were very well marked with signposts though we still managed to stray in the woods and returning back to the trail adding few extra meters. It was fun.
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| Happy faces after the hike |
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| Small towns enroute |
The second day the weather was on our side with ample sun. It was mostly a moderate walk but the hiker soul inside was looking for a bit more adventure and we chose to take unmarked trails. Wandering down the pine laden slopes we found ourselves lost in the middle of the forest until we stumbled upon a guy who was building his house in the woods. He helped us figure out the way to the nearest village but also warned us that we might have to get 3 injections since the route we took is full of insects. We already had enough of hiking and I had made my mind to rent a mountain bike for the last day and without any hesitation booked 3 bikes for the last day from Baden Baden.
The man at the bike shop was super nice and he not only gave us a discount and helmet but also didn't ask for any deposit. He was curious to see us and asked if we are from India. Though he had never visited India, he talked about how beautiful India is but he has read about the pathetic condition of our rivers. It's embarrassing yet true and all I did was to nod in agreement. Our mountain bike adventure began when we had to bike uphill for almost 500 meters. It was exhausting but fun. We went through several diversions, extremely narrow lanes and stretches of difficult roads finally arriving to an open space where we could openly embrace the panaromic view of the forest with sheeps grazing in the foreground. It was the best experience on bike for me. The remaining stretch was mostly downhill and speedy though I was nervous since the path was gravel, we finally reached Yburg, the end of our trail.
Nature never fails to fascinate. I wish I could be there forever and never return to the city life. I felt lucky to be sitting in a forest gazing at the pine tress covering the skyline that stretched across the width of horizon and the only sound that I could hear was that of the forest, insects and the wind. Though the nature is different here but it leads me to the same majestic place that I travel to while sitting on the beach and silently listening to the sound of waves going back and forth. This is the place where I feel farthest from the world I know yet most content.
Finally, the day was over but as my soul craved for more I promised to myself that this will be the first of my many more trips to these forests.
When you are so content and happy to go back to your routine and loved ones but the day had much more in store for you, all you can do is to laugh on yourself and your stupidity. This is the exact feeling I was going through when we realised that we boarded a train going exact opposite direction and there is a long night ahead before I reach home.
Day 1:
Route: forbach-S-bahn schonmunzach
Distance: 20kms
Altitude variation: 400-800mtrs
Terrain: Gravel path with uphill and downhill
Grade: difficult
Day 2:
Route: Forbach-weisenbach
Distance: 12kms
Altitude variation:
Terrain: Mostly plain walk with couple of villages on the way
Grade: easy
TomTom LInk: https://mysports.tomtom.com/app/activity/250821897/
Day 3:
Route: Baden-Baden - YBurg
Altitude variation:
Terrain: Lots of uphills and downhills
Grade: difficult
TomTom LInk: https://mysports.tomtom.com/app/activity/236199789/
Hostel we stayed in:
https://www.aohostels.com/en/karlsruhe/
Reasonably priced yet very neat and clean hostel on 2 mins walking distance from main railway station
Bike Rental place:
http://www.rent-a-sportsman.de/
Book bikes in advance.
Tip:
If you are not interested in hiking, train ride from Karlsruhe to Forbach won't disappoint you either. It's a route filled with nature and serenity. If you have time, please do that.
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