Black Forest Discovery
- 8 Days
- From £1,149
- Germany
- London to Freiburg by high-speed train
- The pretty towns of Villingen and Freudenstadt
- Scenic rail journeys through the Black Forest
- Return to London with a stop in Cologne en route
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 8 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast as necessary
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
The suggested Eurostar departure from London isn’t until lunchtime today, giving you plenty of opportunity to take advantage of a free UK rail transfer from your local station. Your destination is Paris, where you’ll make an easy transfer to the Gare de l’Est for an onward journey direct to Freiburg.
Arrive into Freiburg in the evening and check in for a 3-night stay at the Novotel am Konzerthaus (or similar).
Freiburg straddles both banks of the Dreisam River, which feeds the city’s famous Bächle, medieval gutters which were once used to feed livestock. Along with the beautifully reconstructed historic centre from the Middle Ages, Freiburg also boasts Germany’s longest cable-car runs up to the nearby mountain of Günterstal. You can also take a funicular railway up to the top of the Schlossberg, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
It’s said that if you accidentally step in a Freiburger Bächle, they will marry a local. You have been warned!
Today, it’s time for a really scenic journey by regional train from Freiburg to Villingen. You have an ‘open’ ticket for this journey, meaning that you can travel at any time. The journey takes just under 2 hours.
On arrival, check in for a 2-night stay at the DORMERO Hotel Villingen (or similar) and then head out to begin your exploration here.
Enjoy a full day in Villingen, with its beautiful historic centre. Like Freiburg, Villingen has a network of little brooks throughout its pedestrianised streets, featuring half-timbered houses and cobbled alleys. Villingen also features an almost intact fortified town wall, complete with gate towers. You can sample Baden and Swabian cuisine at numerous restaurants and cafés or visit the Franciscan Museum, exploring the history of Villingen and the Black Forest. There are great views to be had from the Wanne Observation Tower, one of the oldest lattice towers of iron in the world.
Leave Villingen today for a lovely journey through the heart of the Black Forest to Freudenstadt, via Hausach, using German regional trains. On arrival, check in at the Hotel Adler (or similar) where you have a 2-night stay.
Freudenstadt has quite a chequered history, with fires, plague and war ravaging the city at various points since its foundation in the 16th century. But the rebuilt centre now features the largest market square in Germany, featuring around 50 water fountains and fringed by covered arcades full of boutiques.
Frederick’s Tower (Freidrichsturm) is a high tower built of red sandstone atop the nearby peak of Kienberg. It was erected in 1899 for the 300-year anniversary of the city and offers views over the entire valley and the city.
Following a leisurely start today, head back to the station and take the train to Stuttgart, where you transfer onto a service bound for Cologne. You’ll see the city’s famous twin-spired cathedral here as you leave the station and make your way to the Mondial am Dom MGallery (or similar), where you have an overnight stay.
After breakfast at your hotel this morning, it’s time to head back to the station and board a high-speed ICE service to Brussels. Here, make your way to the Eurostar departure lounge and check in for your return journey to London St Pancras.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Freiburg im Breisgau
The Novotel Freiburg am Konzerthaus is situated next to the city’s major Concert Hall and offers easy access to the historic old town as well as the station, which is just 100 metres away. The hotel also boasts an indoor pool, a spa area, a restaurant and a bar where you can enjoy drinks and snacks in the evening.
Villingen
Located in Villingen, in the beautiful Black Forest, the Dormero Hotel offers comfortable accommodation within walking distance of the station. The well-equipped bedrooms include a private bathroom, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi internet access. There is also a modern fitness room, a Finnish sauna and a Turkish steam room.
Freudenstadt
The family-run Hotel Adler offers cosy accommodation and a welcoming atmosphere, close to the famous Marktplatz. Guests here can take advantage of quiet and comfortable rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi internet access. A delicious breakfast buffet is served each morning. During the evenings, German, Swabian and vegetarian dishes are served at the Hotel Adler’s restaurant.
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
