Traditions and thrills ­ cuckoo clocks and theme parks

Black Forest locals are connoisseurs of a waning art: living in harmony with nature whilst embracing modern ways. The Black Forest is in the far south-west of Germany, bordering France and Switzerland. The north is characterised by dense, dark forests, the heartland by sweeping meadow valleys and the south by mountains as high as 1,500 metres. Other geographical features are the fertile Rhineland Plain and wine-growing areas such as the Markgräfler Land and the Kaiserstuhl. This region has always been strong on progress and innovation. Many homes all over the world contain a piece of the Black Forest: a cuckoo clock, a great Black Forest invention.

Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum

Shortly after the Second World War, the pristine rural idyll of the Black Forest fulfilled people's nostalgia for an untainted world. The film Schwarzwaldmädel (Black Forest Girl) was a box-office sensation that heralded a surge in the region's popularity; the Black Forest became a favourite German holiday destination at a stroke. And so it has remained. In 1985 the first episodes of the TV soap Die Schwarzwaldklinik (The Black Forest Clinic) were broadcast and, once again, the fairytale landscape was the storyline's backdrop. The wild, romantic Black Forest is a symphony of secluded glades, rugged ravines, peaceful lakes and dramatic waterfalls. Its numerous castle ruins, abbeys and palaces are ideal destinations for daytrippers and also double as festival venues. Centuries of farming have made the Black Forest what it is today: an unmistakable landscape scattered with traditional Black Forest farmsteads that wear their almost floor-length roofs like hoods. For some faithful insights into the lives of local farmers between the 16th and the 19th century, visit the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum in Gutach.

Titisee

Lake Titisee, one of Europe's best-loved lakes, was created when the Feldberg glacier melted. A boat trip, perhaps on the Titus, a replica Roman galley, is a wonderful way to open up the views of the Black Forest from the lake. Mount Hochfirst, on the doorstep of the spa resort Titisee Neustadt, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Feldberg massif and Lake Titisee. You can even see the Alps on a clear day.

Freudenstadt

Freudenstadt, which means `town of joys', really does live up to its name. This recognised spa resort with a healthy climate has 50 fountains on the market square ­ the biggest in Germany ­ which add a refreshing and relaxing feel. In fact, there are more than 100 fountains spread throughout the town. Another source of local pride is the Freudenstadt Rose Trail, the highest anywhere in the country. Shopping is also a joy in Freudenstadt; you can stroll along its beautiful arcades, admiring the displays in over 300 independent shops.

Europa-Park in Rust

This theme park in Rust offers a whirlwind European experience with exciting theme zones based on thirteen countries, along with two `states' that are slightly less real: Adventure Land and Children's World. Learning is fun at the Science House (more than 1,000 sqm) with 80 hands-on experimentation stations designed to bring out your spirit of discovery and invention.

Black Forest gateau, Black Forest ham

Creamy Black Forest gateau, Black Forest ham and fruit brandies such as kirsch and zibärtle are regional specialities with an international reputation. The most authentic places to enjoy typical Black Forest dishes are rustic eateries, country inns and vintners' taverns, while fine cuisine is served at the region's 400 or so award-winning restaurants, as recommended in Germany's top five gourmet guide books.