The cross-border Green Route, which was set up as long ago as 1960 in the spirit of Franco-German cooperation, is a milestone on the path towards a united Europe. It is a 250-kilometre "ribbon of friendship" running from Contrexéville in the Vosges mountains through Alsace and Lorraine to Titisee-Neustadt in the Black Forest mountains. The Green Route takes in some wonderful cultural and historical sites and is also an excellent way to get close to nature and enjoy a variety of cultural and sporting events. There are plenty of interesting places to stop en route, such as small towns with charming architecture and idyllic wine-growing villages.
The "ribbon of friendship" on both sides of the Rhine is perfect for cyclists and walkers, but the Green Route also has plenty to tempt gourmets - the rustic pleasures of fermes auberges (farm inns), vintner's taverns serving home-grown Baden wine and numerous award-winning restaurants. The Upper Rhine is a sun-blessed, wine-growing region offering excellent vintages. Visitors should also call at inns along the route to taste the delicious regional specialities - famous Black Forest gateau, for example, Black Forest ham served with rye bread and home-distilled Kirsch schnapps, cheese specialities and spicy sausage. The Green Route's scenery is composed as if in a landscape painting. At Titisee-Neustadt you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Titisee and the waterway trail. The route also passes Hinterzarten, famous for its ski jumpers, and through "hell valley" down towards Kirchzarten, the centre of the Dreisam valley.
