triberg in the black forest: waterfalls, black forest cake & cuckoo clocks.

by - Date posted: 2012-10-23 - 26 comments

Arrival

The train ride from Karlsruhe to Triberg took 1.5 hours and was one of the most scenic I have been on yet. Autumn is definitely upon us in Germany: jacket + boot weather, leaves changing and falling, and there are more cloudy days than not. Being from Texas, I never really got to experience the whole ‘seasons’ thing, but Germany sure makes up for it – particularly with all the trees in the Black Forest region, where Triberg is located.
 
Triberg im Schwarzwald is a small town with just over 5,000 inhabitants. We selected this destination after browsing Black Forest destinations and finding out this little town is famous four a couple things: the highest waterfall in Germany and being home to the Cuckoo Clock (turns out it is none of these, see end notes).

This was my first photo of the day walking out of the train station. We immediately knew we were in for a treat.

We aren’t really planners. Thank goodness for maps and signage.

The Triberger Wasserfälle, the highest waterfall in Germany, was a short walk uphill from the trainstation.

Cuckoo Clocks

We had a slighlty late start to the day after a big Saturday night and did not arrive in the town center until almost 5 p.m. We had our concerns about whether or not things would be open (Germany practically shuts down on Sundays), but we made it to the House of 1000 Clocks just in time. Sure, this is one of the most touristy shops around, but the cuckoo clock selection was truly amazing and the store employees were incredibly kind. The store has tradition back to the 1880s, which actually seems relatively young by European standards. The clocks came in all shapes, sizes, and colors and some were truly exquisite – thus, they cost you pretty penny as well.

Cuckoo Clock

Wall of Cuckoo Clocks

My favorite Cuckcoo Clock in the store – too bad it costs over 800 Euro!

Waterfall

Triberg Waterfalls stands at 163 meters and has 7 different tiers that form small pools. Entrance to the area costs 3.50 Euro for adults. At first, I was annoyed of the whole monetizing a natural phenomenon sort-of-thing, but after I saw all the trails and upkeep, I understood. The trails are adorned with platforms for the Kodak moments and there are bridges across a few of the waterfalls tiers. The falls are part of the Gutach River and the rapids can be heard throughout the town.

Triberg Waterfall from a distance

Maggie and me in front of the fall’s first tier

3rd tier of the falls

My attempt at being artsy – they never work.

view of Triberg from atop the waterfall

This rocks look right out of an Enchanted Forest fairy tale.

Dinner

What is a trip without eating like the locals? Although traditional German food is certainly nothing new, it is rare that I really get to delve into an entire German meal. We found a traditional little German restaurant inside the hotel to complete our day. Afterall, we truly could not leave the Black Forest without Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German). I could not resist ordering up some Maultaschen while Maggie had to have the ham and sauerkraut.
 
Black Forest Cake is a chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and cherries. Traditionally, it is made with Kirschwasser, a cherry liquor. Sometimes rum might be used. However, in Germany to officially be called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, Kirschwasser must be included (source). It certainly was in our slice as we spent a few minutes trying to decipher which alcohol we were tasting.

Looks like grandma’s house doesn’t it?

Black Forest Ham, Sausage, Sauerkraut, Spätzle

Maultaschen, Kartoffelsalat, Salat

Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

Apfelstrudel mit Vanillesauce

End Notes

I am feeling slightly gypped. Some post trip research reveals that the Triberg Waterfall is actually second highest waterfall in Germany. Röthbach Waterfall near Lake Constance towers over the Triberg Falls by nearly 350 meters. It’s remote location makes it harder to access and thus less well-known. Equally as annoying, the first known cuckoo clocks was actually first invented in Augsburg in 1629 for Prince Elector August von Sachsen. The Black Forest region merely began popularizing and mass producing the cuckoo clock a few days later. They are still awfully charming though.
 
Oh tourist let downs. Although, as a PR girl, I must give props to whoever is in charge over there in Triberg because they’re winning in the tourism game. Additionally, I still cannot rule this trip as a let down as the town is precious and the natural surroundings are breathtaking. We could not stop ooing and awing our entire trek around the city and up to the top of the falls.



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26 Comments

  1. So you already have your next trip planned – to Lake Constance!

    Must have been fun in Triberg! Even if there is nothing to “see”, a trip to the Black Forest is always fun. You should check out some other places, it’s also easily accessible by public transport from Karlsruhe (e.g. Freudenstadt, Mummelsee, Gengenbach, Sasbach…). Plus, there are lots of great vineyards, too!

    • That may have to wait til summer now :) I’ll definitely have to check those towns out. The Black Forest sure makes for the perfect Sunday outting. I have been to a ton of vineyards in the Pfalz, but nowhere else in Germany so I will have to check some out!

  2. Oohhh, that looks lovely! When I went to Freiburg a few weeks ago, we were debating whether to do the Feldburg hike (post to come), or to do a waterfall hike… I don’t think it was to this one though, I think it was near Todtnau. That area was just gorgeous though, I’m definitely going back to check it out more in the future!

  6. Love your pictures, Alex! I think I might have to get a Kuckucksuhr. I am German but I don’t own one. What a shame! :)

  9. I just came across your blog…. and what funny timing. I was in Germany for vacation, and arrived home yesterday. Not only that, I was in Triberg on Thursday…. and we made a purchase at House of 1000 Clocks and visited the waterfall.

    Obviously I now need to read through the rest of your blog. I love Germany :) ~Stephanie

  11. the waterfall is gorgeous!

    and for some reason i find cuckoo clocks creepy. i lived in germany for years as a kid so i think something happened to me at some point and i have repressed the memory on purpose.

  12. We’ve been living here in Germany for almost 2 years and are finally planning a trip to Triberg over (American) Thanksgiving weekend. I’m actually more excited about the cuckoo clocks especially the biggest one in the world because I’m weird like that ;)

    Love your blog. I grabbed your button.

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