An ironic name for a part of Germany which, especially given the time of year we ride there will be full of colour...
Our Black Forest ride is from 14th to 21st May 2022 and not only features the famous B500 but a chance to explore the wider area on your motorcycle, or even chill in one of Baden-Baden's famous Spas.
So where and what is the Black Forest? Covering an area of approximately 2300 square miles the Black Forest or 'Schwarzwald' is a forest covered mountain range in South West Germany. It's location is ideal for quick getaways if you fancy something a little different to the usual French break. To the west of the black forest lies the Rhine which separates the area from its close French neighbours in the culturally similar area of the Vosges mountains.
Mention Black Forest to most people and the first thoughts are usually around their stomachs with the Black Forest Gateau or Black Forest Cake but many will be surprised to know that the Gateau isn't actually associated with the area, although it is possible to
buy a slice there. One school of thought being the cakes resemblance to traditional Black Forest costume called the Bollenhut worn by women in the area. The red pom-poms on the hat resembling the cherry topping of the cake. Whatever the connection, when in Rome...
Visitors may also be excused for their obsession with Cuckoo Clocks but like the cake, their connection is uncertain
however history does agree that the clocks were 'developed' there as their popularity grew. The challenge of finding the largest Cuckoo Clock is always a bit of fun. For purveyors of the genuine article there remains plenty of places to buy your ideal clock, and one stop in the Black Forest has to be the town of Triberg where a Gold-plated clock sits waiting to be purchased at an eye watering €26,900 - and the good news, it's there each time we've popped in over the years so if you want it, I'm sure the shop would be open to sensible offers. You cannot miss the shop in question, it has large teddy bears climbing up the front of the shop on ropes before descending to start over again. Yes, you are beginning to get the flavour of this place! It feels a little bit 'Willy Wonker', in a good way!
Other than clocks, cakes, wild boar sausages and 'Bier Steins' it would be silly not to
mention the Roman Baths and the town of Baden-Baden in the northern end of the forest. Baden-Baden is where we base ourselves for the main stay of our tour, in the fantastically positioned 'Hotel Magnetberg'. Baden-Baden itself is a beautiful town and demands exploring on foot. For those looking for a little relaxation, the town is also famous for its Spa Baths - But be mindful, many do not allow clothes in the sauna areas.
Tempted? Well Moto Ventura will be riding directly to Baden-Baden when we cross the channel. This longer day ensures we get to the good stuff as quickly as possible. No frills, head down and go, at a sensible pace of course. Once there we will explore this amazing area which will include the famous B500 road along with many other equally fantastic roads which are not as popular or well known. Winding through stunning scenery you soon understand the appeal as you find a new life in your bike. With opportunities to stop and enjoy local areas this is all about relaxation.
If you fancy going a little further afield then you can travel to many areas just outside of the Black Forest, head back in to France to Strasbourg for example, or visit a number of large motoring and technical museums in Germany. If you choose to make you own plans during our time in Baden-Baden - that is fine by us.
On the way home we enjoy two iconic overnight stops, the first in the very centre of Luxembourg City and the second to the Venice of the north, Bruges! When in Bruges, don't forget to climb the Belfry! Between this two cities, we stop at the recently opened Battle of Bulge Museum in Bastogne and visit briefly some of the very foxholes occupied by Easy Company, 506 101st, the unit made famous in the HBO television series, The Band of Brothers.
After Bruges, well it's back to Blighty and back to reality. We hope you can join us.
Go to our B500 Tour page for prices and more details or simple 'Book Now'
Moto Ventura Motorcycle Tours - Maximum Smiles Per Gallon
'Open Road... Open Mind'
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