Mysterious Black Forest

In ancient times, the Black Forest was known as Abnoba mons, after the Celtic deity Abnoba. A relief found at the Brigach spring near St. Georgen in the Black Forest is associated with Diana Abnoba. Because of this and similar finds, Abnoba was considered the protector of the forest, game and springs, and especially the patron saint of healing springs. In late Roman antiquity, the name Marciana Silva (“Marcynian Forest”; from Germanic marka, “border”) is also found. With the exception of the peripheral areas (e.g. thermal baths near Badenweiler and possibly mining near Sulzburg), the Black Forest was not settled by the Romans, who did, however, build the Kinzigtal road, but only by the Alemanni. They first settled in the valley areas, later colonising higher and higher areas and adjacent forests. In 868, in a document book of the monastery of St. Gallen, the name ‘Saltu Svarzwald’ was used for the first time for our region, from which ‘Silva Nigra’ and ‘Black Forest’ then developed.

Centuries ago, when our ancestors climbed the Belchen and saw the mighty chain of the Alps up there in the south, this place must have seemed like an enchanted place to them. And to this day, the Black Forest has lost none of its appeal. Many tourists are attracted to mythical places. This website presents spiritual places, mainly in the southern part of the holiday region. Here the mountains rise steeply from the edges of the Upper Rhine Valley. Sunny vineyards characterise the foothill zone, narrow valleys lead up to the heights. These southern peaks offer superb views. Those who venture further north will find another Black Forest, dominated by characteristic wide ranging woodland. We want to entice you to explore the Black Forest, to experience for yourself its power. You’ll be enthralled by the region´s charisma, by the character of its people and by the variety it has to offer.