There are few such wonderous destinations in Europe as mystical as the Black Forest, Germany. It may not seem like a typical destination for your next school trip, but don’t skip past lackadaisical like Little Red Riding Hood as the towns, woods and lakes deserve a closer look.
More than meets the eye
Situated in the southwest of Germany, the Black Forest lends itself to a lot more than a famous gateau. Local traditions, authentic lifestyle, young and thriving cities like Freiburg, plus outdoor activities aplenty mean a school trip to the Black Forest is far from a muted destination.
In fact, the geography teachers among us will see there is wealth to explore when it comes to the forests and lakes alone. Why?
- Geologically, the Black Forest is known to consist of a layer of sandstone set atop a core of metamorphic rock – gneiss.
- The Black Forest was originally a mix of deciduous trees and firs.
- You’ll find one of the highest waterfalls in Germany at Triberg Falls.
- The Feldberg sits as the highest German mountain outside of the Alps.
- “Silva Nigra” – the Romans named the area “Black Forest” on account of the general darker and dense pine trees.
- The region is home to important lakes of glacial origin.
- You’ll find the Titisee is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest, stretching for over a mile.
However, for all the facts and geographic intrigue the area offers, the Black Forest offers something additional many teachers and experienced Group Leaders seek for their next school trips – recreational opportunities.
Not your typical school trip
True, your initial thoughts may be automatically zoned in on Disneyland® Paris or Parc Asterix. For those wanting to give students studying German language an alternative trip, these two options don’t really fit. The Black Forest allows for cross-curricular links to be extended to these students while also allowing for cultural lessons, geography and history to also be included in your learning objectives.
So what are your options in the Black Forest?
Europa Park
Here is where the dreamlike elegance of the Black Forest extends into a flurry of exciting and (at times) nail-biting attractions. Over 100 attractions make up the Europa Park, which include everything from the action-packed rides to the slightly gentler experiences. Think Da Vinci Code’s Professor Landon meets Will Ferrell’s Elf and you’ll get some idea of the variety available for your students.
As the Black Forest benefits from a mild climate, there are also a number of water-based rides, which are ideal when the temperature creeps a couple of notches. Plus, joining the Fjord Rafting ride will see students soak (quite literally) in the treacherous rapids and roaring waterfalls – like standing under the waterfalls of Triberg itself!
With 15 European and 3 themed areas, there is plenty to explore at Europa Park. For the Group Leader, the layout of Europa Park means you can arrange meeting points in between exploring the 13 rollercoasters for yourself!
Schauinsland Cable Car
In addition to Europa Park, students can take an alternative experience on the Schauinslandbahn. Known as the world’s first passenger cable car, students can take in the incredible views from the Schauinsland mountain, which stands at 1,284m.
Take in the Rhine valley, Tuniberg, Kaiserstuhl and the Vosgos Mountains on your way up before marvelling at the incredible Upper Black Forest and across to the Alps from the summit.
What to look out for: The Schauinsland offers additional recreational options and is home to Europe’s longest scooter track.
The Waterfalls of Triberg
A true landmark of the Black Forest, the Triberg Waterfalls has a descent of 163m. Taking just 48 minutes to complete, the popular trail allows students to take in one of the highest waterfalls in Germany.
Triberg is easily accessed while you school group are in the region and provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about the creation of the region’s famed cuckoo clocks at the House of 1,000 Clocks.
Freiburg
The university town of Freiburg stands as the fourth largest city in Baden-Württemburg. Extending the theme of fairy-tale-like characteristics in the Black Forest region, Freiburg features cobblestone lanes and gabled townhouses.
Known as Germany’s warmest city and greenest, Freiburg stands as somewhat of a torchbearer for eco-conscience strategies by tapping into natural energy to produce almost as much solar power as Great Britain. A great addition to any school trip to the Black Forest, Freiburg highlights that there are important lessons to be learned for all young learners.
To find out more about how Travelbound School Trips can tailor your next educational tour, speak to a member of the team today on 01273 244 572 or contact us here.
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