Culture, Culinary Delights and AdventuresEvening Events in the Black Forest's Cities

It is evening. Twilight has already set in. In front of the Kurhaus in Baden-Baden, a piece of tradition is being lived. Martina Schneider and her colleagues from the spa administration step out in front of the Kurhaus door with a long pole. They light the gas lanterns in the Spa Gardens. To do this, they use a hook on the pole to flip a switch at a lofty height. A total of 42 of them, spread across seven elegant lampposts, are "switched on" in this way. "It's quite a strain on the arms," reveals lantern lighter Martina. "But it's a magical moment every time. The spectators agree. The small historical spectacle in the Spa Gardens is popular and well attended. Would you like to join in?

Martina Schneider's Tips

When the castle hurtles towards you at the speed of light. When a car crashes through the baroque facade. Or when giant eyes suddenly stare back at you from the palace facade. Then it's probably time for the Schlosslichtspiele Light Festival in Karlsruhe. From mid-August to mid-September, a small cultural festival of exciting light art takes place here every evening. "Karlsruhe Palace is Germany's biggest canvas for this kind of light show," says Martin Wacker. He and his team sift through the numerous applications from artists all over the world and then put together the current show. "Thanks to the festival, the castle has once again become the focal point of the city. People come here to spend a great, relaxed evening. "

Martin Wacker's Tip
The Schlosslichtspiele Festival is the highlight of two days in Karlsruhe: I like to take a stroll along Südliche Waldstraße, for example. I recommend a dinner at the traditional Oberländer Weinstube Restaurant, which serves excellent Baden dishes. The Weinstube Restaurant is only a few minutes' walk from the palace. During the international media art installations at the castle, you can also enjoy locally brewed beer and Baden wine. Then it's on to the nightlife.

The dark sky is only faintly visible through the canopy. There is no artificial lighting in the Pforzheim Forest Climbing Garden. Only the narrow cones of light from the headlamps are showing the way. Jochen Enke, the owner of the climbing garden, will accompany you on your night tour. He'll help you if the height makes you feel insecure or if a step doesn't feel right. The adventure educator is an experienced climber and enjoys the evening action. "The climbing garden is right next to the wildlife park. A lot of animals wake up at night. The wood cracks. It's a really exciting atmosphere," he reveals. One of the highlights of the forest climbing garden? Whizzing through the dark on the zip line. Do you dare?

Jochen Enke's Tips:

When Andrés opens his market stall in the morning, a small queue has usually already formed in front of it. The El Purica Coffee Bar is one of the institutions at Freiburg's Minster Market. The mobile café is loved by guests and market colleagues alike. “With a coffee in hand, we stroll around and try the market specialties. For example, we get a ham roll from the Hämmerle family. Later, we eat fine cheese at Eva Hohlfeld's stall and, of course, try the Lange Rote. This bratwurst is very well known here in Freiburg,” says Ulrike Peissl. She gives culinary tours of the city. She is also happy to take you on a tour of the Minster Market - preferably in the morning. When it's still quiet, the merchants have time for a chat. Finish off with a slice of Stefan's cheesecake. And if you like, you can get yourself a cup of coffee right after. Worked up an appetite?

Ulrike Peissl's Tip: