Somehow all roads lead to the pleasures which are essential for body and soul - the Badische Weinstraße (Baden Wine Route), the Asparagus Route and whatever all the others are called. There is probably one for the Black Forest ham, for the river trout, one for the beer brewed with spring water and one for the mineral water. But all these delicacies are served in every decent restaurant. Accompanied by a local Riesling, Silvaner (white wines), Burgunder and Gutedel (red wines) from Ortenau, Breisgau, Kaiserstuhl or the Markgräfler Land (wine growing regions in the Black Forest). And at the end of a meal a potent fruit brandy should not be missed.

The city of Baden-Baden is sometimes referred to as the gateway to the Black Forest, as it sits among the foothills near Autobahn 5 not far from Strasbourg, France. Spas have been famous at Baden Baden since the Roman Era. The two big spas are Caracalla and the Roman-Irish spa but you might be surprised at how affordable a spa visit is in this town whose name is "bath-bath". Just about anyone can be pampered.

But there are even special highlights. The brilliant chefs of the Black Forest have once again managed to receive almost three dozen Michelin gold stars. Due to the open borders to Alsace and Switzerland, Black Forest people are very receptive to innovations coming from the opposite side of the Rhine. The Black Forest ham, the cherry gateau and the cherry brandy, the tasty honey and fresh trout have long since been as famous as the typical hats with the red pompons from the Gutachtal valley. Between Pforzheim in the northern part of the Black Forest and Lörrach at the Swiss border families receive royal treatment. Kids are kings. For instance on a farm. They find animals to stroke and everywhere are small creeks.

Baden-Württemberg. More than 8,500 kilometres of cycle paths have been signposted for mountain bikers alone. Since 2007 a challenge waits for ambitious bikers: the “Bike Crossing Schwarzwald”, 450 kilometers, more than 16,000 meters altitude difference and very impressing nature.

German Wine Route Cycle Trail
The German Wine Route Cycle Trail runs parallel to the German Wine Route, taking in historical towns, vineyards and castles. Travelling through Germany's second largest wine-growing area by bike is the ideal way to experience ta way of life. The German Wine Route Cycle Trail is not a race track though, it's much too beautiful for that. In spring, for example, almond blossoms cover the landscape with dashes of pink. From mid-April onwards all the fruit trees are in full bloom, and in the summer the trees are heavy with figs, kiwis and lemons. Autumn is the time for harvesting grapes and also sweet chestnuts. A pure delight!