Germany, as we all know is that modern country that drives technological innovations and is at the forefront of anything that has to do automotive. We can very well imagine cities like Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt which are no different from any modern cities. The hustle bustle of people trying to reach their place of work or returning home, engrossed in their gadget which is supposed to keep them connected with each other and living life as if they are on a mission!! That’ the curse of modernisation i guess. We are so absorbed with the latest paraphernalia that speaks of the advancement and interconnectivity in human life, that we are building bridges amongst ourselves. Yes that was little preachy but nonetheless true. Away from all this so called developed places lies a place which is so drastic that it would change our perception of Germany.
We are somewhat aware of the place!! Who doesn’t know about the black forest cake or has not eaten that pure form of gastronomic delight? Also we have been accustomed to the cuckoo clocks. Remember those clocks we used to see in cartoons and we used to wander do those really exist? Well, both come from the same region. A small place of scenic beauty that will capture your imagination and leave you stunned. 220km from Heidelberg or 460 km from Cologne lies Lake Titisee in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
The name, if i am not mistaken is pronounced as Titty-zay. The lake originates from the melting Feldberg glaciers and takes a long time to freeze due to the high winds. The place also has the longest sunlight out of all the places in Germany. The lake is nestled by the Black Forest whose snow capped mountains’ melting ice contributes to the water level.
On the west and south side of the forest lie the Rhine Valley. Black Forest is not only the starting point of known rivers like Danube and Neckar but also notoriously famous for Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The name sounds mysterious and ghastly to few but the origin is quite simple to comprehend. The forest is mostly made up of dense coloured pine trees which are so thick and inter twined that they hardly allow sunlight to venture!! Its an ideal place to trek and a dream location for mountaineers. The forest also has many vineyards and cherry trees and thanks to that we ended up getting that tempting mouth watering Black Forest Cake!!
The name of the cake is not actually derived from the forest and if you have already drawn a conjecture that the cake is mostly black in colour hence the name black forest cake then you are gravely mistaken. Authentic black forest should be filled with a special type of liquor called Schwarzwälder Kirsch, which is distilled in the land of Black Forest. The original recipe (as found from the manuscripts dated in 1915 and 1934) clearly mentions the layers the cake should have with elaborate details to the fillings as well!!
But we do not need to go to the details right!! Just enjoy the cake as the sides of the lake is lined with confectionaries which serve fresh authentic cakes. Have them and then venture for a beautiful boat ride. But beware of the strong winds, it will make you shiver so the advise would be to carry some sort of pullovers and shrugs.
After the boat ride, come back to the shops as you will witness something special. The wood from the forest lead to another artistic antiquity, known as the cuckoo clock. There are many shops where they not only display and obviously sell you the clocks but also give you a hands on demonstration as to how they are made. They still follow the age old techniques, with each one being handmade hence unique in their own right. Look around even if you are in no mood to purchase. You will be captivated with their ingenuity and the perfect execution.
The lake is around 50 km from the Swiss border. After spending a beautiful evening at the lake cross the border and once you do that you have two options. Just 40 km away lies Basel and if you are a banking or finance guy you know what Basel means. Yes!! the Basel norms is the holy grail of financial compliance. So you can opt to visit that, specially the horologist in me will advise you to visit Basel if you happen to be in the third week of March. Don’t miss Baselworld at any cost, if you happen to have a thing for watches. 1000+ brands right from Rolex, Jaeger-lecoultre, Audemars Piguet, Patek Phillipe, A. Lange & Söhne Lange, etc. showcasing their top products and breathtaking innovations under one roof which is open to public!! It’s what Milan is to Fashion!! If you are not into watches and rather appreciate the scenic beauty then take the other route. 20 km down that you will find yourself face to face with the much renowned Rhine Falls!! The serendipity will fill you and it’s a sight which you are going to carry in your memory long after the framed picture on your wall fades.
The Enigmatic Pen 