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09.
The Black Forest
Where Does the Black Forest Get its Name From?
Impenetrable, dense and threatening. That is how the Romans experience the forest after crossing the alps 2000 years ago. There are no gentle hills with meadows and fields. Only a big, continuous forest area, unpopulated and eerie. The Romans call it “silva nigra”: black forest. The name “Swarzwald” (old German spelling of Black Forest) is first used in a document in St. Gallen dated 868.
The Forest Today
Forests have been harnessed for generations for recreational space, drinking water storage and habitat for many animal and plant species. The forest meets the diverse demands of our society – all possible because of a forestry that is close to nature. Forest rangers and lumberjacks are environmental experts, keeping inventory of the plant life, and maintaining the health and diversity of the region. In the municipal forest of Bad Wildbad, 12.300 solid cubic meters are being harvested each year. That is the same amount that accrues annually in the entire forest area. This principle is called sustainability. In the municipal forest of Bad Wildbad, 1.4 solid cubic meters accrue per hour. This is equivalent to a tree that is 24 meters high and 0.26 meters in diameter.
Natural Preserve Black Forest Middle/North
The fairy tale path lies within the natural preserve Black Forest middle/north. With an area of 3750 square kilometers it is one of the largest natural preserves in Germany. The natural preserve aims to make the cultural landscape of the Black Forest, with its characteristic mixture of forest, meadows and fields, acessable for all people, while still sustaining and protecting it.
The natural preserve is a landscape filled with life – with gushing Black Forest creeks, deeply notched valleys and a multitude of green fields and blooming meadows. An extensive network of reliably signposted trails leads right through this landscape – unique for a region this vast in Germany. A diverse host of activities exists for mountain bikers, cyclists, winter sport enthusiasts and children.
With Cunning and Reason
Seven days passed in which Peter tormented himself with remorse until he finally made his way to the fir hill.
“Please, please, Little Glass Man, I am begging you. Give me back my warm heart!” Clothed in black and full of sorrow, the forest spirit appeared. “I cannot do that, Peter. Dutch-Mike took it from you, only he can return it. If you dare, know this: You can only succeed through cunning.” “Oh”, Peter lamented, “I wish I had reason.” “Take this.” The Little Glass Man threw Peter a small cross made of pure glass. “Try it!”
With it, Peter went to the hut of Dutch-Mike. He thought feverishly on his way. Yes! He had an idea how he could trick the giant. Once there, Peter pretended to have lost all his money and that he had come to ask the giant for more. When the giant opened his treasure chest, Peter continued: “Mike, you lied to me. I do not have a stone in my chest. You do not even have the power to take my heart from me.” He pointed to the jars around him: “They are all merely made of wax.” The giant huffed: “You dare! You shall feel it, you oaf!” He yanked up Peter, the stone out of his chest and put back his real heart. “I am the most powerful spirit in all of the Black Forest”, the giant triumphed. “And the most foolish!”, Peter exclaimed and flung the glass cross against him. Suddenly, all hearts on the shelves began to pound wildly while Dutch-Mike hunched in pain on the floor. Peter ran, accompanied by curses and loud thunder.